I bought the Mariner knowing it probably wasn't as good as the Hobie but the location of the shop near my place was a big factor. Being a cyclist I also liked the pedal-propelor system complimenting my riding exercise.
The other feature is the reverse propellor which is great to maintain a position, and often I use it when I tow my son in a smaller Seak Swift.
It is big, solid and heavy, so getting it home after fishing can be exhausting. I couldn't get it on the car without the swing-out bar.
But the stability is fantastic; I have tipped and lost gear in my son's kayak, but the Mariner holds up really well in larger waves. I have been in 0.5 to 1m waves and initially thought it too rough, but it handles them okay. Still have to keep my eyes on them rogue waves though.
I reckon the pedal-propellor is not as fast as the Hobie's; I average about 5kph in average slightly wavy conditions. After a while the upper hammies is where I feel a bit of fatigue so I take a leg rest and paddle for a while.
My major problem was with the mechanism siezing up after the long winter break. But Capacity Sports were great in replacing the whole unit; they said it had some corrosion.
The seat is comfy and the space under is where I initially toss my catch. No problems with space, there is room behind the seat to toss stuff also. At the back there is the big flat area where I can put the trolley if it take it with me. We did an overnight trip on Lake Eildon with tent, sleeping bags etc and it worked well.
The width of the trolley at 95 cms means that I cant get through some tight tracks.
So overall I am happy with the performance. It is a beast to cart around but once in the water feels stable.
Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
- Zvejys
- The force is strong in this one
- Posts: 157
- Joined: 17 Nov 2011, 21:36
- kayak: Native Mariner 12.5 Propel
- Real Name: David
- Location: Mentone
Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Barracouta 55cm, Leatherjacket 40cm, Snook 80cm, Trout 60cm, Redfin 35cm, Flathead 49cm, Gummy 95cm, Silver Trevally 25cm, Squid 33cm, Austr. Salmon 52cm, Snapper 67cm
- Babylon
- Needs a life (forum tragic)
- Posts: 4893
- Joined: 02 Feb 2010, 21:43
- kayak: 2017 Hobie Revo 13, Hobie Compass Duo
- Real Name: Jim
- Location: Corinella Victoria
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Thanks for the review Zvejys,its good to get feedback on other makes of yaks they are all a bit of a beast on land
but on the water are great sounds like a great yak and service from Capacity sports is up There. Cheers Babylon
but on the water are great sounds like a great yak and service from Capacity sports is up There. Cheers Babylon
- Knogg
- Lord of the fish
- Posts: 1125
- Joined: 30 Jan 2012, 12:58
- kayak: Hobie Pro Angler 12,COBRA,Fish and Dive,play
- Real Name: Corey
- Location: Lower Plenty
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Can you get some pics up.
I've seen a couple of vids and I thought the pedal system looked a little awkward and uncomfortable.
How efficient is the propel system. Taking into account you will get use to it after a few sessions.
I've seen a couple of vids and I thought the pedal system looked a little awkward and uncomfortable.
How efficient is the propel system. Taking into account you will get use to it after a few sessions.
"Every Fisherman has a story" but "Every KAYAK fisherman has a better one"
- Toadhunter
- Qualified Fish Monger
- Posts: 351
- Joined: 29 Jul 2011, 21:46
- kayak: Ocean Kayak Prowler Ultra 4.3, Pioneer Canoe
- Real Name: Evan
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Good review, thanks for sharing it. One of my friends has just bought one of these as well, and he is loving it, though he has only had it out in Karkarook and the Tambo at the moment.
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Good review,
I tried out the native mariner and the hobie outback.There wasn't much between them but I ended up going with the outback back mainly because I liked the peddle action more in the outback and it was as you say a bit faster. Though if I was doing more fishing in rivers or lakes around snags I'd go for the native.The ability to reverse easily would be very handy.
I tried out the native mariner and the hobie outback.There wasn't much between them but I ended up going with the outback back mainly because I liked the peddle action more in the outback and it was as you say a bit faster. Though if I was doing more fishing in rivers or lakes around snags I'd go for the native.The ability to reverse easily would be very handy.
-
- Qualified Fish Monger
- Posts: 427
- Joined: 17 May 2010, 15:58
- kayak: 2009 Hobie Outback
- Real Name: Steve
- Location: Boronia
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Phils,
Hobie would be better amongst the snags. The ability to fold the fins flat to the hull is great rather than removing the drive as in the mariner. Plus the paddle gets me out of trouble very easily.
Cheers,
Steve.
Hobie would be better amongst the snags. The ability to fold the fins flat to the hull is great rather than removing the drive as in the mariner. Plus the paddle gets me out of trouble very easily.
Cheers,
Steve.
-
- Qualified Fish Monger
- Posts: 340
- Joined: 01 Mar 2011, 22:18
- kayak: Hobie Outback & Heritage Featherlite 9.5
- Real Name: Michael
- Location: Mill Park, VIC
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Agreed.doddsj wrote:Phils,
Hobie would be better amongst the snags. The ability to fold the fins flat to the hull is great rather than removing the drive as in the mariner. Plus the paddle gets me out of trouble very easily.
Cheers,
Steve.
Also the ability to do short pulses of the fins in really shallow water to still move along and the fact that the mirage drive is much more resistant to damage.
The prop does sit deeper in the water to begin with also.
-
- Lord of the fish
- Posts: 1508
- Joined: 19 Jul 2011, 21:57
- kayak: PA14 and 2 ebay jobs.
- Real Name: Gozz
- Location: Rowville
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Which one did u find more stable out of the two.Phils wrote:Good review,
I tried out the native mariner and the hobie outback.There wasn't much between them but I ended up going with the outback back mainly because I liked the peddle action more in the outback and it was as you say a bit faster. Though if I was doing more fishing in rivers or lakes around snags I'd go for the native.The ability to reverse easily would be very handy.
A mate of of a mate in America owns a PA and a 12.5 mariner and he always goes for the PA.
- GoneFishn
- PHD in Yakology.
- Posts: 2835
- Joined: 04 Feb 2010, 19:01
- kayak: OceanKayak Prowler Elite 4.5 "Calypso"
- Real Name: Kelly
- Location: Wyndham Vale
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
Mariner width 32"
PA Width 38"
PA Width 38"
-
- Lord of the fish
- Posts: 1508
- Joined: 19 Jul 2011, 21:57
- kayak: PA14 and 2 ebay jobs.
- Real Name: Gozz
- Location: Rowville
Re: Native Mariner 12.5 Reveiw
I was thinking more the mariner vs outback.GoneFishn wrote:Mariner width 32"
PA Width 38"