Native Manta Ray 14 Angler

[SteveL]

Potomac Paddlesports in Rockville MD is having a clearance sale and they have a Manta Ray 14 for a great price, plus other models. I have never paddled that model, but it has some great features and looks like a solid big water boat.

I have no affiliation with Po Paddlesports other than being a regular customer.

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/boat.cfm?id=30

http://www.monocacyboard.org/mboard/msg/18511.html

[J.A. Veil]

Steve -

I bought a Native Manta Ray 14 several years ago after fishing with guide Corey Routh, who put me in a Manta Ray 14 during our trip. The more I use it, the more I like it. It has a very comfortable sitting position and seat back. I am 6'4" and 245 lbs -- yet the boat is roomy enough for my large body. The scupper holes and floor configuration are set up to make the seating portion of the cockpit area dry while the foot wells drain easily while underway. The movable foot rests have a long range of positions. The rear storage area is quite roomy. I don't use the inside storage, but it looks to be very spacious too. I have the standard version rather than the angler version, but easily added three rod holders and a fishfinder to set it up for my fishing style.

For a paddle-type kayak, it is pretty fast (1 mph faster than my Ocean Kayak Drifter). This afternoon I paddled on the Severn River directly into a stiff, cold wind that put whitecaps all over the river. The waves were closely spaced 1.5 to 2 footers. The Manta Ray threw some spray, but plowed through waves with no problem or tendency to tip.

If I were buying another kayak, I would have the Manta Ray 14 at or near the top of my list.