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The Native Ultimate and their newer Ultimate FX models do not have scupper drains. The upper side is conceptually like a canoe, but with more comfortable seating. But the underside is contoured like a kayak. It has deeper sponsons to the sides with a slightly raised portion down the centerline. This gives great stability.
2020-03-27 11-32-01.jpg IMG_20200428_101703.jpg
My Ultimate FX15 has relatively higher sides and more freeboard than some of the sit-on-top models I have used before. I do not anticipate taking many waves or wakes over the sides. I intentionally added the long bow cover to help deflect any waves or spray that comes over the bow. I have had it on the water twice -- both were calm days. At the end of each trip I found about 1/2 gallon of water in the bottom. This was entirely due to drippage off the paddle blades. Once on land, I was able to lay the kayak on a slope and quickly bail out most of the water.
Someone asked if I use a bilge pump. I do not do that. I am aware that some owners of the older Ultimate 14.5 have installed bilge pumps, but I feel that is unnecessary. I carry a plastic bailer and a chamois cloth so I can remove small volumes of water quickly. I am unlikely to use this kayak in very rough water (waves 2.5' or greater). Under conditions less rough than that I think I will not take on much water.
The listed weight capacity of this kayak is 600 lb. With me and my minimal gear, that leaves over 300 lbs of additional safety room before getting to an unstable condition. Water weighs about 8.3 lb/gal. It would take 36 gallons of water before I reach the extra 300 lbs. I pay enough attention that I would begin bailing and/or head toward shallow water long before I reached that volume. Most of the areas where I plan to use this kayak have some deep water in channels, but mostly they have shallower water depth in which I can stand. I do not anticipate being long distances from shallow water at any time.
I believe that the Ultimate FX15, like its older sibling Ultimate 14.5, should ride and track quite well even with a bit of water (ballast) along the floor. I look forward to testing the hull out on a rougher day. A kayak guide I use in the Florida Keys bought the same model kayak for his guide business. He installed a Torqueedo motor and battery and carries a lot more weight than I do. He has been out of several rough days and feels comfortable (he does not have the bow cover installed yet on his boat).
2020-03-27 11-32-01.jpg IMG_20200428_101703.jpg
My Ultimate FX15 has relatively higher sides and more freeboard than some of the sit-on-top models I have used before. I do not anticipate taking many waves or wakes over the sides. I intentionally added the long bow cover to help deflect any waves or spray that comes over the bow. I have had it on the water twice -- both were calm days. At the end of each trip I found about 1/2 gallon of water in the bottom. This was entirely due to drippage off the paddle blades. Once on land, I was able to lay the kayak on a slope and quickly bail out most of the water.
Someone asked if I use a bilge pump. I do not do that. I am aware that some owners of the older Ultimate 14.5 have installed bilge pumps, but I feel that is unnecessary. I carry a plastic bailer and a chamois cloth so I can remove small volumes of water quickly. I am unlikely to use this kayak in very rough water (waves 2.5' or greater). Under conditions less rough than that I think I will not take on much water.
The listed weight capacity of this kayak is 600 lb. With me and my minimal gear, that leaves over 300 lbs of additional safety room before getting to an unstable condition. Water weighs about 8.3 lb/gal. It would take 36 gallons of water before I reach the extra 300 lbs. I pay enough attention that I would begin bailing and/or head toward shallow water long before I reached that volume. Most of the areas where I plan to use this kayak have some deep water in channels, but mostly they have shallower water depth in which I can stand. I do not anticipate being long distances from shallow water at any time.
I believe that the Ultimate FX15, like its older sibling Ultimate 14.5, should ride and track quite well even with a bit of water (ballast) along the floor. I look forward to testing the hull out on a rougher day. A kayak guide I use in the Florida Keys bought the same model kayak for his guide business. He installed a Torqueedo motor and battery and carries a lot more weight than I do. He has been out of several rough days and feels comfortable (he does not have the bow cover installed yet on his boat).
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