"My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

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Rik
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Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Sarasota
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"My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by Rik »

I've had numerous kayaks over the years but the native Ultimate 14.5 seems to be the best all around boat I've had. It's comfortable, stable enough for me to stand and paddle and provides a very nice fishing platform. Sure, I miss the Tarpon 16 from time to time but I wouldn't give up this boat for one.

I chose the stunning blue color due to the fact that it was the only used boat for sale when I wanted to buy one.

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I have very little mounted on the kayak. I drilled holes only to install and anchor trolley and paddle holder. On both of those I used existing rivet holes for half of the holes needed.

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The biggest thing I made was a riser for the seat. I tried several methods before I arrived at this PVC pipe method. It is just tall enough that the seat pan is wedged between the PVC riser and the underside of the gunnels.

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The screw eye in the end of the pipe (one on each side) is where I attached the tethers for my fish grip and pliers.

Everything I take with me will fit in one milk crate. I mounted a three rod rack on the side to hold fishing rods and a plastic catch all tray on the front to hold scissors, used lures, glass cleaner spray, sun screen, etc. It is attached to the boat using a single bungee cord

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I also made a bailer from peanut butter jar. This is tied to the boat and never gets removed. Simple design. Drill a hole in the cap, slide the line thru and tie a big knot. It just lays int he bottom of the boat until needed.

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As most of you know, I take my little dog Barnacle with me quite often. I made a front deck for him out of plywood and outdoor carpet. Thats his perch. I keep the PFD underneath it. The traction pad stuff on the boat helps to keep him from slipping and falling in. Helps, not prevents.

I also have a compass mounted up there in case I forget which direction the sun rises or sets.

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You'll also notice that PVC goal post looking thing. That is a rod rest. I initially mad it to keep the rd away from barnacle but it also helps to keep the rods from getting dinged when laying them in the boat. The butt of the rod rests on the seat. That is a 1" PVC Tee fitting on the cross bar. I had to dremel it out a bit to slide it on there but it is nice and snug. When I want that rod rest out of the way it will rotate down.

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I tied my flag with a long enough piece of line so that it will fold up into the boat while paddling. I never have to unclip it or have it drag in the water while fishing.

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On the back of the Native seat, I attached a seat back pouch that I took off the back of a regular kayak seat. This is a very handy place to keep a plastic bag with paper towel, the required whistle and other assorted stuff.

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So, there it is. Any questions?

Oh, it also has the proper sticker

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Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
Todd
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Re: "My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by Todd »

The flag that fits in the boat is ingenious. Why didn't I think of that?
You know what La Quinta means in English? Behind Dennys. MarkM
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yohan1973
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Re: "My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by yohan1973 »

Rik...long time no see. I thought you would never give up the Tarpon! Those Ultimates are really nice. Have you dunked it yet? That's always been my concern with them. I saw a video of a guy who has the 14 foot tandem. He took one of the seats out, re-positioned the remaining seat and used it as a solo. I thought that was a great idea. I'm sure you've seen the video. I'm keeping my eye open for a tandem...
Stanley Steemer, carpet cleaner.
Todd
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Re: "My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by Todd »

Yohan in the house! Welcome back. How is the boat build coming along, done yet?
You know what La Quinta means in English? Behind Dennys. MarkM
Rik
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Joined: Wed Dec 31, 1969 7:00 pm
Location: Sarasota
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Re: "My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by Rik »

yohan1973 wrote: I thought you would never give up the Tarpon! Those Ultimates are really nice. Have you dunked it yet?
I never thought I'd give them up either. Had started a collection of the old (and MUCH better) style with hatches to make sure I always had one. However, age and diminishing lower back discs required a different seating position. Yes, I gave up the long distance ability but gained a lot of comfort and the ability to stand.

I've only dunked it completely once during a launch when I should have known better. Completely filed it to the gunnels. Thankfully it was right at the beach. They are damn heavy when full of water! I have stuck the bow in a few waves putting too many gallons in the boat but nothing that couldn't be bailed.

Something every Ultimate owner must realize is that you can not bail it out on the water if you fill it up. It will have to be dragged to the beach. Every owner should watch the video demonstration that guy in Texas made.

And I also want to see some of your homemade boat porn!
Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley
retireddeputy
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Joined: Mon Sep 30, 2013 2:26 pm
Location: Clearwater, FL Allens Creek
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Re: "My Boat" - Native Ultimate 14.5

Post by retireddeputy »

Hey Mr. Rik, I would like to chat about your seat as shown. Can you call me when good at 727/423-5595. Many thanks
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