Paddle Kayaks · Fishing
The Native Watercraft Ultimate FX12 is a hybrid that splits the difference between a canoe and a kayak. You get the open, easy-loading cockpit of a canoe with the paddling performance of a kayak, and the patented tunnel hull makes it one of the easiest boats in its class to stand up in.
The Native Watercraft Ultimate FX12 is a hybrid that splits the difference between a canoe and a kayak. You get the open, easy-loading cockpit of a canoe with the paddling performance of a kayak, and the patented tunnel hull makes it one of the easiest boats in its class to stand up in. If you fish standing and you hate wrestling gear in and out of a cramped cockpit, keep reading.
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Who the Ultimate FX12 Is For
This boat fits anglers who fish bays, lakes, and slow-moving rivers and want maximum deck space. It’s popular with hunters and photographers too, since the open cockpit swallows bulky gear that would never fit inside a normal hatch. If you like to stand and sight cast, or you just want to load up fast and launch without a tetris game, the FX12 was built for you.
Stability and Standing
The tunnel hull is the whole story here. Looking at it head on, the hull dips down on both sides like two pontoon runners, which spreads your weight and locks the boat in place. I’ve watched anglers stand in this thing in chop and never look nervous. At 30.5″ wide it’s not the widest boat on paper, but the tunnel design makes it feel far more stable than the number suggests. Foot comfort when standing is better than most kayaks too, since the floor is flatter between the runners.
Seat and Comfort
Native’s hand-sewn seat slides both fore and aft so you can trim the boat for your load, and it has two height positions. Drop it low when you’re paddling into the wind to stay out of it, then lift it to the high position when you want to cast. The mesh fabric breathes on hot days, and the seat lifts out easily for transport. A storage base under the seat holds tackle with a cup holder built in, which sounds small but you’ll use it every trip.
Storage and Rigging
The open bow and stern storage areas with bungees are the best part of the hybrid design. You can toss in a cooler, dry bags, decoys, or a camera case without folding anything in half. There’s one Tight Line anchor trolley for holding position, groove tracks for mounting rod holders and electronics, and built-in rod holders. It’s also set up to take a trolling motor or anchor system if you want to upgrade later.
Paddle Performance
The FX12 tracks well for a boat this open, thanks to a sharp bow entry and sharp stern exit. It’s quiet on the water, which matters when you’re poling up to redfish in skinny water or sneaking up on bedding bass. It won’t win a race against a 14-foot touring hull, but for a 12’2″ fishing platform it moves fine and turns easily in tight creeks.
Honest Drawbacks
The open cockpit is a trade-off. You get easy access, but you also get splash in choppy water, so it’s not the driest ride. At 350 lbs of capacity, bigger anglers with a full tournament load need to watch their total weight. And the 12.5″ depth at the beam means you sit fairly high, which can catch wind on open water.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 12′ 2″ |
| Width | 30.5″ |
| Weight | 60 lbs fitted hull, 65 lbs fully rigged |
| Capacity | 350 lbs |
| Drive Type | Paddle |
Native Watercraft Ultimate FX12 Fishing Kayak FAQ
Can you stand up in the Native Ultimate FX12?
Yes. The patented tunnel hull gives it excellent stand-up stability, which is the main reason anglers buy this boat.
Is the Ultimate FX12 a kayak or a canoe?
It’s a hybrid of both, with an open canoe-like cockpit on a kayak hull.
What is the weight capacity of the Ultimate FX12?
It’s rated for 350 lbs of paddler and gear.
Does the Ultimate FX12 come with an anchor trolley?
Yes. It includes one Tight Line anchor trolley.
Where to Buy
If the Native Watercraft Ultimate FX12 Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Native Watercraft website for the Native Watercraft Ultimate FX12.
Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no additional cost to the reader. Product availability, pricing, and promo codes can change; verify them before purchasing. Also check out our reviews of the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10 Fishing Kayak, and Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 LTE Fishing Kayak.
