Native Watercraft

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gonefishin
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Native Watercraft

Post by gonefishin »

I heard that Native Watercraft has discontinued the Manta Ray line, has anyone heard if they are planning on producing a replacement for the Manta Ray? I love my Slayer, but I would also like something a little faster with a lower profile. I have been considering a Jackson Cuda that would fit this bill, but would like to find out if Native is coming out with anything new other than Peddle craft.
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macjank7
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Native Watercraft

Post by macjank7 »

The Manta Ray is far from low profile. It it actually very high sided, I have had mine for a couple of years. It is great for big water and is very fast.
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gonefishin
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Re: Native Watercraft

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macjank7 wrote:The Manta Ray is far from low profile. It it actually very high sided, I have had mine for a couple of years. It is great for big water and is very fast.
I know, I had a Manta Ray before I got the Slayer, I think my Slayer paddles better though, of course mine was 12 foot as is the Slayer and the Manta Ray 12 was in need of a Rudder. Manta Ray is a good Yak, my brother loves his 14 ft. they are fast and stable.


I was just hoping Native would put some more thought into another fishing Yak that is not a peddle craft to take the place of the Manta Ray.
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bigun
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by bigun »

As of right now they have no plans for a replacement for the Manta ray line, they took them out of the line up due to maintenance issues with the molds and low sales of the boats themselves since the Slayer line of boats hit the showrooms. Right now they are swamped with orders for Slayer models and the new Ultimate FX line, there may come a time down the road where they bring back the Manta or something similar but not for now, so if you can find one for sale I'd bye it because they don't have anymore new ones to ship out.
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gonefishin
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by gonefishin »

bigun wrote:As of right now they have no plans for a replacement for the Manta ray line, they took them out of the line up due to maintenance issues with the molds and low sales of the boats themselves since the Slayer line of boats hit the showrooms. Right now they are swamped with orders for Slayer models and the new Ultimate FX line, there may come a time down the road where they bring back the Manta or something similar but not for now, so if you can find one for sale I'd bye it because they don't have anymore new ones to ship out.
Thanks for the info, I was hoping for a next great fishing yak on the Horizon from Native. A little narrower and lower profile than the Slayer. I love my Slayer but I would trim it down and replace the foam covered handles with real handles that won't get torn up. Maybe a small hatch in front of the seat. Taper down the electronics console and put an actual hatch cover on there. I can dream of the perfect Yak for my needs anyway. I was hoping Native was planning a surprise.

Not wanting a Manta Ray as my Slayer out performs my old Manta Ray for where I fish inshore, marshes and back lakes.

Thanks and Tight Lines
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bigun
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by bigun »

they are still tweaking and adding things to the Slayer as it has now become their flagship boat over the Ultimate series so look for some new and improved things down the line, what year model Slayer do you have
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gonefishin
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by gonefishin »

bigun wrote:they are still tweaking and adding things to the Slayer as it has now become their flagship boat over the Ultimate series so look for some new and improved things down the line, what year model Slayer do you have
I have a 2013. I am thinking of re-rigging the battery hatch with a nylon boat hinge and bungee cord closures, but right now I don't really use it, may put a camera mount on it instead. I am looking for some rubber handles to replace the foam on the side handles too. The foam gets torn up if you tie a stringer or paddle leash on it. I'll be checking on the updates as I love my Slayer :D
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by bigun »

so do you have the thumb screws on that cover or the regular? if you have the regular screws you can get the thumb screws to replace them and add the battery bag to the inside. I'll pass along your concerns about the handle and see if any of the other pro staffers has any thoughts on how to rectify that issue.

as far as storage goes they now offer the under seat storage bag and the backpack that goes on the back of the seat for extra storage so you can store more stuff out of they way
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Re: Native Watercraft

Post by gonefishin »

bigun wrote:so do you have the thumb screws on that cover or the regular? if you have the regular screws you can get the thumb screws to replace them and add the battery bag to the inside. I'll pass along your concerns about the handle and see if any of the other pro staffers has any thoughts on how to rectify that issue.

as far as storage goes they now offer the under seat storage bag and the backpack that goes on the back of the seat for extra storage so you can store more stuff out of they way
I don't carry that much, but I did think about the under seat storage. Not for $89 though, I got Military Molle system ammo pouches and used the Molle straps to fasten then under the seat. 2 bags for $5 and they hold my fish grips and bags of soft plastic. If I ever decide I need to use the battery console I will order the thumbscrews, but since I normally don't use a fish finder I have not needed it yet. I was trying to think of a way it could be used as extra storage but no need at this time. I just think that this area could of been better thought out for more uses than just a fish finder. My 2 cents. I have thought about bicycle handle grips for the side handles. Right now I have them duct taped.
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