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  • choosing the right kayak?

    I am new to this site and was wondering what everyone thought of the Native Watercraft kayaks? I have fished from a small kayak as well as a sea kayak before. Looking to get back into one . I want to use it for fishing , photos , and just exploring. I see a lot of people are using the Hobie's on this site. I like the usefulness of the mirage and propel but sometimes I just would like to paddle . I need it to be able to car top as well. Is there a good recommendation for one that peddles and paddles well? I have read some reviews that the Native propel slayer that performed both fairly well. Anyone know if this is true? I have also heard the the PA is not fun to paddle. Any input from experienced users would be helpful.
    Thanks
    Mark

  • #2
    As an introduction to my reply, I want to state that I am a member of Native's Pro Staff team -- obviously I am pleased with the quality and performance of Native kayaks. I own three of them myself -- Manta Ray 14, Manta Ray 11, and a Slayer Propel. Hobie and other manufacturers make good kayaks too, but since you asked specifically about Native products, I will give you some quick information below. If you want more information, you can contact me by pmail or visit a Native dealer.

    The Slayer Propel offers pedal drive using a bicycle pedaling motion that drives a propeller under the hull. The Propel system is the only pedal-drive system that allows the user to move both forward and backwards with the pedals. The Slayer hull size and weight puts it somewhere in between the Hobie Outback and Revo (they are lighter) and the two Pro Angler models (they are heavier). It paddles very well if you decide to power yourself that way. The bare hull of the Slayer Propel is 13' long and weighs 85 lbs. That allows most users to cartop the boat with some extra effort. I personally haul mine by sliding it into the back of my minivan and tying it off.

    The Slayer Propel comes with an elevated "lawn chair" style seat that can move forward and backwards in a track. The floor is flat and well-suited for standing. It is also equipped with numerous gear tracks so you can add accessories like rod holders and electronics without drilling holes in your kayak.

    Let me know if you need more information.
    John Veil
    Annapolis
    Native Watercraft Manta Ray 11, Falcon 11

    Author - "Fishing in the Comfort Zone" , "Fishing Road Trip - 2019", "My Fishing Life: Two Years to Remember", and "The Way I Like to Fish -- A Kayak Angler's Guide to Shallow Water, Light Tackle Fishing"

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    • #3
      Thanks for the info John. Is the Slayer propel easy to paddle with out the drive in it? I am in the White Marsh area and like to go in the Dundee Area and the rivers and creeks leading to the bay . I like to fly fish some as well. Is it easy to stand in the Slayer? I have read that some people have problems with the rudder when carrying or car topping. Is there any tips to keep the rudder safe? Is there a dealer close by were I can see and test out the boat?
      Mark

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      • #4
        I have never tried to paddle without having the Propel unit onboard. For launching and returning or when moving in water less that 15", you pivot the Propel up and out of the opening in the hull. Even though it is still onboard, you can paddle very easily. I assume that if you chose to leave the Propel unit at home, you could paddle the kayak smoothly and easily and would not have the weight of the Propel or the space it occupies to deal with.

        Flyfishing is definitely doable, and standing is very easy if you choose to do it (at my age and declining balance, I do not stand in mine -- but many younger users stand in their Slayer Propels routinely).

        The rudder is fixed under the hull and does not swing up like many other kayaks with rudders. Once you get used to having the rudder there, it does not pose problems in carrying. I cannot comment on cartopping since I have never tried to do that with my Slayer Propel.

        For dealers in our region check out the Native website http://www.nativewatercraft.com/ and click on the Dealer Locater tab. Not all dealers have a Slayer Propel in stock. Tentatively, I will bring my Slayer Propel to the rescheduled Hudson Trail Outfitters Demo Day on June 14 at Seneca Creek State park in Gaithersburg.
        John Veil
        Annapolis
        Native Watercraft Manta Ray 11, Falcon 11

        Author - "Fishing in the Comfort Zone" , "Fishing Road Trip - 2019", "My Fishing Life: Two Years to Remember", and "The Way I Like to Fish -- A Kayak Angler's Guide to Shallow Water, Light Tackle Fishing"

        Comment


        • #5
          John,
          How do you clear the weeds from the rudder if you can't lift it up? I'm still wondering about the weeds on the prop too. I also go to Dundee a lot, as well as the flats so weeds are a big concern. Those areas get choked up pretty good. On the hobie I raise the rudder and they fall off. If I don't they gather up like a huge ball and really slow me down.

          Stros,
          I saw John and his propel at the fishing flea market and it looked like a solid rig. It's good to see hobie getting some competition. He's the only one that I know who has one so he can give you a good opinion. I can say for sure that my Outback does not paddle well. To be honest though, no chance I pick up that paddle unless I have a breakdown :-) Enjoy selecting a kayak.

          Light Tackle Kayak Trolling the Chesapeake Bay, Author
          Light Tackle Kayak Jigging the Chesapeake Bay, Author
          Light Tackle Fishing Patterns of the Chesapeake Bay, Author
          Kokatat Pro Staff
          Torqeedo Pro Staff
          Humminbird Pro Staff

          2011 Ivory Dune Outback and 2018 Solo Skiff
          Alan

          Comment


          • #6
            Alan -

            In the ways I fish, I rarely am navigating or fishing in weeds or grass beds that come to the surface, so I have not experienced it myself. The rudder does not stick down lower than the bottom of the hull, so rudder snags should be minimal.

            016.jpg 017.JPG

            The Propel unit does stick down below the hull and can get clogged in heavy grass or weeds. You could use the Propel to get yourself to the grass beds then lift it up and use a paddle while in the grass beds. You can also pedal in reverse for a few strokes to knock the grass off.

            There is one tidal pond I fish that has a very shallow entrance. I have pedaled over to that entrance, lifted the Propel, and paddled inside. Once inside I could drop the Propel again, but the paddling is smooth and easy so I use just the paddle inside the pond.
            John Veil
            Annapolis
            Native Watercraft Manta Ray 11, Falcon 11

            Author - "Fishing in the Comfort Zone" , "Fishing Road Trip - 2019", "My Fishing Life: Two Years to Remember", and "The Way I Like to Fish -- A Kayak Angler's Guide to Shallow Water, Light Tackle Fishing"

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by J.A. Veil View Post
              Alan -

              In the ways I fish, I rarely am navigating or fishing in weeds or grass beds that come to the surface, so I have not experienced it myself. The rudder does not stick down lower than the bottom of the hull, so rudder snags should be minimal.

              [ATTACH=CONFIG]11883[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]11884[/ATTACH]

              The Propel unit does stick down below the hull and can get clogged in heavy grass or weeds. You could use the Propel to get yourself to the grass beds then lift it up and use a paddle while in the grass beds. You can also pedal in reverse for a few strokes to knock the grass off.

              There is one tidal pond I fish that has a very shallow entrance. I have pedaled over to that entrance, lifted the Propel, and paddled inside. Once inside I could drop the Propel again, but the paddling is smooth and easy so I use just the paddle inside the pond.
              That rudder looks pretty weed free. It's below the hull and is basically in line not hanging down. I couldn't really see stuff getting stuck on it. Seems pretty slick. Thanks for the shot!

              Light Tackle Kayak Trolling the Chesapeake Bay, Author
              Light Tackle Kayak Jigging the Chesapeake Bay, Author
              Light Tackle Fishing Patterns of the Chesapeake Bay, Author
              Kokatat Pro Staff
              Torqeedo Pro Staff
              Humminbird Pro Staff

              2011 Ivory Dune Outback and 2018 Solo Skiff
              Alan

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks for all the good information! Good to get input from seasoned users with good and bad experiences.

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