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

Mahigeer · 11-30-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstephens3232

This is my biggest concern. Wish someone knew for sure?

One owner says to put a plastic washer with holes between the prop blade and the shaft.

It reduces the gap and collection of sea weeds.

Given the snagging of the tackle problem in the middle of the kelp forest, I rather fish on the outside of the kelp anyways.

Bob Benner · 12-02-2015, 12:44 AM

I originally bought a Slayer Propel 10 when I first got into Kayak fishing. Two weeks later I sold it and bought a Hobie Outback. The Slayer tracked really bad, the Propel drive started making a really bad creaking sound after about a week. The Propel drive is a eel grass magnet! Fishing Mission Bay I was clearing my prop every 5-10 minutes. The Propel drive picks up every single strand of loose grass you come across. Also, it feels like you are constantly riding a bicycle up hill with the Propel drive, legs would start burning after about 30-45 minutes. I have been absolutely pleased with my Outback. My decision to sell the Propel was the right choice for me. One more thing, the Outback also feels much more solidly made then the Slayers.

Mahigeer · 12-02-2015, 07:14 AM

One of the benefit of this site is the experience of the members.

Thank you all for the inputs.

For now I will stay with my Outback.

Toromike · 12-02-2015, 09:02 AM

Yes, I had the Native Mariner 12. They are very nice Kayaks, and yes the prop drive does collect eel grass and other floating objects. I felt it was hard to peddle the kayak. Another issue they have is the rudder is not retractable and could get damaged in transport. But other than that they are great. I eventually sold mine about a year ago and got a Hobie Pro Angler.

tstephens3232 · 12-02-2015, 10:45 AM

The deal was too good... I bought the Slayer Propel 13 on Cyber Monday for $1800 all tax and shipping included. At $800 discount I figured if it's that bad I should be able to get my money back or something close to it. I know they have corrected a lot of the issues especially in the comfort department but the eel grass and kelp will like be a issue (hopefully not a big one). For half the prcie of a PA I had to give it a try.

steve999 · 12-02-2015, 04:11 PM

When I test drove the slayer propel my biggest dislike was the rudder was too small. Steering in reverse is difficult. There is an aftermarket rudder that's bigger, but its still shallow and wide, sort of like dragging a hockey stick. Didn't seem that good. Sure wish they'd fix that. Then it would be a great boat.

nacho66 · 12-02-2015, 07:22 PM

I have a PA and bought the Slayer 13 for my wife from the Guys at OEX last year. Wife loves it, I upgraded my mirage drive just to attempt to keep up with her. We took them up to the Sierra's this past October. Slayer is much lighter than my PA, and more playable (Keep it out of the sun when not in use). I like the rail system which makes it easy to rod holders and such. I got it for her to have the best of both worlds when she wasn't going out with me. I have yet to get in it. She likes it that much.

12-02-2015, 07:22 PM	#7
nacho66 Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chula Vista, Ca Posts: 85	I have a PA and bought the Slayer 13 for my wife from the Guys at OEX last year. Wife loves it, I upgraded my mirage drive just to attempt to keep up with her. We took them up to the Sierra's this past October. Slayer is much lighter than my PA, and more playable (Keep it out of the sun when not in use). I like the rail system which makes it easy to rod holders and such. I got it for her to have the best of both worlds when she wasn't going out with me. I have yet to get in it. She likes it that much. __________________ 2013 Dune PA-14 2014 Slayer Propel 13 Navy Senior Chief Retired

12-02-2015, 12:44 AM	#2
Bob Benner Junior Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 1	I originally bought a Slayer Propel 10 when I first got into Kayak fishing. Two weeks later I sold it and bought a Hobie Outback. The Slayer tracked really bad, the Propel drive started making a really bad creaking sound after about a week. The Propel drive is a eel grass magnet! Fishing Mission Bay I was clearing my prop every 5-10 minutes. The Propel drive picks up every single strand of loose grass you come across. Also, it feels like you are constantly riding a bicycle up hill with the Propel drive, legs would start burning after about 30-45 minutes. I have been absolutely pleased with my Outback. My decision to sell the Propel was the right choice for me. One more thing, the Outback also feels much more solidly made then the Slayers.

12-02-2015, 07:14 AM	#3
Mahigeer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,910	One of the benefit of this site is the experience of the members. Thank you all for the inputs. For now I will stay with my Outback.

12-02-2015, 09:02 AM	#4
Toromike Junior Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Santee Posts: 27	Yes, I had the Native Mariner 12. They are very nice Kayaks, and yes the prop drive does collect eel grass and other floating objects. I felt it was hard to peddle the kayak. Another issue they have is the rudder is not retractable and could get damaged in transport. But other than that they are great. I eventually sold mine about a year ago and got a Hobie Pro Angler.

12-02-2015, 10:45 AM	#5
tstephens3232 Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Long Beach Posts: 30	The deal was too good... I bought the Slayer Propel 13 on Cyber Monday for $1800 all tax and shipping included. At $800 discount I figured if it's that bad I should be able to get my money back or something close to it. I know they have corrected a lot of the issues especially in the comfort department but the eel grass and kelp will like be a issue (hopefully not a big one). For half the prcie of a PA I had to give it a try.

12-02-2015, 04:11 PM	#6
steve999 Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 39	When I test drove the slayer propel my biggest dislike was the rudder was too small. Steering in reverse is difficult. There is an aftermarket rudder that's bigger, but its still shallow and wide, sort of like dragging a hockey stick. Didn't seem that good. Sure wish they'd fix that. Then it would be a great boat.