Expanded my fleet

[J.A. Veil]

Two years ago, I bought a used Malibu Mini-X from Chimo. I liked the light weight (~40 lbs) and short length (9'3"). I also liked the ability to shove the Mini-X in the back of my minivan and shut the tailgate. It filled a niche in my fleet.

Last Sept I joined Native Watercraft's Pro Staff team. I have felt somewhat awkward about owning and using a non-Native product. Last month I sold the Mini-X to Reelaxin10 and ordered a new Manta Ray 11 kayak in Native's green and black swirl pattern called "Lizard Lick". The new kayak arrived today. Although it is a bit longer and heavier than the Mini-X, it still fits in my minivan. It should be more comfortable and seaworthy that the Mini-X too.

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I hope to give it an on-water test this weekend.

[Cowpokey]

Congrats on the new boat! I like that color. That seat looks really cushy, like a recliner...even the same color as the recliner I'm typing this from.

[DanMarino]

Glad it fits John! Nice looking Manta Ray.

[J.A. Veil]

Congrats on the new boat! I like that color. That seat looks really cushy, like a recliner...even the same color as the recliner I'm typing this from.

I have used a Manta Ray 14 since 2008. It has the same seat in it as the new boat. This is the most comfortable kayak seat I have ever used (at least for my body shape and weight).

[moc]

Congrats on the new kayak John. I was going to comment on how comfortable that seat looks, until I read your response. Sweet ride.

[Cowpokey]

Yeah, I'm jealous of that seat. The one in my Hobie looks like a medieval torture device in comparison. LOL

[Pc4sun]

Nice yak, John. Is the slayer propel now fitting your needs? I love mine. Each time I take it out I love it more, except for the weight. Maybe hauling it around will reverse aging.

[MetroMan]

Congrats on the new yak. I'm sure you'll put some fish slime on it in no time.

[J.A. Veil]

Nice yak, John. Is the slayer propel now fitting your needs? I love mine. Each time I take it out I love it more, except for the weight. Maybe hauling it around will reverse aging.

I agree with you about the weight -- it takes more effort to move around on land than my Manta Ray 14. It does allow me to do things I could not do as well on a paddle kayak (like yesterday's 3.5 hours of steady trolling in the wind). I have used it only 6 times so far, and learn more things about it on every trip. One of the neat tricks that I learned on the Native Owners Group website is that you can significantly improve the the turning radius by leaning away from the turn (not intuitive).

[On the fly]

Looks like you will need a trailer soon.

John I did get my new 240 bending branches angler pro paddle, what a difference from the old paddle. We will see how it rates as the season progresses.

[dtandrade]

John you are building some fleet there. My girlfriend has been wanting a kayak (which of course had to be blue for fashion reasons..hahaha) so I talked her into the ascend fs12t which she has no intentions of using for fishing, but little does she know that I will be taking hers out when I dont feel like setting up my PA12 which seems to be a job all its own!

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[snapper]

Good looking kayak!

[J.A. Veil]

I spent 3 hours paddling the new kayak this afternoon. It handled the moderate wind and 1 foot chop just fine. The seat was as comfortable as the one in my Manta Ray 14.

Mark and I were searching for the Severn white perch. Sadly, they have not yet shown up in any of my usual spots.

[Mark]

It's my fault we caught no perch.

I'm zero for my last four outings.

My new name should be "Trip Killer."

But John looks comfy in his new ride.

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[On the fly]

Don't worry Mark we will break you streak weds.