I am planning the purchase of my first fishing kayak. I had been researching the different sit-on-top models when I came across the Native brand kayaks which the manufacturer describes as a “hybrid” between traditional kayaks and sit-on-top models. Their website is http://www.nativewatercraft.com/, then go to the Ultimate 14.5 Tandem section. The 14 foot model appeals to me for several reasons:
The ability to use as a solo or tandem kayak…I have two little boys who will eventually want to go fishing with their dad and a wife who likes to paddle.
The stability for standing to cast.
The tremendous amount of room, especially when operated solo.
Potential negatives I see include…
Width (31") may make this paddle more like a canoe than a true kayak.
These are not self-bailing, so I might get waterlogged… though the manufacturers do offer a variety of skirts to partially or fully cover the bow and stern.
The price is also notable, but within my range. My wife is just thrilled I’m not getting a powerboat.
Does anyone have any experience with these? Your thoughts?
There are no scuppers and if it fills with water you’re pumping. It should be called a canoe. I got the majic, same cool seat, tandem or solo, self bailing. </font id=“blue”>
Have a 12 ft Ultimate. I love the higher seating position because I’m old(er). Couple of rod holders. I’ve paddled 9-10 miles no problem. Tracks well with skeg. Yes the water stays in the boat but why would you get that wet? Has canoe-like sides so water’s not coming over that way. You’ll take some water/spray over the bow paddling into waves. I keep a small pail in back but haven’t used it yet. Can put a 12V, 15A alarm battery to run any 12V electronics. Little kid or dog fit up front.
I carry the 12 by myself. Not sure I could handle the 14 ft.
CT, Here is some ■■■■■■■■ I sent to FlyGuy on CharlestonFishing.Com,
“I have a 14.5 (he was looking at a 12), but here’s my spin. It’s a cross between a yak and a canoe. It carries a lot, open and very stable. If your fishing flats, calm rivers, lakes it’s a great fishing platform. I probably wouldn’t take it out in questionable wind /waves, but I only fish in the flats (don’t have time or money to go anywhere). They do have a rudder option now that I am considering when I have the $$ to afford it, as the 14.5 doesn’t always track as well as I would like. This is my first yak, so I don’t have a comparison. (Talk to DolphinD about testing a couple of yaks, I know he has a Ride135 sit-on-top) All that being said. I highly recommend the Ultimate’s as a fishing yak. I am extremely happy with it. I can send photos of how mine is set up if you would like to see them.”
Now take into account I would never do any kind of rapids or surf, as my shoulder is trashed and I know my physical limitations. I do have a pump in case I do get water in the yak. I cannot comment on the tegris, although it looks sweeet/light, redfishville would tear the @#@# out of it. Durability check I guess. The seats are really comfortable, the ads don’t lie.
Bottom line: I don’t really paddle very long distances, never more than 2 miles in an outing. I know where Red lives, and that’s where I go. The Ultimate fits MY needs very well as a solo/tandem yak. If you fish or paddle in rapids or surf, I would find something else.
Hope this helps,
TB2
TimBuck2
Native Watercraft Ultimate 14.5
Jimmy Buffett can have Margaritaville, I’m going to Redfishville!
I bought the 14.5 almost two years ago from Time Out in Mt. Pleasant. I used it in the Edisto river (fresh water) fishing, duck hunting, and paddling. Then I took it to the beach and use it in the sounds and creeks. I don’t think it will work well in the surf. My wife and I use it in tandem or I take the front seat out and solo. I rigged it for fishing but not too crazy, just some rod holders, straps, and an anchor. Water does get inside sometimes, so I bought a bilge hand pump that works great. It works so well that I even use it in my 1542 Duracraft. This is my first kayak to own, but I have used canoes and kayaks on the Edisto most of my life. Bottom line is that it works for me and I like it. Just don’t get as much time to use as I would like.
I have a 14.5 Magic. I live in the mtns. and float the bigger rivers up here (French Broad). Took it to Savannah last week and had to beat in in 20mph winds and 2+ seas on the back river. Scuppers are great help. Very stable, although my brother proved it can be rolled. Make sure you get the rudder. Although it works great as a tandem, I prefer solo. Species list from the Magic, Small Mouth Bass, Rock Bass, Rainbow Trout, Redbreast Sunfish, Speckled Trout, Whiting, Croaker, Bluefish. Didn’t find a Red last week.
I would like to give Timbuck2 a public Thank YOU!! I picked up the Ultimate 12 with a skeg(recommend the skeg,highly). First Kayak…great space…great durability…amazing stability…the seat is second to none, its reminds me of sitting on the beach drinking umberlla drinks:stuck_out_tongue:…Like Timbuck, I donot paddle far and spend the majority of my time standing either push poling or paddling…I cannot vouch for other models, but if you are sight-caster in skinny water, this is the model for you…The track system offes great additions, paddle holders, skirts, beer holders:smiley: ect…You can drill holes and modify this kayak to fit your style of fishing…I will be adding a stiffy push pole and push pole holders…as for retaining water, you will pick up a little but nothing a sponge or hand pumb cannot handle…happy hunting…
I have a 14.5 Magic. I live in the mtns. and float the bigger rivers up here (French Broad). Took it to Savannah last week and had to beat in in 20mph winds and 2+ seas on the back river. Scuppers are great help. Very stable, although my brother proved it can be rolled. Make sure you get the rudder. Although it works great as a tandem, I prefer solo. Species list from the Magic, Small Mouth Bass, Rock Bass, Rainbow Trout, Redbreast Sunfish, Speckled Trout, Whiting, Croaker, Bluefish. Didn’t find a Red last week.
team hillbilly
I also have this Yak...How do you rig a rudder if you switch from solo to tandem?? Post a pic if you can.
I don’t have a handy pic, but pedals are the steering mechanism and they are track mounted with adjustable straps that tie to two cables, port and starboard. The cables run through pre molded channels in the hull to the rudder. If you look, you can see the entry and exit points. Very easy to adjust for solo and tandem. I don’t know how much the rig costs because mine were part of the package.