Native Kayaks

Dwight Harley

Dwight Harley

Well-known member
I had just about made up my mind to buy the Native Ultimate FX 15 solo but the dealer mentioned that Native has decided to start offering a new model of the old Native Ultimate 14.5 solo. Anyone have any experience with either of these boats?
 
Dwight: I've looked at those--not sure which models--and they look nice.

Found the specs here: http://nativewatercraft.com/product/ultimate-14-5-solo/

Looks like the 15 is a few inches longer and an inch wider than the 14.5, but more than 20 pounds heavier. I can't tell if the hull shapes are different too, but something must account for the fact that the 15 is rated with a 600 pound capacity while the 14.5 only for 450. That's too big a difference for the small width and length changes to account for it, I think, so I'm guessing they beefed up the hull dimensions, too.

What do these cost? I seem to recall that when I looked at them they were pretty pricey. I might be inclined to look at something in kevlar (or glass over wood) to save weight. My experience suggests that a 60 (or 80) pound canoe is pretty easy to carry solo using the center thwart as a yoke, but a kayak of the same weight is a lot harder to deal with.
 
Jeff, I did see those specs. The weight of the boat doesn't concern me much as I will trailer this one. It does cost a good bit more than the original Ultimate but the dealer is going to work a good trade for me if get the FX 15. Thanks for your comments.
 
Natives are nice few of my friends run them. Not enough storage room I think. I currently run a wilderness ride 135, my brother and another friend run the feel free lure 13.5 I can say the feel free is a very nice paddle and stability in the bay for the price the wilderness I'm ready to ditch due to stability issues in rough water.
 
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