New LiquidLogic pedal kayak

Hey ncka family I know I have not posted in way to long. But I was wondering if any of you guys have the liquid logic pedal kayak and how good they are compared to the hobies. I have done some research and they're pretty balanced out the hobies are better at some things while liquid logic are better at others. Just wanted some feedback from yall.

I don't know anything about it, but it's good to see your post here, Adam. 

I have the same one.  I am in Livermore - let me know if you want to try it out.  I've probably used it more than just about anyone, so feel free to reach out to me to chat about it.  I can tell you how it compares.

I have the same one.  I am in Livermore - let me know if you want to try it out.  I've probably used it more than just about anyone, so feel free to reach out to me to chat about it.  I can tell you how it compares.

Adam is in Oregon. Sometimes he visit with his parents in Livermore.

Wow that thing cost as much as the hobie compass on ACK!

Yes I am in oregon now but next time I'm down there visiting I would love to test it out before I buy one

Yes I am in oregon now but next time I'm down there visiting I would love to test it out before I buy one

Marvin Forte on facebook is a Native guy and has one as well. Next Adventure is a retailer.  I highly recommend you try it out.  It's a real kayak and very efficient on the water.  I would say it is sort of a mix between a hobie revolution and an outback.  Great hull.  I've got a couple videos and posts about it in the Native sub-forum.

Wow that thing cost as much as the hobie compass on ACK!

To be fair, our boat has been out almost a year longer than the compass, so you can say that the compass is as expensive as our model is.

The Native Manta Ray Propel has a few differences compared to the Compass:

1. Comes with the Native Propel Drive, which includes reverse.  The Compass does not come with the MD180 standard.  The Propel drive has been out for like 8 years now and has gone through 5 iterations by now, so it's getting a lot better than the original 101 drives.
2. Comes with better and more useful Native groove track than the track included in the compass model.
3. Has a full front hatch to stash gear in if needed. 
4. Pretty much identical weight wise to the compass.
5. Not as open of a deck as the compass, and hull is not built for standing like the compass is.  So if standing and fishing is important, the compass is probably a better fit.
6. Pricewise, has a higher MSRP, but will generally go on sale more often than the compass. I see it on sale for around $1799 quite often at local dealers.
7. Rod holders are *not* molded in.
8. Does *not* come with a paddle like the Compass does.
9. Much smaller rear tankwell than the compass, so if you care about tankwell space that may matter to you.
10. A little less comfortable of a seat than the other Native model seats - but probably comparable to the compass which also has a bit of a dumbed down seat compared to other Hobies.

All of this being said, I think the Native Manta Ray provides better value for the dollar than the Compass does.  It is an excellent all around kayak and does everything pretty well.  Those who fish with me on a regular basis have seen that it is as capable of a craft as any other.  There's a reason that Natives are absolutely blowing up sales this year.

If anyone is interested in demo-ing it, my fleet is always available, including a Native Manta Ray Propel and a Hurricane Skimmer Propel.

Performance wise, it's great on the water.

Very stable while sitting down.  It only has a 350lb weight capacity so it sits pretty low in the water compared to some of our other models.  This gives it pretty decent primary stability.  It has good secondary stability - I think it is helped by the propel drive being in a down position and acting sort of like a daggerboard in that way. 

Very efficient bow - cuts through water.

Speed wise it's excellent. It doesn't keep up a top speed of say 5+mph sustained, but it can easily cruise above 4mph and can keep a nice 2-2.5mph trolling speed with almost zero effort.

Paddles very well - I have a video up of its paddling. It is probably one of the finest paddling pedal driven kayaks on the market.  It paddles well when you're moving, but doesn't have much glide - when you stop paddling, the water tends to slosh around in the drivewell.

It tracks well - straight as an arrow.  That being said, it is not terribly maneuverable and you need to be going at a good speed to get it to do a tight turn. I have recently upgraded to the larger model rudders and the berleypro steering upgrade which should help the maneuverability significantly.  But I never had a huge problem with turning radius, as I also use prop wash to help me turn left, as well as edging by leaning outside of the turns.  It takes a bit of getting used to, that.

The only real knock on the kayak is its weight capacity.  It has a claimed weight capacity of 350lbs, and that's probably true.  But the hull sits low in the water, and because of that water tends to get into the cockpit area near the front scuppers when not moving. I'm talking about 1" of water or so pooling near the scupper.  When I stand in it close to the bow, it gets more. When under way, all the water leaves the boat.  Part of that is I'm short and stocky, so my weight is more forward than someone who is taller.  But I've never been afraid of a little water in the cockpit as I dress for the conditions. Those who are afraid of getting their kicks wet should consider something dryer.  I actually like a little bit of water as it brings me closer to my surroundings.

Feel free to ask any questions you have about it. It's been my primary kayak since it was released, so we're talking about a year and a half now, getting close to 2 years.  2 years is the longest I've owned any kayak, and I've seriously considered selling it before but recently realized there's nothing in our Native lineup that I like better when all factors are considered.  I will be paring down the fleet but will sell the hurricane instead, even though its lighter weight, also very fast and stable.

Yes I am in oregon now but next time I'm down there visiting I would love to test it out before I buy one

You in Oregon ?! Where and you better be on NWKA!!!!!!

Thank you everyone on the info and BMB I will definitely PM you next time in down visiting my parents

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You in Oregon ?! Where and you better be on NWKA!!!!!!

Yes I live in shady cove it's about 25 miles from Medford and I'll definitely check it out