Native Watercraft Mariner 10 Propel

[mehi]

I was fortunate enough to get a demo of the Native Watercraft Mariner 10 Propel today with thanks to Mark at Kayak Sports at Burleigh Heads. Although it was not the angler model and I did not have a rod with me, I was still able to get an impression on this crafts capability.

Note: I am not comparing this kayak to any other, I wish to post up my experience from todays demo.

mariner 10 propel

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The Native Watercraft website http://www.nativewatercraft.comsays:
"LENGTH: 10" / 305 cm
WIDTH: 32" / 81 cm
WEIGHT: 72 lbs / 32.5 kg
DISCOVER THREE BOATS IN ONE! Native Watercraft Multisport kayaks feature three unique propulsion systems to offer three very distinct kayaking experiences. The Ultimate™ Multisport series kayaks can be purchased with either the Propel Pedal Drive, the Volt electric drive or soon, the Wind sail drive but each interchangeable system can also be purchased separately.
The sit-on-top Mariner features an open rear deck that is great for a small passenger or gear for a day on the water. The unique low rear deck design coupled with unrivaled stability means that climbing back in after a swim or snorkel is almost effortless. The Propel pedal drive enables you to enjoy the Mariner's maneuverability and comfort all day. "

What I say:
My first impression was how smooth a finish on the plastic and how comfortable the seat looked. Mark ran through the features with me, steering control and how to adjust the seat. Looking at the hull underneath I could imagine the stability from the twin pontoons of its tunnel hull design which also made me think it should have less drag than a flat bottom hull and so be a bit quicker.

tunnel hull

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The pedal drive system "Propel" is a solid unit. It would definitely take a lot of punishment. Raising and lowering of the unit can be done from the seat and is a very quick operation. I would say you could operate the pedal drive in 250mm of water.
Once seated on the water I was able to lean as far as I could without falling overboard but the kayak didnt even look like it would flip, not bad for a 3m kayak.

comfortable seat

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I ventured to stand up and was very happy to stay standing, I went through the motions of casting and felt confident. If you did fall off it though, it would be easy to climb back in over the stern.

standing

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The idea of pedaling a kayak took a little getting used to as did the rudder control by hand. This was my fist time pedalling a kayak and I havent even ridden a pushbike for many years. After playing around for awhile I did get used to it and was enjoying the ride. What I noticed was how easy it was to move along at a pretty good rate and also how responsive the kayak is to the steering. Reverse was simple, just pedal backwards.
I had a go with the pedal drive out and used a paddle. It paddled quite well, I used a normal kayak paddle and had the rudder in a straight position, I was able to turn with rudder fixed by using sweep strokes.
Its application as a fishing kayak would be perfect for dam fishing, especially holding position over deep holes and also venturing up the narrow arms and being able to reverse out again if needed.
In summary it is a very nicely finished kayak, comfortable to sit in, very very stable and the propel system is very quick. It also paddles well. There is a version which comes with a small motor that fits in the same spot as the pedal shaft.
If anyone is keen to check out these kayaks then I suggest you send a PM to Kayaksportsmark and arrange a demo.

My Final Comment: IT DOES WHAT IT SAYS IT DOES

[craig51063]

Ide love to take the 12 out on the harbour .i reakon it would be fantastic 4 sneaking in and out behind those private pontoons .

craig

[Barrabundy]

Did you try getting in and out among some tight stuff? I reckon it would be in a class of it's own in that type of situation.

[mehi]

Ide love to take the 12 out on the harbour .i reakon it would be fantastic 4 sneaking in and out behind those private pontoons .

craig

the 12 would be awesome around the Harbour in my opinion

Did you try getting in and out among some tight stuff? I reckon it would be in a class of it's own in that type of situation.

Although I didnt try it up in the tight stuff in the creeks the yak's manoeuvrability was awesome

[Plasman]

So Dave whats the amage for one of these little beauties?
PM me if it breaches policy as I'd be very interested to know although I'm not in the market at the moment.

[clarkey]

I could just see you and Mark strutting around like robin hood in your bike pants

I'd like to try one getting in around pontoons,just sneak in fire off a couple of casts and reverse back out

[Occy]

I've seen Native watercraft stuff before and I was mighty impressed. They seem to have their design and engineering sorted, and they obviously use quality plastic, and know how to finish it off.
I'm guessing the price would reflect that, and would expect them to carry a premium similar to Hobie. Anyone know approximate pricing?

[Dodge]

I could just see you and Mark strutting around like robin hood in your bike pants

I'd like to try one getting in around pontoons,just sneak in fire off a couple of casts and reverse back out

clarkey reckon they would be perfect for that mate, and the few blokes with the Propel drive all seem happy with the boat.

[gcfisho]

I like the idea of reverse .

[Harls]

I can't remember what the price was exactly for the propel, but I did find out a while ago and it was VERY steep. At the time(earlier in the year), they did cost more than the equivalent sized Hobie Mirages.

[spooled1]

I heard there was a 10 Propel in the Gold Coast, maybe one day I'll get a chance to try it out
Thanks for the lowdown Mehi.

[jimmyb86]

hey guys the price for the mariner is bout 2500 and ive been looking at hobies and the p.a was the only hobie that comes close to the mariner. i seen the mariner at kayak sports and i loved it once i get the cash up im getting 1 of those puppys thats for sure

[feral64]

im paying $2700,yak seat@peddle system (UPGRADE FROM A TEMPO)

[killer]

Hi guys & girls, check out www.adventureoutlet.com.au , go to fishing kayaks , there's a range of native watercraft on there with prices etc & demo vid's as well.
There's a kayak Demo day on the 19th june on there as well .
cheers killer.

[Noviceyakka]

Hi,

I am the fortunate owner of a Mariner 12.5 propel and I love it. I have had it for a few months, used it outside and in rivers for fishing and have blooded it with snapper, mackerel, tailor flathead and bream. It is very stable and easy to get back in to if you do happen to fall out (I did it deliberately to ensure I could). It compares favourably in price with the Hobie models and its performance for speed and ease of paddle is similar with the added advantage of being able to go in reverse. It is a bit heavier than similar kayaks but that helps with its stability in the ocean. I can still get it on and off my Ute roof racks with no real effort by myself. It is also easy enough to paddle - I have paddled it up to 6 Kilometers with a full load of fishing gear and managed it with no problem - and at 57, 95 Kg I am no athlete.

It has had its teething troubles but I have to say that the dealer and Nativewatercraft have been fantastic with after sales service. If you are looking for a dedicated fishing kayak, then definitely have a look at it. And I am not on a commission - I am a happy owner of the kayak.

Noviceyakka