the new 2008 manta ray 12

[ZEBRA]

The New Native Watercraft Manta ray 12

As most of you all know native watercraft have taken over production of the manta rays.
I took delivery today of mine their are a few changes to the new model I will try to point them out.
The first thing I noticed was the build quality it’s just top notch with sleek stylish lines and curves and has a lot of nice areas in the cockpit for modifications and additions it seams roomier than the last model but this could just be me this new model has all the traits of the last model very compfortable very stable and easy to paddle .




The rear tank well shape has been slightly changed and a more pronounced hump at the rear round hatch area is now more pronounced.



The foot rests have become a lot bigger and I think will make it a lot more comfortable on those long days in the sun on the bottom of your feet the new slide mechanism is also much smoother than the last model and is very easy to adjust even when out on the water the easy adjustment also means you can make small adjustments to helps you to dig in when your paddling against the wind.



The seat has changed to this very rigid seat it has a semi high back and feels really comfortable to sit in this will give a lot more back support when fishing and paddling and will be easy to clean at the end of the day



The 2 hull tracking lines are slightly longer and deeper than the last model so it will
Improve the tracking




A deeper paddle park and the new branding is a nice touch to finish this new model off.



I will add to this review once I get it on the water and give it a good testing out but I think they have designed a great kayak and it’s sure to be in amongst the top fishing kayaks for this year.

[SEAJUNKY]

Terry

Do you leave your yaks outside all the time

[ZEBRA]

yes steve i have 4 kayaks on the rack but i do have a big cover that i sometimes put over them when the weather is either freezing or very sunny

[TimO]

Used to keep mine inside, but the wife moaned and said "where am I suppose to sleep ?" so outside now- the wife that is ;D

[degs]

hi terry,as you no i have a 12 manta,the first things i noticed that i no is a big improvement is the foot rest-the short thin foot as on mine can somtimes give you a bit of cramp on a very long day- BIG IMPROVMENT,the second is the seat,mine is very comfortable but yours well looks fantasticaly comfortable.the rear tank well looks better than mine(got a crate for you if it will fit-i had to adapt mine).i think they have given this one a lot of though,i think we nead to put both together and compare them on the water.
looks like you got more than your moneys worth terry ;D and i think it is still the same price as last years model(mine)jammy or what !!!

[ZEBRA]

after getting the manta on the water today i can definatly feel a difference in the tracking and stability which was good before but its even better now thanks to the slight hull differences between the old and new models .i watched seajunky fishing from one side with his legs over the side and the stability was amazing to see just how far over he was without falling in .