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

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

Mahigeer · 11-30-2015, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

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

Thank you.

Will do as instructed.

Which day is better, Tue-Friday?

11-29-2015, 09:53 AM	#4
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	#6
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 __________________

11-29-2015, 07:37 AM	#1
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	#2
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	#3
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