Brands · Native Watercraft

Native Watercraft Kayaks: Every Model Compared

Slayer, Titan X, Hammer, Forge and the Ultimate FX hybrids. How the Native lineup fits together, and why the Propel drive matters.

Why the Propel drive matters

Native’s Propel was the first pedal drive with reverse. You switch between forward and reverse just by changing which way you pedal, like riding a bike. It is smooth, well built and a proven design, and it is good enough that Bonafide uses it in its P127 pedal kayak too.

I have covered Native at ICAST for years. In 2017 I looked at the Titan Propel 13.5, one of the biggest pedal kayaks out there at 178 lb with seat and drive, and the Slayer Propel 12 LT, which was all about saving weight at 82 lb fully fitted. In 2018 I saw the Titan in 10.5, 12 and 13.5 lengths, and even as a big boat the Propel drive makes it dance on the water. In 2021 I compared the Slayer Max and Titan 10 side by side, and in 2023 I got a close look at the Titan X with its bow mount for a MotorGuide Xi3.

Some background: Native Watercraft is part of the same company as Bonafide and Liquidlogic after the three merged in 2019.

How to read this page: my Native coverage is from ICAST and booth walkthroughs, listed below. Table specs come from Native’s published numbers in my reviews.

Which Native is right for you?

  • Light, compact pedal kayak: the Slayer Propel 10 LTE at 65 lb for the hull.
  • Compact pedal kayak with more features: the Slayer Propel Max 10, with a slightly raised deck for a drier ride and a junk drawer under the seat.
  • Big, stable pedal platform with room for gear: the TitanX Propel 10.5 or 12.5. The Titan 10 has room for about four milk crates in the stern versus one on the Slayer Max 10.
  • Pedal kayak with the most capacity: the Hammer at 650 lb.
  • Start with a paddle, add pedal or motor later: the Forge 12.
  • Paddle kayak or tandem on a budget: the Ultimate FX12 or FX15 tandem.

Propel pedal kayaks

Model Length Width Weight Capacity Power Links
Slayer Propel 10 LTE 10 ft 34.5 in 65 lb hull 425 lb Propel 701 pedal drive Review · Product page
Slayer Propel Max 10 10 ft 34.15 in 75 lb fitted hull 400 lb Propel 701 pedal drive Review · Product page
TitanX Propel 10.5 10 ft 8 in 38 in 115 lb hull 475 lb Propel 701 pedal drive Review · Product page
TitanX Propel 12.5 12 ft 8 in 40 in 138 lb fitted hull 500 lb Propel 701 pedal drive Review · Product page
Hammer 1210 12 ft 10 in 36 in 110 lb fitted 650 lb Propel X-Range pedal, motor ready Review · Product page

Titan X details I liked at ICAST 2023: a MotorGuide Xi3 quick release mount in the bow, PowerLink plates in the bow, middle and stern for clean wiring, a big transducer pocket for newer sonar, a recessed rudder that will not snag your line, and a 360 swivel seat so you can face the fish without turning the kayak.

Paddle and hybrid kayaks

Model Length Width Weight Capacity Power Links
Forge 12 about 12 ft 35 in 98 lb fitted hull 600 lb Paddle; pedal and motor kits sold separately Review · Product page
Ultimate FX12 12 ft 2 in 30.5 in 60 lb fitted hull 350 lb Paddle Review · Product page
Ultimate FX15 Tandem 15 ft 3 in 31 in 80 lb fitted hull 600 lb Paddle, tandem or solo Review · Product page

My Native Watercraft videos

mqdefaultTitan Propel 10.5, 12 and 13.5ICAST 2018mqdefaultTitan Propel 13.5 first look2017mqdefaultSlayer Propel 12 LT: a lightweight pedal kayak2017mqdefaultSlayer Max 10 vs Titan 10ICAST 2021mqdefaultTitan X first lookICAST 2023mqdefaultBIYAK catamaran, Titan and SlayerICAST 2019

Native parts, seats and gear

Swivel seat upgrade, Propel lubrication kit, rudder and steering upgrades, flush mount rod holders and Sidekick carts.

Boonedox Slayer Max RudderBoonedox Slayer Max RudderBerleyPro Native Watercraft T-Lock Steering UpgradeBerleyPro Native Watercraft T-Lock Steering UpgradeBerleyPro Native Watercraft Rudder UpgradeBerleyPro Native Watercraft Rudder UpgradeBerleyPro Native Watercraft/Bonafide Aluminium Upgraded Steering Handle and BushBerleyPro Native Watercraft/Bonafide Aluminium Upgraded Steering Handle and BushNative Watercraft Tempress Probax Orthopedic Low-Back SeatNative Watercraft Tempress Probax Orthopedic Low-Back SeatNative Watercraft Kit Propel LubricationNative Watercraft Kit Propel LubricationNative Watercraft Low Profile Flush Mount Kayak Rod HolderNative Watercraft Low Profile Flush Mount Kayak Rod HolderNative Watercraft Swivel Seat Upgrade KitNative Watercraft Swivel Seat Upgrade KitNative Watercraft Sidekick HD Wheel Transport System- Sand TiresNative Watercraft Sidekick HD Wheel Transport System- Sand TiresNative Watercraft Sidekick HD Wheel Transport SystemNative Watercraft Sidekick HD Wheel Transport System

Comparing pedal drives? See my best pedal kayaks guide and the Bonafide brand guide, whose P127 also uses the Propel drive.

Native Watercraft FAQ

How does the Native Propel drive go in reverse?

You just pedal backward. Propel was the first pedal drive with reverse, and switching direction works like riding a bike.

What is the lightest Native pedal kayak?

Of the boats on this page, the Slayer Propel 10 LTE at 65 lb for the hull. Back in 2017 the Slayer Propel 12 LT was 82 lb fully fitted with seat and drive.

What is the difference between the Slayer Max 10 and Titan 10?

The Titan 10 has far more stern space, about four milk crates versus one, and uses a foam inner layer construction. The Slayer Max 10 is traditional rotomolded plastic with a slightly raised deck and a junk drawer under the seat.

Who owns Native Watercraft?

Native Watercraft merged with Bonafide and Liquidlogic in 2019, so they are part of the same company.

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