Native Ultimate 12 with flotation

[nowindknots]

The Ultimate is becoming legendary for its stability and comfort.

I have some growing concerns however, should a capsize occur. I have never felt in danger on my own, however I fish a lot of alpine lakes and many of them are large enough for motorized craft. I can foresee the time when an out of control boat or pwc causes a real problem.

My concern started when I read this thread on another forum:

http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/f...water+re+entry

The pics show a swamped Ultimate with enough flotation to keep it at the surface but a self rescue or even bailing was impossible.

I purchased two of these:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...ation-Bag.html

I've always been a minimalist fisher anyway so there is still plenty of space for my spartan selection of gear.

Today I intentionally swamped my ultimate in safe water to see if self rescue is possible with the float bags. I'm happy to report it is. The craft floats with as much water as it wants to take plus my 220 pounds with about 2.5 inches of freeboard. This was repeatable with 3 attempts. Righting the capsized Ultimate was no problem.

Stability with a craft 3/4 full of water was drastically reduced. But it was possible to re-board and assume the seated position. A bailing scoop or pump is mandatory.

I did not have a camera at the water but here are some pics of the Ultimate in the driveway.







Safe fishing

Jim

[fcch]

Good idea:

Today I intentionally swamped my ultimate in safe water to see if self rescue is possible with the float bags

It is actually fun to play around with a boat like that and it is essential to try out self rescue etc in a safe location. ... Must be pretty difficult to climb back on with waders on !!

[GILs_GONE_WILD]

Today I intentionally swamped my ultimate in safe water to see if self rescue is possible with the float bags.
Jim

Just curious .... but if you're going to fill the Ultimate up with "float bags", why not just buy a sit on top.

[lastchance]

I wish I would have thought of that handle. Great!

[nowindknots]

They are not permanently mounted, so if that space is needed, it could be used. In fact, on warmer waters I usually take them out. The sole purpose for them in my yak is on frigid mountain waters where a capsize could be more than dangerous - fatal.

And importantly, No SOT has the Ultimate's seating system. This older angler values his comfort.

[flymaker2]

I looks to me like you are stradling that ice chest. That can't be real comfy can it? But maybe there is room to spare? Can't see that well from the angle of the pics. What do you like about the seating in the Ultimate BTW?

Thanks

[nowindknots]

There is plenty of room. I still have to scoot the seat forward to open the cooler.

Let me answer your question this way. The Ultimate is a canoe that paddles and tracks like a kayak with the stability of a pontoon and the comfort of a lawn chair.

You'd have to see the seat and try it in person to understand.

Jim

[DarrinG]

You'd have to see the seat and try it in person to understand.

Amen to that! I sat in a U12 at a dealer and Wow!.....comfort is top-shelf. It's the most comfy canoe / yak seat I've ever sat on! I liked the way it's up off the floor too so any water in the boat floor don't get the seat wet too.

[Sonny Edmonds]

I looks to me like you are stradling that ice chest. That can't be real comfy can it? But maybe there is room to spare? Can't see that well from the angle of the pics. What do you like about the seating in the Ultimate BTW?

Thanks

I donno.
Looks to me like it would keep that nice ice cold beer really handy.
At least, much better than my waders will....

[DarrinG]

I went to a Native dealer and demo'd a Ultimate 12. Sweet boat.
I liked it so well, that will be my next purchase!