Native Manta Ray 14 review - DAYUM FINE YAK!!!

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

Hey gang
I just picked up a Manta Ray 14 and paddled it for the first time on Saturday. I’ve got to say that so ar I’m very impressed with this yak. These are first impressions only, so I’ll keep adding to this post as I get more seat time in this yak.

Initial Stability - Very good. From the moment I sat in the Manta Ray 14 I thought “It feels like a classic canoe.” It’s just a little bit tippy when you first sit down. Initial stability is less than all the following from tippiest to solid as a rock
Heritage Redfish, Tarpon 140, Ride 135, OK Big Game, Native Ultimate

I’d rate this boat as being very similar to a Heritage Redfish with slightly lower initial stability. Very slightly.

Secondary stability - Excellent. Since it felt like a classic canoe I decided to see if I could really heel it over. I adjusted the foot braces, tightened the straps on the seat back and LEANED, and LEANED, and LEANED SOME MORE. I was able to lean it until I had water on the gunnels without it sliding out from under me. I’m sure it’s possible to flip this yak, but it wouldn’t be easy to do so. I stole an Idea from Chad and the W/S Commander when I was paddling this boat Saturday and I popped up on the rear deck for part of my paddling. The extra few inches above the water didn’t make the boat feel tippy, but it did improve my ability to spot cruising fish. I found that I was able to stand in yak very easily as well, but I didn’t get to do an extended poling session as the trip didn’t line up with high tide. I can’t wait to get it on the flats in a few days.
I’ll rate it above the Heritage Redfish and Tarpon 140 on secondary stability.

Storage capacity and ease of use - Excellent. Large front hatch and huge tankwell. Front hatch is big enough that I was able to load 7 foot 1 piece spinning rods without a problem. I also tossed in my 9 ft 8wt fly rod - not broken down!!!
Tankwell had my crate, soft sided cooler, shoes (ok I forgot to leave my crocs in the car), cast net, and an assortment of trash I picked up during the d

2

Nice review! I’ve always loved the way that boat paddles. I don’t know why we don’t sell more of them.

Native has changed those paddle holders for 2010, as well as added tracks to the sides of the cockpit (Like the 2009 tarpons) for rod holder/accessory mounting. Out of curiosity, is your Tarpon pre-2009, or this years? If its the older model, I would love to get your review on the new design.

DD

Annoy a Liberal, Work Hard and Be Happy!

3

Mine is a 04 T140. PM sent w/ additional info on a side by side “updated” comparison in the works.

There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame

4

I paddle a Liquid Logic MR 14, it will be affected by stronger winds. Especially if you have a crate with rods in the air, net, etc. I wish I had a rudder on mine.

5

Stratoyak,
any boat is affected more when we start adding all our stuff sticking up in the air. The worst offenders I carry are my net and safety flag.

There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame

6

looks good

7

You should see a new one with the DVC delux seat and gear trac rails. Pretty sweet.

There is nothing - absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Kenneth Grahame

check out Too Busy’s Tech Tips on youtube

8

Too Busy , I picked up a

for my grandson this past week and it is one sweet ride for a small bote , it is faster than my Ocean Kayak Trident 11 . He is only 10 and was a little mad at himself because he could not get it to go where he wanted it to but after 30 minutes he fell in love with it . He can’t wait to go again. I think I have a kayaking buddy here in the upstate .

9

His first run