Thread: What would you put me in?

bumpaw- The seat in the Ultimate I've seen hi/low, I believe there might be factory risers available, but have also seen DIY mods done. Anything with a hatch basically doesn't work for me, and the ones between the legs I'd almost prefer not to even have since it could interfere with mods. I know tracking is a big requirement for most, but I never venture too far, so it's not at the top of my list, same with speed, I'm never in a hurry to get anywhere.

Standing in a Kayak just isn't in the picture for me, lol I do good to stand in a boat. Rod storage (while paddling) isn't a big issue since I really don't go into spots where overhanging trees are a problem. A couple times launching at Reelfoot I just had to leave my 10 and 12' rods broke-down because of lower limbs on the shoreline, but I either just paddled-out and assembled them, or launched from a bit further down the shore where it wasn't an issue. Just using Sardis as an example, and having ordered 3-12' PST rods, it would be easy to lay them inside the Kayak, or use the adjustable rod holders to point the rods vertical while paddling (which is pretty much their position while spider rigging anyway).

I just use my trolley for my stake-out pole, since it allows me to adjust it to allow for the wind, so the scupper size wouldn't be an issue either. I currently have my HB Piranha transduser shooting through the hull and works great. In the back of my mind I'm also considering an upgrade on the FF as well (maybe 587ci HD DI), but that's in the future.

It's not my intention to shoot down any suggestion someone has, getting them was the whole purpose for the post, but the more it progresses, the more I'm intent on an upgrade. It didn't really start-out that way, was just more from boredom. Just want anyone who posts to know I always appreciate their input, plus someone else may benefit from it.

There are spray skirts available, which would be nice at times (especially the front, pic from Rigged Ult12)



And here's an extremely nice rigged Ultimate (pic from Kayak Fishing Forum :: Topic: Dash and center console for Native Ultimate (1/1)) with a custom built dash



I think the design of the Kayak lends itself to being easily modified to fit very specific needs.


NY- We suffer from some of the same problems. If you like the openness of the Ultimate, check-out Nu-Canoe, they have a 10' (59lbs, close to my 12' FB) but they're wide at 42". I've looked at them but not really close (but probably over the winter, since there's lots of time), I'd have to re-make the storage box on my trailer for it to fit in, which isn't a huge deal, but the Ultimate has the same length/width as my FB, but can't recall the height as I type.

NuCanoe - The Ideal Watercraft for Fishing, Hunting, Paddling, Rowing, & More

Bare bones look to be around $800
10ft NuCanoe Model*::*NuCanoe Fishing Packages/Base Models*::*Fishing Kayaks*::*Wildcat Creek Outfitters

Look at it this way, we've got all winter to decide and feed the piggy bank

Originally Posted by jimp

well, guess you better go do some test paddling hadn't you.

I like the weight on those at ~60-65lbs, but I'm not sure those lawnchair like seats would be all that comfy for me. People do say they are comfy, must be. Just go and test 'em out.

Mornin' jimp, you got in while I was taking forever to type a reply.

I know test paddling is a big thing for most, but I just feel it's not all that big of an issue for me. Sure if tracking and speed were of major concern I would agree (and not that I'm
disagreeing with the suggestion). Plus there's just no place local for some of us to do it.

I'm more comfortable in that type seat (having used the plastic one in mine), though I think the plastic one I currently have causes me some issues with rear access due to it's physical size. I've read reviews of people claiming they're the most comfortable seat they'd ever set in (but also know what's comfy for one doesn't mean it would be for someone else). Besides, seating is a somewhat simple problem to solve by just replacing it, but I don't think it'd be an issue in this case.

Here's another cool mod I ran across, and while I wouldn't use it for its intended purpose (standing), a somewhat smaller version could be easily adapted to mount FF and spider rig rod holders on. When it's time to hit the water, simply set it in as an "assembly".

Native Standing Platform - The HOLE for Kayak Fishing- Welcome

No doubt Native makes a good boat. I was real happy with my Manta Ray. The great thing is that there are enough choices that we can all get what seems to work for us.

Originally Posted by bumpaw

No doubt Native makes a good boat. I was real happy with my Manta Ray. The great thing is that there are enough choices that we can all get what seems to work for us.

True dat!

I'm probably not doing well at conveying my reasons, but like you said, I just think it'd be what worked best for me. Should know in a few months, worst case scenario would be I'd sell it, take a small hit on it, and try something else.

the speed or tracking is not all that important to me either, but its nice to know how the yak does handle with your/my style and cadence of paddling. My paddling stroke is mine, as is yours due to whatever reasons there may be. I test paddle to find out the above BUT also to see if its comfy for me to sit in for an hour or so, which is more important to me. If I don't have any lower back pain within 30 minutes, that yak has possiblities, and after an hour with no back pain, then its on the short list. if nothing else, go to a dealer, and ask to sit in one while in the showroom, they will probably fulfil your request and drag one out so you can sit in it. You'll get a "feel" for it anyways.

Surey in your travels, you will end up near a dealer, take a side trip, stop and smell the yaks.

Well, I've spent much of the day doing some serious thinkin' (bite your tongue jimp ). I'd sat here and thought about how I've "paid my dues", and how if I had a way to haul/launch a "boat", I'd get one. I'd also had plans on buying a cheap vehicle come Spring when I returned to IN. So, I've decided I deserve to treat myself, not only to a Kayak, but one which would be easier to use, and therefor I'd use it more. This will mean no purchase of a beater car (not a big deal, since I pretty much only go to the grocery store), and keeping a close eye on everything else, but come next Fall, I think it will have all been worth it. I've learned alot from the great folks between Tennessee and here (Mississippi), and to set here in at Camp instead of being out on the water is silly.

I've decided to go up in length to the 14.5' Native Ultimate. Yes, this will require a change of transportation method, but the box I'd put on the trailer wasn't a costly investment. I will however put some serious thought into a new method, as the new Kayak will mean added weight, and I was about at my limit with the FB. I'm not concerned with that, I'll come up with a solution.

The big thing I'd decided that I wanted, was a trolling motor. It would be SO much easier on me to not have to paddle, and make fishing much more enjoyable. Sometimes I just don't go because I don't feel up to paddling, so I kind of get bummed-out because I love to fish. Though I come South for warmer temps, I also come to fish, and I can't expect a "ride" (in someone's boat) as often as I want to fish. So if I end-up spending $2K on a Kayak that makes it easier on me, and allows me more time on the water, why shouldn't I? I'd have spent that much on a vehicle, only to use it half the year (but pay plates and insurance for it all year, not to mention fuel and maintenance), and if I were to buy a "boat", I guarantee I'd spend more than that, again with added operating costs/maintenance.

So, I plan to be fishing in nothing but comfort in the future. I will spend the entire time back in IN rigging things exactly how I need them in order to enjoy every minute I spend on the water, and not only that, but to look forward to each morning with "gonna stack 'em in the Kayak" attitude, which is something I lack now. I just don't have it in me to put-forth the physical effort required.

Here's the 14.5' for nearly the same money as the 12'
Ultimate 14.5 Tandem Basic Kayak by Native Watercraft at Get:Outdoors

and I really haven't "shopped-around", so I may be able to beat that price.

I've posted up in the Electronics Forum about hacking the TM for remote located controls in hopes of saving a few hundred dollars, but if that's not something I think I can do, I'll just buy the kit. Like Stuart Smalley (Al Franken on SNL) says

Get Outdoos have the Native Ultimate 14.5 clearance for $975. It is a second, but that's usualy just scratches or some thing.

Wouldn't hurt to look. There's a Native Ultimate 12 second for $650

Used & Clearance Kayaks, Canoes, and Stand Up Paddleboards For Sale at Get:Outdoors

After seeing this:


I figure chopping the TM won't be a problem since all I'll be doing is extending the wiring to remount the switch in an accessible location. You can still get the #30 MKs for $100, so the whole deal should be able to be done for well-under $500 (by a long shot).

I'm seriously considering the stick-steer too, just to be different. Ever see a Kayak with stick steer? I ain't....and I even Googled