Marvel 14.5 Review

By ult3704228 Ranked #66 - Kayaks February 10, 2010

This tandem kayak is big enough for two adults and a small child. Although the Marvel only comes with two adult seats, you can add the native kids seat special order, and the kids seat works great. This boat tracks well and is very stable. The rear hatch is really big and its easy to get on and off. ITs not made of rubber and it doesnt have hinges that can get clogged with sand. The Marvel hatch is big enough that it is easy to get larger dry bags and gear into it. A lot of hatches are too small and you can't fit larger dry bags into them. There is a foam wall that is sealled off, so this rear compartment is dry storage, but also safety flotation. The seats offer a lot of lower and total back support and are easily adjustable while on the water. Unlike a lot of kayak seats, the marvels seats can quick release out of the boat. this is handy becuase you can lighten the boat for loading and unloading by taking the seats out. Native says the seats weight 7 1/2 lbs, so for those of us who want a light boat for loading, this boat weighs 47 lbs with the seats out! With the seats out it also makes it easier to clean the boat if it gets muddy. Also, for longer days on the water, its like having crazy creek chairs with you but not taking up anymore space in the boat. I like that i dont have to take the crazy creek chairs anymore on camping trips. Its just nice to have a beach chair when kayaking to an island for lunch, camping, or for just taking a break or to fish from the bank with the kids. This boat also has a drain plug in the middle of the side deck for draining any splash water out, and again easier to clean out mud and sand than the boats with the drain plug in the end. The Marvel is also a solo boat. You just have to take the seats out and move one to the center postion. THe cockpit is pretty big, room to add a dog and enough gear for weekend overnights are easy this way. For the money, this is one of the lightest most comfortable tandems available. New paddlers may want to add a rudder. Great first time family of 3 boat, or an excellent choice for grandparents who want to a 2nd kayak to paddle with kids but also solo.

View Details: Native Watercraft Marvel 14.5 Tandem Kayak

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