Native Watercraft Magic 12 Kayak - Review

If you've ever wished for a sit-on-top kayak with more top deck gear access, more comfortable seating, and infinite rigging options, you might want to check out the Magic 12 by Native Watercraft - a division Legacy Paddlesports.



The Magic looks a lot like a hybird between a SOT kayak and a canoe.  It's got self bailing scupper holes and is designed for use with a kayak paddle.  The Magic's most notable feature is Native Watercrafts exclusive "Plug and Play" system which is a series of gooves and slots all around the gunnel for accepting accessories including their "First Class" plug-in seat which doubles as beach chair.  Pretty cool!





Although this boat was originally designed for lake, stream, and flats fishing common to the east and south....  I took it out in the bay for my first test paddle.  I wanted to see how it would handle our typical windy bay conditions.



I must say, I was impressed with the way it handled the chop for its size.  It never felt tippy considering the seat position was higher than most kayaks.  Very little water ever came over the sides, and my butt stayed dry as advertised.







 

I'm curious to see how this boat would handle the Russian River on a drift for steelhead.  It's size and hull shape should do well.

Specs:
Length: 12'
Width: 31"
Weight: 60#
Capacity: 325#
MSRP: $829

Some online pics of "Plug and Play" accessories:







Pros:
--  Lots of on board storage and access to stuff.  A dream come true for tankwell fans.  This boat is like one big tankwell.
--  The unique "Plug and Play" system.  Practically eliminates the need to drill holes for accessories.  Infinite rigging options.
--  The most comfortable and dry kayak seat ever.  The mesh material allows lots of air flow.  No more hot sweaty butt!
--  Fast and very stable for boat for it's size.  Nice lines, adequate rocker.  Tracked well without a rudder and even better with. 
--  Sweet boat for lakes, streams, rivers, and even the bay.
--  Good boat for those with small kids and dogs.

Cons:
-- Almost no below deck storage or access.  Not your ideal kayak for the surf launches.
-- Heavy for it's size.
-- 300 lb weight limit.  It would be a wet ride for someone over 200 lbs.

Tandem kayakers and bigger dudes should check out Native's Magic 14.5 model. I should be getting an olive green 14.5 tandem to test paddle before the end of the month.  I really look forward to taking it out for some fishing and hunting adventures.  Stay tuned... I'll plan to review the longer 14.5 as well.

Anyone looking to try the Magic 12, let me know.  Perhaps, we can meet at a future hook-up.  California Canoe and Kayak at Oakland's Jack London Square is currently the only dealer in Bay Area selling the relatively new Native Watercraft line.  CCK provides free demos from their store location on the water.

Hey ChuckE -  I haven't been fishin like I should due to many different factors since Bam III. I'd like to do the Marin Islands or Paradise thing for hali's & stripers   but can't find the time & then they just can't seem to stop dumping more SHIT into the bay right where I want to go fishing!

Native Watercraft boats have caught my eye for a while now. I was down in Monterey this weekend and stopped by the MBK Paddelfest for a quick look and sat in their '1st Class Seat'.....seem'd  O.K. but without an on the water paddle I can't really say. Another thing is the weight of a 12' boat. I'm 60 going on 61 yrs. now and hefting my Marauder around at 71lbs.( not anywhere near the 52lbs. they claim), is always interesting. They are supposed to be coming out with a new material called 'Tegris' which is very light but of course, expensive, and that boat is really a canoe and not a SOT kayak. I've also seen the AD's for a new peddle system that can go backwards & forwards and uses a propeller instead of fins. That looks interesting too. Are you a Rep for them?

Thanks for the heads-up. I'll keep my eye on them. Maybe some day we can hook-up on a Marin trip.

Later, Tom

I just pointed a friend in the direction of this boat. He needs a lighter canoe and wants to take his dog.
Thanks for the review! perfect timing.
Ive been watching these guys too. Put my paws on the manta ray a few weeks back when I was at Clavey but didnt have time for a test. It may be my next fishing craft when it comes time to put down the T140.
Ive still got a few good years of paddling before I have to resort to blasphemy but the native pedaler actually makes sense. The Hobies inability to move backwards out of cover always seemed absurb to me but the native boat solved this. Would love a ride in either of these boats.

New pedal option for this kayak: "Native Ultimate Pedal Drive by Jon Shein"

http://www.kayakfishingmagazine.net/KFMJULY2008/Native_Ultimate_Pedal_Drive.html?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=929141&utm_campaign=Kayak%20Fishing%20Magazine%20July%202008

Check out the Flintstone edition
Debut at Hensley Lake June 22
Eric