And vice versa it certainly seems.
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Native Ultimate
When I was shopping last winter I went to Columbus got to look at the Freedom Hawks at MRO and then went downtown to where a new outfitter shop is and to look at the Natives Ultimate 12. I already had a WS Pamlico fishing yak for quite a few years since its introduction. I like the Hawk but then I realized that this thing will not hold up after a lot of use and then it looked like it will succumb to failure issues. Maybe I might be wrong but I just don't want the hassle and the weight is little to much to. I do like to be able to stand up and cast which is nice but then again I can get out and fish. So it came down to functionability of each craft and I had made my mind up on the Ultimate. It been a great ride this year on it with no regrets. It all boils down down on what you are comfortable with.
Several years ago I bought a pair of inflatable sponsons to go on my 17' canoe so I could fly cast while standing. Now I use them on my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160i to do the same. Using a $20 rechargeable pump I bought at REI I can go from speedy paddling to stand-up fishing in under 10 minutes.
The really cool thing about the inflatables is that I can use them while floating through the rocky shoals of the Hooch near Atlanta and not worry about breaking anything.
Paddling with the sponsons inflated is a little slower, but still faster than a canoe.
Not sure where you can buy them, but I'm sure somebody still makes them.
They look too whacky for me. I own a Ride 135, stand on it and fish all the time (fresh and saltwater). The boat is super stable in its stock form. It does have a draw back though, the speed suffers a little due to its extra width and tri-hull design.
An artile in Sept 08 "Fly Fish America" featured them in an article about Everglades National Park. The guide put a number (5-6)of anglers and these yaks in a Carolina Skiff, took them to fishing area, and let em loose. Said they were really good. Really liked that you could stand and cast with ease.