Anybody has Native Propel kayaks? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Dave Legacy · 11-28-2015, 11:08 PM

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 · 11-29-2015, 07:37 AM

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 · 11-29-2015, 08:53 AM

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.

acorad · 11-29-2015, 09:26 AM

I've heard you can pop the mirage drive out and turn it around so you can peddle in reverse. Probably steering is a little wonky with the rudder now on the "bow" of the kayak, not sure how it works with the Propel.

Andy

Iceman · 11-29-2015, 09:53 AM

OEX Mission Bay is a Native dealer as well, yes the pedal cranks have been shortened and seat raised.

Mahigeer · 11-29-2015, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

OEX Mission Bay is a Native dealer as well, yes the pedal cranks have been shortened and seat raised.

Do you have any Slayer Propel kayaks in stock for demo??

I would like to try one next week.

Iceman · 11-30-2015, 07:55 AM

Yes, just give me a call prior to coming in, so I can make sure it is available for you 562-592-0800

makobob · 12-16-2015, 03:52 PM

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.

Quote:

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?

11-29-2015, 09:53 AM	#5
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	OEX Mission Bay is a Native dealer as well, yes the pedal cranks have been shortened and seat raised. __________________

11-30-2015, 07:55 AM	#7
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Yes, just give me a call prior to coming in, so I can make sure it is available for you 562-592-0800 __________________

11-28-2015, 11:08 PM	#1
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	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?

11-29-2015, 07:37 AM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	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

11-29-2015, 08:53 AM	#3
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,910	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.

11-29-2015, 09:26 AM	#4
acorad Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Agoura Hills Posts: 166	I've heard you can pop the mirage drive out and turn it around so you can peddle in reverse. Probably steering is a little wonky with the rudder now on the "bow" of the kayak, not sure how it works with the Propel. Andy