Anyone own a Native Manta Ray Yak?
I've been in search of another Yak and test paddled one last week. I was impressed with it and the Heritage RedFish - was wondering if anyone had one and what they liked and disliked about it. I think the RedFish might track a tad better, but I'm leaning towards the Manta Ray because of the storage.
Any input is appreciated.
Last edited by dowop; 08-15-2008 at 10:40 PM.
I fished with a kayak fishing guide in Virginia Beach a few weeks ago. He provided the kayaks for me and another angler fishing with him. The boat I used was a Native Manta 14'. I liked it a lot -- it was even more comfortable than the Ocean Kayak Drifter I have. At 6'4" and 235 lbs, comfort and stability are important to me.
I am trying to sell my Parker 23 SE center console. Once it sells, I plan to buy a much smaller power boat and a second kayak -- probably the Native Manta 14'.
Thanks for the input - I'm leaning towards it, but going to take one more test paddle this weekend with the Heritage Redfish just to be sure.
I'm surprised there have been no other replies, although this is not a HUGE fishing Yak community.
I have a Tarpon 140 and my buddy has the MR 12. The MR 12 is just as fast and easier to store/put on the rack, carry, etc. The MR seat holds water more that the tarpon. Once the MR gets wet, your backside will be wet all day. We've found that we don't use the hatches much and if we could redesign our boats, we'd eliminate the hatch behind the seat to have our crates closer. One other thing we don't like about the MR is the foot pegs are flimsey. It's fast for it's size and comfortable when dry. It's got lot's of flat surfaces for mounting electronics and rod holders. It's a good choice. Let us know what you get and how you like it.
One other thing, After tons of hours of research we came to the conclusion that a rudder had an equal amount of pros and cons. I have a rudder and my buddy doesn't. He will be buying a rudder. A rudder isn't a must but you'll be glad you have it. I'll never buy another yak without one. In the wind it's a huge adavantage. We were on the Delaware river by new hope the one day and the wind was blowing upstream pushing us against the current. I kept casting and steering with my feet. My buddy kept getting blown where he didn't want to be so he spent 1/2 his time paddling.
I bought a MR14 this spring. Don't know where you are located but I bought mine at (oh...can I say this...?) Kayakfishingstuff in north jersey. Great place. Had them rig it for me also. No rudder here. Probably won't be putting one on either.
I'm 6ft 220 lbs and wanted a boat that had a dry ride as well as good handling. The only time my butt has gotten wet is when a wake swell catches me off-guard from the side. Other then that just a bit of water by my feet. No need for scupper plugs. It's a bit to toss on the roof rack after a full day of paddling but what 14+ft poly boat isn't? It's a fishing machine. No complaints.
WOW, thought this thread was dead because on this board unless you own a hobie, you're slummin it.
Anyway... Schneer, the Tarpon is a great boat and a buddy of mine own's one (Tarpon 100) that I've paddled many times. You do bring a valid concern about the MR having the storage compartment behind the seat, however, I'm looking at the 11 which has direct access to the stern. Having said this, the tarpons that I've seen, 12 & 14 also have a hatch between the seat and the stern access so perhaps I have your issue confused.
Here are the three in question...
http://www.wildernesssystems.com/tarpon-120
http://www.nativewatercraft.com/manta_11_lg.cfm
http://www.heritagekayaks.com/redfish12.htm
I've been dragging my feet buying because I'm still undecided, but based on youre recommendation I'll take another look at the Tarpon.
MantaRayYak, WELCOME (Havertown, great place) and don't worry... the resident expert here doesn't carry any of the three models we're talking about, so I'm sure no harm done.
Last edited by dowop; 09-20-2008 at 08:51 PM.
If you wouold rather paddle Dont forget the hobie quest if you get a chance to demo one. The Quest is highly regarded by everyone who has paddled one. If you wait till spring there will be a variety of new models in those size ranges by some intresting new companies. Although Hobie rules in the foot drives the paddling market is rapidly developing new boats.
12' redfish
I own a heritage redfish,love it,keeps me dry tracs great,its a little heavy for me at 64lbs but i manage to get it on the car.Catching more fish in the yak than on my 21' trophy walkaround.
You might want to wait a bit to see the new models as Barrell said. I believe Wilderness Systems has a new version of the Tarpon series coming out? Think I saw pics of this somewhere. I don't think I'd suggest the MantaRay 11 if you intend to cover any water. Both from a paddling and storage standpoint. The 12 is a happy medium I think. While I have the 14 unless I was going great distances I think the 12 would suite just fine.
Too many decisions anymore....many models is a good thing....but makes it tougher to decide. You could just do what I do....own more then a couple!
Oh - I got plenty of Kayak's, that for sure!
I'm 5'10", 150# and the MantaRay 11 is perfect for me, sure the 12 would be a little faster, but the 11 gives me a little more mobility.
You're all correct, at this point I should wait and see what's on the horizon, unless of course I get a end of the season deal.
Since I never purchased last year, what else should I look at this spring?Originally Posted by barrell
Thanks!
Do demos at a variety of dealers and you will clearly know what you want. With fishermen this year its been all Hobie footdrives. I havent sold a fisherman a paddle kayak yet this year.
I must have misunderstood your comment before.
I thought you were suggesting that there would be new paddle yaks (in the spring) to compete with the ones that I already have on my short list. Almost like there was stuff that you couldn't talk about....If you wait till spring there will be a variety of new models in those size ranges by some intresting new companies.
Yes there are but no one dealer sells every brand. The first step is to go around and do demos of as many kayaks as possible. Your wheight , height,age, transportation, , home storage,and type of fishing might vary dramaticaly from a guy whos opinion you are seeking. We will have the new 160 from future beach any day. I havent even paddled it myself yet to be able to comment on it. It looks like a great value.
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