Native Watercraft Ultimate FX Propel 13 Review

Kayaks with propulsion systems are quite attractive for many anglers, as they not only allow you to rely on the big muscles in your legs, butt and back to get around the water, they also allow you to keep your hands free for fishing. But the problem is, propulsion systems – no matter the style – tend to increase the weight of the craft drastically. This can make it difficult to load the vessel on your car and transport it to and from the water.

Fortunately, a few manufacturers produce very lightweight propeller-driven kayaks, to help address this issue. The Native Watercraft Ultimate FX Propel 13 is a great example of such a craft, and it happens to be the lightest 13-foot-long, pedal-driven kayak available.

Build Quality

The Ultimate FX Propel 13 is a rigid and durable craft, but it features a number of design concepts that help ensure it doesn’t handle like a freight barge. For example, the tunnel style hull provides great stability, while two small keels (one at the starboard, one at the bow) help to ensure the vessel tracks, turns and handles well on the water.

The Ultimate FX Propel 13 also features a built-in transducer mounting plate and a transducer cable channel for routing the cords and keeping them safe. No skid plate is included, but because of the pedal-drive system, you’ll already need to be careful while cruising through shallow waters.

Storage Capacity

The Ultimate FX Propel 13 provides anglers with plenty of space to store their gear. A very large storage hatch (with bungee cords) is found at the bow, while a large, flat cargo deck (which also includes bungee cords) is located behind the seat.

Additionally, an adjustable and removable thwart box is placed behind the seat. One rod holder is built into the right side of the cockpit, while the thwart box provides two additional rod holders. There is also storage space beneath the seat.

Comfort

The Ultimate FX Propel 13 provides quite a luxurious ride, which is designed to keep you comfortable during even the longest trips. The included seat is hand-sewn, provides great back support and is fully adjustable.

The cockpit is relatively roomy, and most anglers should find that it provides plenty of leg room. Premium deck padding is also provided to help keep your feet comfortable while you’re standing up to sight, paddle or fish.

Stability

You’ll never have to worry about stability with the Ultimate FX Propel 13. It is wide and stable enough to handle moderate swells or choppy waters with ease, and most anglers will find it easy to stand up in the vessel.

Additionally, because the craft boats a 400-pound capacity, you’ll be able to bring along plenty of gear without causing the kayak to ride uncomfortably low in the water.

Maneuverability

Generally speaking, the Ultimate FX Propel 13 is a very maneuverable kayak. At 13.5 feet long, it doesn’t turn on a dime, but it should perform adequately in this respect for most anglers. Additionally, because the included pedal-drive system operates in forward and reverse, you’ll often be able to avoid turning around altogether.

Additionally, the vessel tracks remarkably well, thanks to the built-in keels and included rudder system. The craft also includes bow and stern carrying handles to make it easier to transport from your vehicle to the water and back.

Summary

The Native Watercraft Ultimate FX Propel 13 is not an entry-level kayak, and it is probably priced outside of the budgets of most beginning kayakers. However, for those who are ready to enjoy a true top-of-the-line vessel, with an advanced pedal system, hand-operated rudder and first-class seat, the Ultimate FX Propel 13 is a great option.

It provides plenty of storage space for all of your equipment and is capable of carrying 400 pounds of rider and gear, so you won’t be forced to leave anything behind on the launch ramp. The kayak handles and tracks well and is stable enough that most anglers will feel comfortable standing up while fishing. Finally, the Ultimate FX Propel 13 is the lightest pedal-driven vessel of its size on the market, which makes it much easier to transport.

Brand	Native Watercraft
Model	Ultimate FX Propel 13
Price	Check on Amazon
Type	Sit-on-top
Color(s)	blue lagoon, copperhead, hidden oak, lizard lick
Length (ft / cm)	13'6" / 411cm
Width (in / cm)	32.5" / 82.55cm
Height (in / cm)	12.5" / 32cm
Kayak Weight (lbs / kg)	98 lbs / 44.45kg
Weight Capacity (lbs / kg)	400 lbs / 181.4kg
Cockpit Size (in / cm)	N/A
Hull Material	Polyethylene
Transducer Compatible	yes
Number of People	1
Inflatable	No
Salt Water Friendly	Yes
Peddles	Yes
Tracking Enhancement	Rudder
Adjustable Seat	Yes
Rod Holders	3
Adjustable Foot Braces	No
Paddles Included	No
Other Included Items	None