Native Marvel 14.5 Tandem

[cshontz]

I just picked up a blue 2010 Native Marvel 14.5 Tandem kayak this weekend! I haven't had the chance to put it in the river yet, but I'm very excited to.

This boat was in stock at the local outfitter and was discounted since it is last year's model. I chose it because we needed a sit-in family kayak for river running, and the seating in this thing is extremely comfortable. Can't wait!

:wings:

 

[Haggis]

That's a nice kayak, Chris. I looked at one pretty hard before buying my Ultimate but as we didn't need a tandem boat didn't go that route. Plus I like the seating position better in the Ultimate but you're a younger guy without all the aching knee problems. I really looking forward to comparing the two boats on the Juniata float. Yours should be faster than mine I bet, even if you're just single paddling it. At least we'll both have the most comfortable seats in the "fleet". :sombrero:

 

[Smksignals]

Chris, after a year of ownership what are your thoughts on this boat? I am mostly interested in the stability and front passenger leg room for bending their knees. My uses would be calm lakes and protected harbors. My daughter and I have rented sit on tops twice (we are beginners), but for a purchase I am leaning on a sit inside. I think the seats in this boat would be spectacular. My local shop has a new one in stock from last year. I am pretty sure this boat has been discontinued.

Thanks for your help, Kurt T.

 

[cshontz]

Kurt,
It's extremely stable. If you keep your center of gravity fairly low, you (a small person) can crawl around the cockpit with a decent amount of confidence. Leg room is ample for me, however I'm only 5'7". I don't sit in the front often, but I think this will be a non-issue for most average-sized folks. The seats are indeed very comfortable, but I find the high back interferes with the back of my PFD somewhat, which is frustrating.

As it turns out, it hasn't been discontinued, it has been re-branded to Liquid Logic. Apparently Native wants to focus on vessels for anglers, so they gave their rec boats to Liquid Logic, which I believe is Native's parent company.

http://liquidlogickayaks.com/marvel_14.cfm

Overall, I'm happy I have it. It's a great boat to take out with my 9 year old son. We have a lot of fun in it.

 

[Smksignals]

Great info Chris ! I'll throw a PFD on and sit in the boat and see how it feels. Have you paddled it in the solo position?

I'll let you know if I purchase.

 

[Honu]

curious if ya still have it and what current thoughts are looking hard at two family kayaks and the logic or native are on the list for one of the models and the pedal sot hobie for the other

thanks