Native Watercraft "Ultimate 12" and Ocean Kayak 13 "Big Game" Prowler

[albacized]

Well, I was at it again today (checking out yaks). The only ones I saw of interest were the two mentioned in the title of the thread.

The Native Watercraft seemed interesting and included (among other things) a rudder. However, it also had some 'features' which I found confusing regarding how favorable they were. First, there were no drainage holes from what I could tell. Some folks have heavily recommended the inclusion of a drainage system and I couldn't find one. Also, the hull was unique from other kayaks I've seen. While the front was similar with that 'V Bow' of sorts, the rest of the body was almost like a 'connected catamaran' on the bottom. Seemed like it could be stable...Lastly, it seems to be almost like some hybrid between a SOT and Sit In - it has a deep cavity but no cockpit. Does anyone have experience with these boats?

The other yak (the Prowler) seems to be fairly popular on with some of the yak fisherman as I have seen posts referring to it. It's 79 lbs. But if any Prowler owners want to chime in, feel free. I wouldn't mind having notes from each of these yaks consolidated into this thread...

[ex-bunker dunker]

hey, where are you located? a good friend of mine runs a surf shop out in the hamptons, ny they are having a native kayak demo day in a couple of weeks, i will get the specifics tomorrow and get back to ya..
dan

[albacized]

Originally Posted by dunkerofbunker

hey, where are you located? a good friend of mine runs a surf shop out in the hamptons, ny they are having a native kayak demo day in a couple of weeks, i will get the specifics tomorrow and get back to ya..
dan

That's cool - although I live in MA, my mom as well as my brother live down in E. Islip, Long Island and I'm overdue for a visit. I definitely appreciate that..

Thanks

[bbcroaker]

Don't have any insights on the Native Ultima but I have seen the Native Magic in the water.I really would consider this one rather than the Ultima it has scupper holes for self drainage.Nice seat.
The B G Prowler I rented several times in Fl. and I thought it's the yak I reallly want.
The last time it was real windy and it was all I could do to get her back when paddling into the wind .It's a barge.Very stable but a chore to paddle any distance.If you stay close to the launch no problem.
Back in may I went to an Ocean Kayak demo here in Va. and paddled the Prowler Trident 15 it's also very stable and paddles about as good as any kayak that I paddled at demos. It's a dream on the water paddles good in chop and wind.
At 15' it's a little cumbersome on land but as I said it makes up for it on the water. I will upgrade the seat soon to a Summit GTS Expedition with more padding.
Weight cap. rating is 500-550 lbs. BG is 600lbs.
They are also coming out with a 11' and 13' I will paddle one first chance and compare.
Before I bought the B G I would try the Trident 15. or a Drifter which is an older model O K and very stable too.
Heritage Redfish would be worth trying out too

[bbcroaker]

Sorry double post.
Good luck on your choice!

[ex-bunker dunker]

Sunday, August 10th
Native Kayak Demo Day
Try out great Kayaks from Native Watercraft;
Main Beach Store and Georgica Pond.

[Paul Naj]

Originally Posted by albacized

Well, I was at it again today (checking out yaks). The only ones I saw of interest were the two mentioned in the title of the thread.

The Native Watercraft seemed interesting and included (among other things) a rudder. However, it also had some 'features' which I found confusing regarding how favorable they were. First, there were no drainage holes from what I could tell. Some folks have heavily recommended the inclusion of a drainage system and I couldn't find one. Also, the hull was unique from other kayaks I've seen. While the front was similar with that 'V Bow' of sorts, the rest of the body was almost like a 'connected catamaran' on the bottom. Seemed like it could be stable...Lastly, it seems to be almost like some hybrid between a SOT and Sit In - it has a deep cavity but no cockpit. Does anyone have experience with these boats?

The other yak (the Prowler) seems to be fairly popular on with some of the yak fisherman as I have seen posts referring to it. It's 79 lbs. But if any Prowler owners want to chime in, feel free. I wouldn't mind having notes from each of these yaks consolidated into this thread...

I have the Ultimate 12 and it's a great boat in the right situation. What I mean by that is that I doubt I would take mine in the ocean. It's really kind of a hybrid kayak / canoe and does great in freshwater (where I use it) and would be awesome in the back bays and rivers etc. It isn't, however, a SOT that is self bailing and in the ocean I wouldn't be comfortable out there except for a flat calm day.

It is very stabile and I often fish and paddle along while standing. The thing you saw wasn't a rudder but a skeg which helps the boat track straighter.

It weighs only 65 lbs with the seat in it, which comes out easily and I can get it on and off my Expedition with no trouble at all. I have it rigged with a depth finder, rod holders and an anchor and trolley system and it does everything I need.

You need to decide what kind of fishing you're going to do. If it includes the ocean, I wouldn't recommend the Ultimate.