I am new to kayak fishing and I am looking into buying a Native Manta Ray 12 2008 model on-line. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if there are any major differences between the 08 and 09 models. I have seen pictures of what I assume to be the 08 model and the boat doesnt have the 2 small dry hatches (in front and behind the seat) that the 09's have on the Native website. The 09 also appears to have a larger bow hatch wich comes with a bungee system to secure the lid. I was just wondering if these differences were accurate or if I could have been looking at model older than 08. Thanks in advance for your help.
The only difference between the 2008 and the 2009 is at the seat. In the 2009, the seat has small fittings that hold the seat in a more secure position, where the backrest meets the seat. The seats are still removable, and its still easy to release the seat and clean it/rinse it, which is nice if you are in salt water a lot. The hatches and bungee configurations from 08 to 09 are the same and work well. I have the 07 and its the same as the 08. I checked out the 09 seat a the local dealer. its a little better as the seat doesn't slide around as much as the 07/08, but im happy with my boat enough, im not trading up to the new one but I could see the advantage. I think you got to sit in the boat to decide what fits you the best.
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