Native Watercraft Slayer Propel MAX 12.5

Native Watercraft Slayer Propel MAX 12.5: an all-round pedal kayak for lake and sea

Native Watercraft Slayer Propel MAX 12.5 is one of the most popular Native models, updated to the MAX version. It's a 381 cm pedal fishing kayak that feels at home on a lake, in a sea bay and on the open sea near the shore. The longer hull is faster and holds its course more truly than 10 foot models.

Since autumn 2024 the kayak comes with a PivotPro swivel seat. Together with the Propel drive, which lets you go forward and in reverse without using your hands, and the SpringBlade rudder, it's a serious fishing platform for long days on the water.

Key advantages of the Slayer Propel MAX 12.5

✓ Propel 701 pedal drive with instant reverse

✓ PivotPro swivel seat: comfort, more precise casting, easy access to gear

✓ SpringBlade rudder system with an extended handle

✓ Front and rear inserts for a Power-Pole Micro anchor or a motor

✓ Transducer plate in the hull and cables through an integrated hole

✓ Two replaceable switch plates for electronics

✓ Three moulded-in rod holders and two horizontal rod positions

✓ Side lure box positions and plenty of Groove Track rails

Slayer Propel MAX 12.5 design

Fresh and salt water
The manufacturer designed the MAX 12.5 for both fresh water and the sea. The long, narrow 86 cm hull cuts through waves well and paddles easily over long distances, and the SpringBlade rudder holds course even in a crosswind. The Propel drive lets you fish in a current while holding in one spot.

Electronics and motor
The front hatch has a small storage volume and room for a battery, and transducer cables run through an integrated hole in the hull. The transducer plate is built into the bottom, so no drilling is needed. Inserts built in at the front and rear make it easy to fit a Power-Pole Micro anchor or an electric motor.

Room for gear
On both sides there is room for lure boxes, two horizontal rod positions, three moulded-in rod holders and a cup holder. The paddle splits and is stored on the side. Groove Track rails across the whole kayak suit accessories and the Sidekick wheel system.

Propel pedal drive

Propel is a pedal drive with a propeller developed by Native. Pedalling forward moves the kayak forward, and pedalling backward instantly reverses it, with no switching. This is very handy while fishing: you can back away from a snagged lure, hold in a current or move closer to a fish while your hands stay free for the rod.

The drive slots into a well in the middle of the kayak and is easy to remove. With the drive removed, the kayak is easier to carry and transport, and in the shallows or before stepping onto the shore you can pull it up so the propeller doesn't touch the bottom. After paddling at sea, rinsing the drive with fresh water is recommended.

Weight and capacity

The hull weighs 43 kg, and about 57 kg complete with the drive and seat. With a 227 kg capacity, the kayak will carry the angler, battery, motor, anchor and all the gear for sea fishing. For a larger angler or long trips this is a safer choice than 10 foot models.

Slayer Propel MAX 12.5 overview

Technical data

• Length: 381 cm
• Width: 86 cm
• Height: 33 cm
• Hull weight: 43 kg
• Weight with drive and seat: about 57 kg
• Capacity: 227 kg
• Drive: Propel 701 pedal drive with reverse
• Rudder: SpringBlade
• Seat: PivotPro swivel
• Material: polyethylene
• Made in: USA

Who is the Slayer Propel MAX 12.5 for?

For anglers who paddle further: big lakes, the Curonian Lagoon, the sea coast. Suits bigger anglers and those who carry a lot of gear. If you want one kayak for both fresh and salt water, the MAX 12.5 is the most versatile Native pedal model.

How does it differ from other Native models? Compared with the Slayer Propel 10 MAX, the 12.5 is 76 cm longer, carries 46 kg more and is faster over long distances. The TitanX Propel 12.5 is wider and more stable when standing and has two battery compartments, but weighs almost 20 kg more. The MAX 12.5 is a good balance of speed, stability and weight.