Anybody has Native Propel kayaks?

[Mahigeer]

Any opinions on this brand of kayak

Native propel 13.
http://nativewatercraft.com/propel-drive/

It seems the drive has less part to go wrong. All sealed as well.
You can back the kayak with it!

Many other features on the new version of the kayak as well.

http://nativewatercraft.com/product/slayer-propel-13/

[tstephens3232]

I've spent many a sleepless nights debating between the slayer propel or the Hobie PA. I thought the slayer propel 10 was going to be the final decision because my home launch involves a steep climb on the return, and it dresses out at 70ish lbs.
I agree with all of your pro's but the reverse aspect of the slayer propel is the real game changer. Fishing kelp lines, wharf structures, break waters and being able to hold your offset hands free seems ideal. My only reason for considering the Hobie PA is that thing is a beast and is SO proven. When you're about to drop $2500 on anything you should be eliminating risk. So I'm still torn, but when the xmas bonus comes in, I'll be the owner of one of them.

Good Luck and let me know if you end up getting one. Also the OEX guys will let you try one out for $50 and you can use that towards your purchase.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by tstephens3232

I've spent many a sleepless nights debating between the slayer propel or the Hobie PA. I thought the slayer propel 10 was going to be the final decision because my home launch involves a steep climb on the return, and it dresses out at 70ish lbs.
I agree with allof your pro's but the reverse aspect of the slayer propel is the real game changer. Fishing kelp lines, wharf structures, break waters and being able to hold your offset hands free seems ideal. My only reason for considering the Hobie PA is that thing is a beast and is SO proven. When you're about to drop $2500 on anything you should be eliminating risk. So I'm still torn, but when the xmas bonus comes in, I'll be the owner of one of them.

Good Luck and let me know if you end up getting one. Also the OEX guys will let you try one out for $50 and you can use that towards your purchase.

Well I still have not used my newly purchased 2013 Hobie Outback. However, since I learned about another option to Hobie with "pedal" drive, I am starting to look into it.

Two things bother me most about Hobie.
1) The monopoly they have in the market, thus no one can sell less than they want. Anything with a label Hobie on it seems way overpriced.
2) There are too many parts to the expensive Mirage Drive. Chances of failure are higher. Replacement parts are not cheap.

As to the plus side of the “Propel” drive; and if you watch the maintenance video of the unit, it seems very basic.
There is one shaft with one gear at each end. All sealed. No cables, cams, etc.

Pros---for Native Slayer Propel 13
The reverse capability is game changer for sure,
The drive unit lifts and a pivot for beach landing, no leash is needed.
The rudder does not have to be lifted for beach landing,
The kayak is very stable,
Lots of pre-mounted rails for accessories, useful features,
One flush-mount rod holder tube,
Nice, easily adjustable seat,
Free shipping is included, thus if I buy it from outside of California, I save about $260.00.
[However, that is bit risky, if there is any damage on route.]


Cons---
Front hatch cover is extra at $90.00,
Specialty cart is $200.00,
Did not see paddle is included at the $2,600.00 price,
The drive unit is locked-in. What happens when it gets shallow suddenly? It would pivot, if not locked-in.
Need to get more information about the above,
Rating of the supplied rudder is not good. There is an upgrade option.

I know I am starting to sound like I am a sales rep for the Native, but I have no affiliation to anybody.

Just thinking out loud. Per say.

[Silbaugh4liberty]

Originally Posted by Mahigeer

Well I still have not used my newly purchased 2013 Hobie Outback. However, since I learned about another option to Hobie with "pedal" drive, I am starting to look into it.

Two things bother me most about Hobie.
1)The monopoly they have in the market, thus no one can sell less than they want. Anything with a label Hobie on it seems way overpriced.
2)There are too many parts to the expensive Mirage Drive. Chances of failure are higher. Replacement parts are not cheap.

As to the plus side of the “Propel” drive; and if you watch the maintenance video of the unit, it seems very basic.
There is one shaft with one gear at each end. All sealed. No cables, cams, etc.

Pros---for Native Slayer Propel 13
The reverse capability is game changer for sure,
The drive unit lifts and a pivot for beach landing, no leash is needed.
The rudder does not have to be lifted for beach landing,
The kayak is very stable,
Lots of pre-mounted rails for accessories, useful features,
One flush-mount rod holder tube,
Nice, easily adjustable seat,
Free shipping is included, thus if I buy it from outside of California, I save about $260.00.
[However, that is bit risky, if there is any damage on route.]


Cons---
Front hatch cover is extra at $90.00,
Specialty cart is $200.00,
Did not see paddle is included at the $2,600.00 price,
The drive unit is locked-in. What happens when it gets shallow suddenly? It would pivot, if not locked-in.
Need to get more information about the above,
Rating of the supplied rudder is not good. There is an upgrade option.

I know I am starting to sound like I am a sales rep for the Native, but I have no affiliation to anybody.

Just thinking out loud. Per say.

I still own a paddle type yak, but definitely considering an upgrade to the dark side this year. One thing that I can't find on the Native propel is if they have a transducer mount. I keep seeing videos of guys mounting with an arm bar over the side. Also check this out, I'm sure the hobie guys will get a stiffie seeing this!

https://youtu.be/JDV5s3ZhwuY

[Mahigeer]

Personally I don't care about which one is faster.

I care about which one is more reliable and less expensive to maintain.

Which one provides more included accessories.

For now I am a Hobie kayaker.

Future will tell.

[octico]

Originally Posted by Silbaugh4liberty

I still own a paddle type yak, but definitely considering an upgrade to the dark side this year. One thing that I can't find on the Native propel is if they have a transducer mount. I keep seeing videos of guys mounting with an arm bar over the side. Also check this out, I'm sure the hobie guys will get a stiffie seeing this!

https://youtu.be/JDV5s3ZhwuY

Dude just a get hobie, those Native's look so uncomfortable.

[sandico]

Having pedaled the Slayer Propel 13 numerous times in Mission Bay and in Dana Point I can offer some insight.
Kelp and eel grass can get caught in the drive system. Lift the drive up and clear it off and your good to go, not a big deal. Mirage Drive will not be able to go through the same kelp that has clogged up the Propel Drive. It takes a good size piece.
The Slayer Propel is a comfortable kayak. Excellent seat. Stand up and fish in it all the time, very stable.
Going in reverse is not perfect but you are able to reverse. You look at any boat or ship that has a rudder positioned in the same location and they will not track well in reverse. Not a problem specific to this kayak. Hobies can't go in reverse at all with the drive.
As far as the drive being locked down, it does release quick enough for shallow water entry. Will require a similar depth as a Hobie to use the drive.
Seems easy for a lot of nay sayers when they haven't even been on this kayak.
Come on down to OEX Mission Bay and check them out and even demo. Talk to me, Kerry Peeler, and I will give you all of my take on the complete package.

Kerry
OEX Mission Bay

[anchovie]

I've heard that the prop collects kelp and eel grass but have not tried this kayak myself.

[Dave Legacy]

I'd be doing the same if I were in your shoes and that's why I'm going to suggest you just enjoy your new Outback! You used one, you liked it, you brought back from the dead every single outback posted for sale over the last year, and you bought one. I feel the same way about the Hobie as you do, but one of the benefits is that there's an abundance of resources/support locally to service or repair your Hobie. This is coming from a place of friendship; Known you quite a long time on another forum and hate to see you drive yourself mad!

I have kinda wondered if the Native Propel drive is easier on the knees?

[taggermike]

Like with any kayak you should test drive every one youre interested in.
One negative ive heard about the propel is since the pedals make a full circle there is a point when the pedal, and your foot, is higher than your hips. So your legs are actually angled up. I believe native has fixed this by raising the seat and shortening the length of the cranks.
Hobie has a great rep here on the west coast. But Native isn't a new company and has been big on the east n gulf for a long time. I've been on Hobies but not a propel but the smooth circular motion of the propel does look easier than the reciprocating action of the mirage drive.

I remember when Hobie's mirage drive was the new thing and the wide spread distrust, scepticism, and even hostility that "real" paddle yakkers showed. New things ate worth trying. Mike

[Mahigeer]

Thank you all for the input. In particular, Dave.

I am visiting Andy next week with my Outback for review and such.

If he has a Propel drive, I would like to test drive it.

OEX Sunset is listed as the only dealer in the entire west coast if I am not mistaken.

I read the same information about the shortening the legs on the propel to help the alignment issue.

[makobob]

I also own an outback. I cannot ride a bike more than a few minutes as the rotary motion is painful. I can pedal a Hobie a few miles at a slower pace most of the day, Hobie is push/pull MUCH easier on my knees. The Propel is ROTARY which did not work for me, I tried one. AND reverse is NOT what you expect as you are steering with the rudder in the WRONG position. Rudders work great when going forward as they are then in the back as designed, but in reverse they are on the wrong end of the boat to work well. Reverse will stop forward motion and get you started going backward but steering is then lost. Hashem, wear that drive out then rebuild it or buy a NEW drive, keep tools and spare parts on board. NO Yak is perfect, but your outback is close to ideal and as you age it will treat you well. It is a WELL TESTED package. I wonder why so many more Hobies are sold??????? AND FISHED hard.

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

I'd be doing the same if I were in your shoes and that's why I'm going to suggest you just enjoy your new Outback! You used one, you liked it, you brought back from the dead every single outback posted for sale over the last year, and you bought one. I feel the same way about the Hobie as you do, but one of the benefits is that there's an abundance of resources/support locally to service or repair your Hobie. This is coming from a place of friendship; Known you quite a long time on another forum and hate to see you drive yourself mad!

I have kinda wondered if the Native Propel drive is easier on the knees?

[tstephens3232]

Originally Posted by anchovie

I've heard that the prop collects kelp and eel grass but have not tried this kayak myself.

This is my biggest concern. Wish someone knew for sure?

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by tstephens3232

This is my biggest concern. Wish someone knew for sure?

One owner says to put a plastic washer with holes between the prop blade and the shaft.

It reduces the gap and collection of sea weeds.

Given the snagging of the tackle problem in the middle of the kelp forest, I rather fish on the outside of the kelp anyways.

[Bob Benner]

I originally bought a Slayer Propel 10 when I first got into Kayak fishing. Two weeks later I sold it and bought a Hobie Outback. The Slayer tracked really bad, the Propel drive started making a really bad creaking sound after about a week. The Propel drive is a eel grass magnet! Fishing Mission Bay I was clearing my prop every 5-10 minutes. The Propel drive picks up every single strand of loose grass you come across. Also, it feels like you are constantly riding a bicycle up hill with the Propel drive, legs would start burning after about 30-45 minutes. I have been absolutely pleased with my Outback. My decision to sell the Propel was the right choice for me. One more thing, the Outback also feels much more solidly made then the Slayers.

[tacoshop]

I have the mariner 12.5 I love it it's super wide I do get a little eel grass but it's really easy to pull the prop up and clear the grass..

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by tacoshop

I have the mariner 12.5 I love it it's super wide I do get a little eel grass but it's really easy to pull the prop up and clear the grass..

Thanks for the input.

Good or bad all the experiences posted here are valuable.

[nacho66]

Originally Posted by tacoshop

I have the mariner 12.5 I love it it's super wide I do get a little eel grass but it's really easy to pull the prop up and clear the grass..

X2, if you want to take it for a putt let me know.

[bassmanben]

Hey Hashem - I'm Native Pro Staff so let me know if you ever have any questions. I'm not sure if you still got my number or not, but you can send me a PM and i'll give you the number. I plan to come down next year for Fred Hall and will bring my Propel with me.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by bassmanben

Hey Hashem - I'm Native Pro Staff so let me know if you ever have any questions. I'm not sure if you still got my number or not, but you can send me a PM and i'll give you the number. I plan to come down next year for Fred Hall and will bring my Propel with me.

Hello Ben,

So nice to hear from you.

Keep in touch via here. Hope to see you at the Fred Hall Show.

Originally Posted by makobob

Hashem, wear that drive out then rebuild it or buy a NEW drive, keep tools and spare parts on board. NO Yak is perfect, but your outback is close to ideal and as you age it will treat you well. It is a WELL TESTED package. I wonder why so many more Hobies are sold??????? AND FISHED hard.

Thank you for the advise. Will do as recommended.