Native Watercraft

[tinner]

I was wondering if anybody owns or has owned a Native Watercraft kayak? From their website they look pretty nice. I live in Saint Louis and haven't been able to find a dealer. I emailed them today for dealer info so hope there is one around so I can check them out. Any info would be appreciated.

[jdmidwest]

A friend of mine brought dealership info back from a fly expo last year and was going to be a dealer for Native. He never did, too many other irons in the fire. Orvis is carrying one of their boats in the catalog. They are a new company, the boats are built more like solo canoes than traditional kayaks. They are made very stable. They were good looking boats but even at dealer cost they were out of my budget. For the money I would get a Tarpon 120 by Wilderness Systems at about half the price of a Native. Here is a link with a dealer locator. There are a few on Ebay also..

Native Watercraft on the web!

[bobber]

http://www.gooutandplay.com/ .......i bet you can paddle your butt of in one!! (but i'd look at the new mad river, the 14ft. one)

[tinner]

Thanks for the info. I found a website that had the ultimate 12 for $775. I seen the one on Orvis listed at $1600. The first must get you with shipping charges to make up the difference or something. If it's $1600 thats's way more than I want to spend. I looked at the tarpon it looked allright. I am going to try to look at some at the store tomorrow. Thanks again for the info.

[Bill Anderson]

I really missed my golden opportunity last year, when a local dealer had a brand new Old Town Pack Canoe on sale for $500. That would have made a fine solo fishing boat...but, oh well...didn't have $500 to spare at the time. I do like the Native boats, but I have to agree with Al, that if I could only have one boat, it would likely be a good, light weight canoe. I'll be 61 next month, and I really like the more upright seating position of a standard canoe. It's just a bit more comfortable for me. In a solo canoe, you can use either the double or single blade paddle. I would have both...the double for going somewhere, and the single for manuevering in tight places with a rod in one hand and paddle in the other. I learned the art of one handed skulling with a short paddle in one hand and rod in the other many years ago sitting in the front of a Jon boat. I can J stroke from one side or the other with a single blade paddle, but a double bladed paddle is so much faster. So I think carrying both is a real advantage.

[tinner]

I still haven't been able to find a Native Watercraft kayak around here. I have been doing some research online about solo canoes. I think the solo would hold gear more easily than a kayak ( I don't bring the kitchen sink, but close ). I looked at some Mohawk brands last night. If I can't find a Native Watercraft around here I will probably go with a solo. Thanks for everyones input.

[Bill Anderson]

The big advantage of a sit on top kayak here in south Florida is that you can get on and off and wade without any trouble. The kayak is also easier to handle in the wind, since it has a lower profile than a regular canoe. I have been in both on Saraosta Bay here, and if the wind is up, the kayak is much easier to handle. But for moving streams or small lake or pond fishing where I would not be getting in and out a lot, I still like the canoe. The sit on top is great for the salt flats, because you can just sit on the side and get into it, and any water you bring aboard just drains away. It also is a bit faster and for long haul paddling on flat water, it's a bit easier, I think. But you can't ignore the dryness of the canoe and having lots of room for gear, ect., sure is nice. I guess the ideal would be to have one of each.

[Monte Ray]

I agree with Al. I got a sit on top kayak this summer and I love it. I looked past canoes because kayaks seemed so cool - however, I might still end up with a solo canoe at some point.

The Old Town Pack looks pretty decent, nice and light. I've seen a $750 price tag on it though.

I will be using my kayak on lakes and traveling 2 to 4 miles with it, so the kayak is nice for paddling those distances.

I'm also considering a Wenonah Solo Plus - so that my wife can join me on some floats.

[Gavin]

If your looking at solo canoes...I probably wouldnt go with OT Pack...had one and it was OK but has a prominent keel and its a pretty wobbly boat. My current solo canoe is Wenonah Vagabond and I like it alot better. Cheers.