Buying A Kayak This Spring! 2024
J.Bass reply :
I been looking around. I want to get a kayak for when I fish small lakes. A lot of strip mines around by me. My Buddy said there's fishing kayaks. I can go up to 2000 grand but would like to stay around 1500 or less.
My question is what would be the best fishing kayak for around 1500? Looking to hold two rods and a med/large tackle bag. Also can you add a trolling motor to a kayak and a fish finder? Also my buddy said you can get a rubber rack for the kayak for my Chevy Sonic?
Sorry all I'm knew to a kayak, I only know about fishing boats lol. Thanks for the help all!
Darren. reply :
Man, if I had around $2000 for a kayak, I'd seriously consider the Hobie Pro Angler 12 for $500 more. That close, it'd be hard to turn down the Pro Angler.
And as for trolling motors, fish finders, you bet you can add them.
I made a mount for my trolling motor on my Native Ultimate 12. I control steering with my feet, and rigged a switch box for FW/Reverse speeds.
And I also made a mount for my fish finder.
The Pro Angler doesn't really need a motor as your feet do all the work. But you can get a specially made trolling motor from Torqueedo http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/accessories/evolve/. It's a beast.
HeavyDluxe reply :
Wow... big budget, and there's lots of good options. The Pro Angler, mentioned above, is one heck of a boat... For my feelings, maybe even a little too much. Lots of people use the < $1000 offerings from Wilderness (the Ride, Commander, Tarpon) and Jackson (Coosa, Cuda) among others.
Almost all kayak threads here or elsewhere boil down to telling you to get seat time in a boat to see what you like. With the amount of funds in your budget, you'll be able to put yourself in a top-flight boat or completely trick out a more common model to suit your preferences.
Kayak fishing seems to be a bit of a trend, and so accessories of all kinds (transport, fish finders, trolling motors, and the like) are more available in the market than ever.
J.Bass reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 11:24 AM, DarrenM said:Man, if I had around $2000 for a kayak, I'd seriously consider the Hobie Pro Angler 12 for $500 more. That close, it'd be hard to turn down the Pro Angler.
And as for trolling motors, fish finders, you bet you can add them.
I made a mount for my trolling motor on my Native Ultimate 12. I control steering with my feet, and rigged a switch box for FW/Reverse speeds.
And I also made a mount for my fish finder.
The Pro Angler doesn't really need a motor as your feet do all the work. But you can get a specially made trolling motor from Torqueedo http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/accessories/evolve/. It's a beast.
Will look at website ty ^^
On 2/27/2013 at 11:33 AM, HeavyDluxe said:Wow... big budget, and there's lots of good options. The Pro Angler, mentioned above, is one heck of a boat... For my feelings, maybe even a little too much. Lots of people use the < $1000 offerings from Wilderness (the Ride, Commander, Tarpon) and Jackson (Coosa, Cuda) among others.
Almost all kayak threads here or elsewhere boil down to telling you to get seat time in a boat to see what you like. With the amount of funds in your budget, you'll be able to put yourself in a top-flight boat or completely trick out a more common model to suit your preferences.
Kayak fishing seems to be a bit of a trend, and so accessories of all kinds (transport, fish finders, trolling motors, and the like) are more available in the market than ever.
Cool thanks guys I will look at pro angler. Ill have to keep searching, Not getting one till april anyways.
alexstep88 reply :
hey.. its the buzzbait guy i just replied to! ha ha. I just joined the site, and am searching Illinois stuff. I basically only use a kayak now. I have a 16' bass boat and a 14' jon boat, and I MUCH prefer a kayak. A big reason (and probably a reason for most people) I got into it because of gas prices, always charging batteries, hauling a boat around, just the typical hassles of a boat. But now I prefer a kayak for the many advantages it offers for fishing. Mainly, it is super stealthy. I've caught bass on beds in my yak 3' away in 2' water. I didn't mean to get that close, but when I saw I had drifted up on it and it was facing away I dangled a senko in front of its face. That is when yak fishing took over. It gets in your blood...bad. I have no desire to use my bass boat anymore, but a lot of that has to do with a comfortable yak. I have the 2013 Wilderness Systems Ride 115. It has a comfortable seat, and you can stand in it. Being able to stand and stretch your legs will make yak fishing a million times better.
We share Emiquon as a favorite lake, so I'll use it as an example. I fish this lake now more than any since I can see it out my living room window and it produces soooo many fish. A kayak is the perfect choice for this lake. You wouldn't think so because it is so big, but it is not as bad as it seems. If you are only using one trolling motor and one battery (Since it is a trolling motor only lake) you are limited on how far you can go anyways. More often than not, I can go faster with a normal rate of paddling than most people can trolling. I've even towed people who ran out of power.
Another reason a yak excels at Emiquon is the weeds. At a certain part of of the year many people will just stop fishing here. Trolling motor+weeds does not make for a fun day. With a yak, you can paddle right through or on top of it. It takes some muscle sometimes, but it's a lot better than pulling weeds all day. Plus when it gets really windy, you can pop up on some mats and stay in place. This is hollow frog paradise. My favorite thing in the world. There are many days in the summer where I can do this and catch 50 bass in 4 or less hours. I kid you not, last season I caught 9 bass in 9 casts, with the smallest being 16.5". The best part... jon boats cant get in this slop. The worst part is paddling back when you're bleeding from bass thumb, but it is worth it.
Once I started using a yak at Emiquon, I started catching way more. I believe the biggest reason is stealth. The lake is shallow and they aren't used to loud noises (outboards) This causes them be pretty spooky. It gets breezy there pretty easily, and the splash off of an aluminium boat scares them as well. One time, I was nailing them bumping squarebills off of old concrete. A guy in a jon boat came close to see how I was catching them, and as soon as he did the bite turned off like a switch.
Before you buy, do TONS of research. It is hard in central Illinois, because quality fishing yaks are not really available. If you want, we could meet some time and I'll let you try out some yaks. Along with the ride 115 I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100 and a Perception Sport Pescador 12, which is the 2008 model of the wilderness tarpon 120. I know someone who would also probably let you try some different ones as well. It would be really helpful in your decision making, especially if your gonna spend 1500-2000. Keep in mind you'll have to buy a paddle and a high back pfd. Account for $400-450 If you want nice stuff.
Some trolling motors made for yaks:
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-1170/BassYaks-Motor-Kits-dsh--Wilderness/Detail
http://kayakfishinggear.com/torqeedoultralight403kayakmotor.aspx
If you want to mount your own, I would think the wilderness commander would be good. It is a hybrid (canoe/kayak)
Yes, you can install a fish finder. There are many ways to rig them now.
Check out kayakbassfishing.com You can learn anything you'll ever want to know here.
Sorry for the long post, but I really would like to see more kayak fishers in central Illinois. Maybe get a group going. Let me know if you have any questions. I live for kayak bass fishing.
alexstep88 reply :
J.Bass reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 4:51 PM, alexstep88 said:hey.. its the buzzbait guy i just replied to! ha ha. I just joined the site, and am searching Illinois stuff. I basically only use a kayak now. I have a 16' bass boat and a 14' jon boat, and I MUCH prefer a kayak. A big reason (and probably a reason for most people) I got into it because of gas prices, always charging batteries, hauling a boat around, just the typical hassles of a boat. But now I prefer a kayak for the many advantages it offers for fishing. Mainly, it is super stealthy. I've caught bass on beds in my yak 3' away in 2' water. I didn't mean to get that close, but when I saw I had drifted up on it and it was facing away I dangled a senko in front of its face. That is when yak fishing took over. It gets in your blood...bad. I have no desire to use my bass boat anymore, but a lot of that has to do with a comfortable yak. I have the 2013 Wilderness Systems Ride 115. It has a comfortable seat, and you can stand in it. Being able to stand and stretch your legs will make yak fishing a million times better.
We share Emiquon as a favorite lake, so I'll use it as an example. I fish this lake now more than any since I can see it out my living room window and it produces soooo many fish. A kayak is the perfect choice for this lake. You wouldn't think so because it is so big, but it is not as bad as it seems. If you are only using one trolling motor and one battery (Since it is a trolling motor only lake) you are limited on how far you can go anyways. More often than not, I can go faster with a normal rate of paddling than most people can trolling. I've even towed people who ran out of power.
Another reason a yak excels at Emiquon is the weeds. At a certain part of of the year many people will just stop fishing here. Trolling motor+weeds does not make for a fun day. With a yak, you can paddle right through or on top of it. It takes some muscle sometimes, but it's a lot better than pulling weeds all day. Plus when it gets really windy, you can pop up on some mats and stay in place. This is hollow frog paradise. My favorite thing in the world. There are many days in the summer where I can do this and catch 50 bass in 4 or less hours. I kid you not, last season I caught 9 bass in 9 casts, with the smallest being 16.5". The best part... jon boats cant get in this slop. The worst part is paddling back when you're bleeding from bass thumb, but it is worth it.
Once I started using a yak at Emiquon, I started catching way more. I believe the biggest reason is stealth. The lake is shallow and they aren't used to loud noises (outboards) This causes them be pretty spooky. It gets breezy there pretty easily, and the splash off of an aluminium boat scares them as well. One time, I was nailing them bumping squarebills off of old concrete. A guy in a jon boat came close to see how I was catching them, and as soon as he did the bite turned off like a switch.
Before you buy, do TONS of research. It is hard in central Illinois, because quality fishing yaks are not really available. If you want, we could meet some time and I'll let you try out some yaks. Along with the ride 115 I have a Wilderness Tarpon 100 and a Perception Sport Pescador 12, which is the 2008 model of the wilderness tarpon 120. I know someone who would also probably let you try some different ones as well. It would be really helpful in your decision making, especially if your gonna spend 1500-2000. Keep in mind you'll have to buy a paddle and a high back pfd. Account for $400-450 If you want nice stuff.
Some trolling motors made for yaks:
http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/servlet/the-1170/BassYaks-Motor-Kits-dsh--Wilderness/Detail
http://kayakfishinggear.com/torqeedoultralight403kayakmotor.aspx
If you want to mount your own, I would think the wilderness commander would be good. It is a hybrid (canoe/kayak)
Yes, you can install a fish finder. There are many ways to rig them now.
Check out kayakbassfishing.com You can learn anything you'll ever want to know here.
Sorry for the long post, but I really would like to see more kayak fishers in central Illinois. Maybe get a group going. Let me know if you have any questions. I live for kayak bass fishing.
Awesome that you live by me. In fact, so cool you live right next to Emiquon. My buddy was fishing it one day had a 10 lb Largemouth bass almost out of water at boat and lost it! I agree on the bass being in shallow as its really shallow but also fun to catch them there. Another reason I think they are more aggressive is they flooded a ravine and then the top of the ravine was shallow like a flat. All I know is since you cant keep a bass under 18 inches, theirs a lot of big bass in there. They also do scientific research with that lake with college scientists. Another lake they use in Florida called the Everglades. Oh yea, the only can use trolling motor dilemma is crazy. Alot of small lakes in Illinois and like you said GAS PRICES! LOL Pretty cool to meet you by the way.
J Francho reply :
He's not putting a PA12 on a Chevy Sonic, lol. For that budget, you can REALLY rig out a Ride 115, Commander 120, Native Ultimate, and several others in this class. Get some seat time in several models. Check out Yakattak and Hook1 for rigging equipment and ideas.
HeavyDluxe reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 11:40 PM, J Francho said:He's not putting a PA12 on a Chevy Sonic, lol.
I completely missed that line in the OP's note. my mistake.
J.Bass reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 11:40 PM, J Francho said:He's not putting a PA12 on a Chevy Sonic, lol. For that budget, you can REALLY rig out a Ride 115, Commander 120, Native Ultimate, and several others in this class. Get some seat time in several models. Check out Yakattak and Hook1 for rigging equipment and ideas.
Thanks Francho I will look at the higher ends. I want to be able to have a trolling on it. I have a depth/fish finder to install onto one. I want to be able to stand sometimes. I want it to be roomy and have space for fishing needs. I will also paddle with feet. I want the kayak to be balanced.
flyfisher reply :
Seat time is key and make sure that when looking at prices you consider the additional price of paddles and a life jacket.
I would also caution against doing any rigging until you fish out of the boat for a while and learn what and where you want things mounted.
I personally have a WIldy Commander 120 for all my flatwater fishing and rigging is pretty easy since they have the slidetrax on the side and top of the boat.
moguy1973 reply :
Take a look at the Jackson Coosa also. Its a very stable kayak to stand in and has a very comfy seat and is definitely built for fishing...
Hanover_Yakker reply :
Be forewarned though......it can be addictive and you will slowly gravitate to your sinful desires.....
I started with this.......
Tried out a Tarpon 120 & 140, Commander 120, paddled an Ocean Kayak Trident 13, Native Manta Ray 12, Ultimate 12, thought about a Jackson Coosa but settled on a Hobie Revolution 13....
And now I have this 
J Francho reply :
That PA14 is sweet. It's a vessel, not a kayak, LOL. Congrats, Chuck!
flyfisher reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 11:56 PM, moguy1973 said:Take a look at the Jackson Coosa also. Its a very stable kayak to stand in and has a very comfy seat and is definitely built for fishing...
The Coosa is a good boat but i would not recommend it if you are primarliy fishing flatwater. I own one and love it for the higher seat position and for moving water but in lakes it is not the best suited option in my opinion. It does not handle wind real well and if you are paddling long distances it can be a chore.
Now if you are lookign for a good river boat the coosa, slayer or ride 115 are all good options to consider.
Darren. reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 11:57 PM, Hanover_Yakker said:Be forewarned though......it can be addictive and you will slowly gravitate to your sinful desires.....
I started with this.......
Tried out a Tarpon 120 & 140, Commander 120, paddled an Ocean Kayak Trident 13, Native Manta Ray 12, Ultimate 12, thought about a Jackson Coosa but settled on a Hobie Revolution 13....
And now I have this
Seriously jealous. Wish I could buy the PA 12. Tired of paddling (elbow pain) and tired of hoisting a trolling motor + battery around. Rather use foot power. Unfortunately it is way out of my price range, not to mention the fact my wife keeps reminding me what I spent on my U12 a couple years ago. No way in H-E-double hockey sticks she'd allow me to spend $2500-2700 unless we won the lottery.
HeavyDluxe reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 12:57 AM, flyfisher said:The Coosa is a good boat but i would not recommend it if you are primarliy fishing flatwater. I own one and love it for the higher seat position and for moving water but in lakes it is not the best suited option in my opinion. It does not handle wind real well and if you are paddling long distances it can be a chore.
Hence why Jackson released the Cuda.
J.Bass reply :
the PA12 is foot controlled? like a trolling motor? and can I put a bag with 370 boxes (5 of them) onto a kayak?
Darren. reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 2:02 AM, jeffjtj said:the PA12 is foot controlled? like a trolling motor? and can I put a bag with 370 boxes (5 of them) onto a kayak?
Powered. You control steering on your right or left hand. Here's the link to the PA12.
http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/mirage/pro-angler-12/
And there's more storage than you can shake an Ugly Stik at.
moguy1973 reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 12:57 AM, flyfisher said:The Coosa is a good boat but i would not recommend it if you are primarliy fishing flatwater. I own one and love it for the higher seat position and for moving water but in lakes it is not the best suited option in my opinion. It does not handle wind real well and if you are paddling long distances it can be a chore.
Now if you are lookign for a good river boat the coosa, slayer or ride 115 are all good options to consider.
On 2/28/2013 at 1:52 AM, HeavyDluxe said:Hence why Jackson released the Cuda.
Yeah, that's what I meant, the Cuda, not the Coosa. I knew the Coosa is a great river kayak, and the Cuda is the lake one.
J Francho reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 2:08 AM, DarrenM said:Powered. You control steering on your right or left hand. Here's the link to the PA12.
http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaks/mirage/pro-angler-12/
And there's more storage than you can shake an Ugly Stik at.
It's called Mirage Drive. It's "powered" by your feet, using strokes to activate flipper like fins below the hull. Chuck could probably elaborate, as I've only had short seat time in one.
Darren. reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 3:29 AM, J Francho said:It's called Mirage Drive. It's "powered" by your feet, using strokes to activate flipper like fins below the hull. Chuck could probably elaborate, as I've only had short seat time in one.
Right, I should have said pedaled, in response to his saying "foot controlled". I differentiated to say it is foot powered and steering is at your hands.
I've got enough drool on the Pro Angler from the web and Appomattox River Company that I could probably fill a small pond.
flyfisher reply :
Look at the native Mariner too for a pedal driven boat.....great reviews and probably the one i would get if i went the pedal drive direction.
J Francho reply :
I've pedaled an Ultimate. It's not bad, slow though compared to Mirage Drive.
flyfisher reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 3:59 AM, J Francho said:I've pedaled an Ultimate. It's not bad, slow though compared to Mirage Drive.
I pedaled one of the older models and apaprently they changed the gearing and pitch of the propeller on the newer models to increase speed but i haven't tried one so i can't speak from experience.
I have heard that the mirage drive turbo fins are pretty fast.
The other thing to consider to is that the native uses more of a recumbent bike pedal stroke, circular, where the hobie uses more of a linear stroke which can put more pressure on your lower back but probably not enough to make a difference assuming you have your pedals adjusted properly.
JimSammons reply :
New here but a very long time in a kayak. This thread popped up in my news feed, so I thought I would check it out.
So many people answered this query without asking the most basic questions that would allow you to answer the question properly for the specific person.
How tall are you
How much do you weigh
What kind of distance do you plan on traveling in your kayak
Any Storage limitations
How will you transport the kayak
Do you have any weight lifting limitations.
Do you have easy access to the launch spot for your kayak or will you have to carry or wheel it over.
Not every kayak is good for every condtition or for every person.
Best advise given on here is to get in some demo kayaks and give them a try if you can.
I am always happy to answer questions and talk about kayak fishing so feel free to contact me if you wish.
I also have about 130 videos up on line on kayak fishing that may help you out.
www.kayakfishingtales.com
Jim Sammons
Host of The Kayak Fishing Show
and The Extreme Kayak Fishing Challenge
Darren. reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 7:08 AM, JimSammons said:New here but a very long time in a kayak. This thread popped up in my news feed, so I thought I would check it out.
So many people answered this query without asking the most basic questions that would allow you to answer the question properly for the specific person.
How tall are you
How much do you weigh
What kind of distance do you plan on traveling in your kayak
Any Storage limitations
How will you transport the kayak
Do you have any weight lifting limitations.
Do you have easy access to the launch spot for your kayak or will you have to carry or wheel it over.
Not every kayak is good for every condtition or for every person.
Best advise given on here is to get in some demo kayaks and give them a try if you can.
I am always happy to answer questions and talk about kayak fishing so feel free to contact me if you wish.
I also have about 130 videos up on line on kayak fishing that may help you out.
www.kayakfishingtales.com
Jim Sammons
Host of The Kayak Fishing Show
and The Extreme Kayak Fishing Challenge
Hi Jim! Welcome to the forums! Enjoy your show on NBC Sports!
jsc4324 reply :
I have zero experience in fishing kayaks but am also purchasing one by spring in the same price range. I have decided on the nucanoe frontier. I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet. It allows you to stand comfortably ,take a friend/spouse etc and gives you plenty of storage and can easily go solo. There's some interesting videos online. And it can be fully rigged take a trolling motor has scupper holes to make fishfinder instal easy etc.
JimSammons reply :
Thanks for watching DarrenM, we have a lot of fun making the shows. Good to know some one is watching. 
J.Bass reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 7:08 AM, JimSammons said:New here but a very long time in a kayak. This thread popped up in my news feed, so I thought I would check it out.
So many people answered this query without asking the most basic questions that would allow you to answer the question properly for the specific person.
How tall are you
How much do you weigh
What kind of distance do you plan on traveling in your kayak
Any Storage limitations
How will you transport the kayak
Do you have any weight lifting limitations.
Do you have easy access to the launch spot for your kayak or will you have to carry or wheel it over.
Not every kayak is good for every condtition or for every person.
Best advise given on here is to get in some demo kayaks and give them a try if you can.
I am always happy to answer questions and talk about kayak fishing so feel free to contact me if you wish.
I also have about 130 videos up on line on kayak fishing that may help you out.
www.kayakfishingtales.com
Jim Sammons
Host of The Kayak Fishing Show
and The Extreme Kayak Fishing Challenge
First off honor to meet u! Im glad I could get expert advise as well from people on bassresource. I love watching Fishing shows on Nbc.
I can answer all I will send u a message thanks for the help! Glad to meet you.
J.Bass reply :
DarrenM, JFrancho, and Flyfisher. I like the sound of controlled pedals by battery. Don't have to do the Flintstones pedaling lol.
Darren. reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 9:40 AM, jeffjtj said:DarrenM, JFrancho, and Flyfisher. I like the sound of controlled pedals by battery. Don't have to do the Flintstones pedaling lol.
On my Native Ultimate 12 I have a modified trolling setup, similar to how bassyaks.com does theirs.
I've rigged my footpedals to be my steering, raise/lower motor, and have made a modified switch that I've rigged up next to me to go forward 5, reverse 2. It is a great setup, but I often think I'd prefer the Hobie pedal method (over the bicycle style that Native uses on their pedal yaks). I need to take some new pix, but here's an old one with an old bass pro predator trolling motor mounted.
J.Bass reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 9:52 AM, DarrenM said:On my Native Ultimate 12 I have a modified trolling setup, similar to how bassyaks.com does theirs.
I've rigged my footpedals to be my steering, raise/lower motor, and have made a modified switch that I've rigged up next to me to go forward 5, reverse 2. It is a great setup, but I often think I'd prefer the Hobie pedal method (over the bicycle style that Native uses on their pedal yaks). I need to take some new pix, but here's an old one with an old bass pro predator trolling motor mounted.
cool thanks for the tip and thanks for your help it will be helpful in when I purchase one next month. Nothing like looking now though.
Darren. reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 9:55 AM, jeffjtj said:cool thanks for the tip and thanks for your help it will be helpful in when I purchase one next month. Nothing like looking now though.
Great, look forward to what you get. Be sure to let us know, show it off, share pix, and be sure to slime it up and post pix!
I spent months looking before I got the Native Ultimate. Changed my mind a few times, but did spend time in it as well as a few others in my price range before making my final decision. I've been very happy with it.
JimSammons reply :
Well if you want electric take a look at the OK Torque, gives you the best of both worlds, simple drop in motor when you want that and drop in skeg when you want a good paddler.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
I think an important distinction needs to be addressed here: alternative methods of propulsion are not for everyone. While the Native Mariner and Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks are not for everyone, they do offer unique and distinct advantages to the angler who prefers to move often, has long open water to cross or has a medical condition that precludes them from extended paddling sessions. I fall into the last two categories with the last reason being most prominent. I have tendonitis in one shoulder, and a damaged labrum in the other. While I use to paddle for periods of 5-6 hours at a time over the course of a day on big reservoirs, it was murder on my shoulders the next day. Often times I would even have trouble sleeping because of it.
As flyfisher pointed out earlier with the movement differences on the drive systems between the Native and the Hobie, there are also disadvantages to both drive systems. While the Mirage Drive may create additional pressure on your lower back, that most often times is due to improper seat adjustment and Mirage Drive pedal distance adjustment. Most people sit too upright and have the pedals adjusted too close believing they need a long reach of their leg to move the kayak. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, movement of the pedals on a Mirage Drive kayak a mere 2-3" will propel the kayak, the Native still requires a full revolution to move the kayak. The movement required for the drive is on a lateral/horizontal plane and is less stressful/more natural movement on your knee and ankle joints over the course of the day on the water.
As far as the Native in concerned, the challenge with that drive system is that it is a recumbant drive meaning that your knees, hips, legs and ankles are all utilized which for some individuals can be difficult over the course of the day and can actually place more strain on your knees over the course of time if not executed efficiently and properly, just like riding your bike. The are also three huge differences between the form and function of the drive systems when compared to one another.
First and foremost, the drive system on the Native is a fixed mast system and has no flex, meaning that in shallow water situations where the mast can bottom out, the drive is not as useful, because it protrudes from the bottom of the kayak over 6". For the Mirage Drive, the fins can be opposed to one another and not require removal in water that is 12-16" deep, and the drivehousing only protrudes a little over 1" from the bottom of the hull. Second, in shallow water, the Mirage Drive fins can still be utilized by performing a fluttering action of your feet on the pedals that will still propel the kayak. The Native is not able to execute this maneuver due to the fixed mast. Third and most significantly, pedaling efficiency is not equivalent between the two drive systems. The Native has a fixed propeller size and does not increase your speed significantly with a fast pedaling action. In fact, you will tire out and risk injury to yourself in trying to do so. A rapid pedaling action in the Native also increases the noise resonance of the hull, because the drive system actually vibrates and creates a loud humming/grinding sound. The drive was never designed nor intended for that type of usage. The Mirage Drive system is easier on your lower body and more efficient as you increase the speed of your pedaling. The fins of the Mirage Drive are based upon the physics of penguin flippers and will flex as you increase your speed. I used my Elite 5 DSI this past summer and tracked my speed on my Revolution 13 and was able to maintain a speed of 5 mph for 35 minutes straight with a nice steady cadence in my pedaling action. I left a fellow kayaker using a Mariner in the dust, because the drive system could not rotate fast enough to keep up with me. Remember, the Native is a single gear, not like a 10 speed where you can change sprockets and gears to get more power.
However, it important to understand this overlying principle here regarding these kayaks and shallow water. If you are in either of these types of kayaks, you can simple pull both drive systems and paddle the kayak just like a normal kayak. It all boils down to the types of water you want to fish and whether these types of kayaks are ones to consider. It should also be noted that while I am a member of the Hobie Fishing Team and support their brand, I am good friends with a couple Native reps in my area and have spent time in most of their models, including the Mariner. I can tell you from personal experience, the Mirage Drive system is more efficient and less stressful on your joints.
In the end, seat time, physical limitations and your overall safety and comfort are the key factors in making the decision. Listen to your "body" and then go ask your spouse for the funds !
alexstep88 reply :
Just a heads-up, in Illinois, you have to pay sales tax (6.25%) to the department of revenue if you buy from an out of state dealer. You also have to title and register through the DNR, then renew every 3 years like a normal boat. Kind of a headache to figure it out, but ask me if you have questions. You'd be surprised the number of canoe/ kayaks I've seen on state lakes that are not registered.
J.Bass reply :
On 2/28/2013 at 10:11 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:I think an important distinction needs to be addressed here: alternative methods of propulsion are not for everyone. While the Native Mariner and Hobie Mirage Drive kayaks are not for everyone, they do offer unique and distinct advantages to the angler who prefers to move often, has long open water to cross or has a medical condition that precludes them from extended paddling sessions. I fall into the last two categories with the last reason being most prominent. I have tendonitis in one shoulder, and a damaged labrum in the other. While I use to paddle for periods of 5-6 hours at a time over the course of a day on big reservoirs, it was murder on my shoulders the next day. Often times I would even have trouble sleeping because of it.
As flyfisher pointed out earlier with the movement differences on the drive systems between the Native and the Hobie, there are also disadvantages to both drive systems. While the Mirage Drive may create additional pressure on your lower back, that most often times is due to improper seat adjustment and Mirage Drive pedal distance adjustment. Most people sit too upright and have the pedals adjusted too close believing they need a long reach of their leg to move the kayak. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, movement of the pedals on a Mirage Drive kayak a mere 2-3" will propel the kayak, the Native still requires a full revolution to move the kayak. The movement required for the drive is on a lateral/horizontal plane and is less stressful/more natural movement on your knee and ankle joints over the course of the day on the water.
As far as the Native in concerned, the challenge with that drive system is that it is a recumbant drive meaning that your knees, hips, legs and ankles are all utilized which for some individuals can be difficult over the course of the day and can actually place more strain on your knees over the course of time if not executed efficiently and properly, just like riding your bike. The are also three huge differences between the form and function of the drive systems when compared to one another.
First and foremost, the drive system on the Native is a fixed mast system and has no flex, meaning that in shallow water situations where the mast can bottom out, the drive is not as useful, because it protrudes from the bottom of the kayak over 6". For the Mirage Drive, the fins can be opposed to one another and not require removal in water that is 12-16" deep, and the drivehousing only protrudes a little over 1" from the bottom of the hull. Second, in shallow water, the Mirage Drive fins can still be utilized by performing a fluttering action of your feet on the pedals that will still propel the kayak. The Native is not able to execute this maneuver due to the fixed mast. Third and most significantly, pedaling efficiency is not equivalent between the two drive systems. The Native has a fixed propeller size and does not increase your speed significantly with a fast pedaling action. In fact, you will tire out and risk injury to yourself in trying to do so. A rapid pedaling action in the Native also increases the noise resonance of the hull, because the drive system actually vibrates and creates a loud humming/grinding sound. The drive was never designed nor intended for that type of usage. The Mirage Drive system is easier on your lower body and more efficient as you increase the speed of your pedaling. The fins of the Mirage Drive are based upon the physics of penguin flippers and will flex as you increase your speed. I used my Elite 5 DSI this past summer and tracked my speed on my Revolution 13 and was able to maintain a speed of 5 mph for 35 minutes straight with a nice steady cadence in my pedaling action. I left a fellow kayaker using a Mariner in the dust, because the drive system could not rotate fast enough to keep up with me. Remember, the Native is a single gear, not like a 10 speed where you can change sprockets and gears to get more power.
However, it important to understand this overlying principle here regarding these kayaks and shallow water. If you are in either of these types of kayaks, you can simple pull both drive systems and paddle the kayak just like a normal kayak. It all boils down to the types of water you want to fish and whether these types of kayaks are ones to consider. It should also be noted that while I am a member of the Hobie Fishing Team and support their brand, I am good friends with a couple Native reps in my area and have spent time in most of their models, including the Mariner. I can tell you from personal experience, the Mirage Drive system is more efficient and less stressful on your joints.
In the end, seat time, physical limitations and your overall safety and comfort are the key factors in making the decision. Listen to your "body" and then go ask your spouse for the funds
!
Cool thanks for the tips on pedaling. These will be very useful
On 2/28/2013 at 12:24 PM, alexstep88 said:Just a heads-up, in Illinois, you have to pay sales tax (6.25%) to the department of revenue if you buy from an out of state dealer. You also have to title and register through the DNR, then renew every 3 years like a normal boat. Kind of a headache to figure it out, but ask me if you have questions. You'd be surprised the number of canoe/ kayaks I've seen on state lakes that are not registered.
Yeah the 6.25 is a bummer. Next weekend in Madison, WI is the Canoecopia Outdoor Expo show. Says its biggest in world and its like black friday for Kayaks and Canoes! Ill be going to see all of them LOL.
alexstep88 reply :
That sounds awesome. Have fun! They may be able to take off WI tax at the expo, so you won't have to pay double tax.
I just remembered, Quest watersports was at the Bloomington fish and feather expo, and said they do hobie demos. They are in Ottawa.
J.Bass reply :
On 3/1/2013 at 9:41 AM, alexstep88 said:That sounds awesome. Have fun! They may be able to take off WI tax at the expo, so you won't have to pay double tax. I just remembered, Quest watersports was at the Bloomington fish and feather expo, and said they do hobie demos. They are in Ottawa.
Quest Watersport is near me. Like 15 minutes is Ottawa from me. Im north of Peoria.
related Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
previous topic
most viewed Bass Boats Canoes Kayaks topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.