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Special Interest => Kayak & Canoe Chat => Topic started by: Nativeman on March 25, 2012, 08:49:25 AM

Title: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 25, 2012, 08:49:25 AM
This is my latest paddle Kayak from Mantra Kayaks, the Mantra Kai.

I have been eyeing off the Mantra Noa for awhile as a skinny water kayak but after paddling the Kai at a recent demo day I think I can turn this kayak into a great little Fishing kayak. Its a little bit longer than the Mantra Noa so it will give me being a big fella a little more room. I will fit it out in the coming weeks so stay tuned...Flush mounts, scotty rod holder, camera mount, paddle holders.
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 25, 2012, 11:55:16 AM
Fit out so far two rear flush mount rod holders and a scotty rod holder. Just like other brands of kayaks, Mantra Kayaks have threaded screwed inserts molded into the plastic so adding accessories is a breeze..;D
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Binder on March 25, 2012, 02:11:35 PM
Be interesting to hear how much freeboard you end up with that drop on the bum.
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 25, 2012, 02:29:45 PM
Well I have paddled it and it suits me fine, and I'm 110 kg, its a neat little kayak. It will be perfect for bass in creeks and my latest love, popping for Whiting on sand Flats...

Cheers
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: bushwacker on March 25, 2012, 09:14:29 PM
You just dont know when to stop do you Sel  ;D
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 26, 2012, 06:26:39 PM
You just dont know when to stop do you Sel  ;D

Mate life is too short to be stuck in one kayak all your life...

Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Novice on March 26, 2012, 07:06:59 PM
All you need now Sel is to get a photo of you holding a big fish  ;D , like WayneD did with his Noa.

(http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6168/6202935767_e841c33fcd_b.jpg)
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 26, 2012, 07:25:03 PM
Well I might hire a prop one day too for a photo ;D
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Novice on March 26, 2012, 07:33:19 PM
Well I might hire a prop one day too for a photo ;D

I was hoping you wouldn't have picked that one up. hahahhaha
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 26, 2012, 10:43:09 PM
Not a bad looking boat. What are the specifications? ie weight, length, width, carrying capacity? And what did it cost you?

Thanks

Dimensions:
Weight - 22kg
Length - 295cm               
Width - 79cm
Capacity - 150kg

Retail: Kayak, Seat and Paddle $668 or the same with Adjustable Front Rod Holder: $698

Mantra Kayaks are on the Web...

Cheers
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on March 28, 2012, 05:45:36 PM
Ok the latest additions..

A Scotty Flush Mount at the bow of the kayak so I can fit a Scotty Anchor Lock, it was a fairly simple install as the surface on the top deck was almost flat. A side lifting handle, I have decided to install one only as the Kai is so light once I have it above my chest when lifting I can grab the other edge of the kayak for balance. A Paddle Park, I have used the handle fixings(bolts) to attach a shock cord runner(one each side) so as I could attach a hold down using some 4mm shock cord and a Bungee Button. A Scotty Powerlock Rod holder easy install, just simply attach with screw into the inserts already there, 6mm metric screws fit here. I also screwed into the angle surface of the Scotty Mount a pad eye, this will be a handly spot to secure pliers/scissors.
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: BR65 on April 01, 2012, 06:45:14 PM
How do you go with the dumbbell as the anchor?
Im looking at where to mount my Scotty anchor lock on the nemo, and what to use as the weight - was thinking a 1kg round weight maybe?
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on April 02, 2012, 06:32:13 PM
Took it for a paddle yesterday, it paddles ok, kept up with Wayne and Steven in a Tarpon and Quest. But when you glide without stroking there is a need for a corrective paddle stroke to keep it on track. However you need to keep in mind that this kayak is under 3 metres and retails for 650. It handled the chop from all the passing boats extremely well, surprising really....I think this kayak would be right at home in a river or creek chasing bass...

The attached picture shows it all kitted out with all the gear....

Dumbbell weight from memory is 2.5 kg maybe 3...


Cheers

Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: A Marshall on April 02, 2012, 07:44:27 PM
Nice work Sel, do you do commission work?  :youbeauty
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: WayneD on April 09, 2012, 11:26:18 AM
and here's a pic of Sel in his Kai all kitted out and looking the fashionista that he is when fishing.
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Yak Fish on June 19, 2012, 01:19:05 PM
Do you have a fish finder on that bad boy?
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on June 19, 2012, 05:50:12 PM
Nah Mate

No sounder needed...I use this in shallow water. I only ever use a sounder if i am in a dam looking for Schooled Bass. All other fishing locations I never use them now, one less thing to put on the kayak when setting up...

Cheers

Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Yak Fish on July 02, 2012, 02:23:53 AM
where did you purchase your kayak accessories from?
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on July 02, 2012, 01:29:32 PM
Adventure Outlet on the Gold Coast, google them, they have a website..

Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: sgcjames on July 15, 2012, 11:28:26 AM
Hi Nativeman
My I ask where you got every thing from and how much roughly did it set you back  to set it all up

Cheers
James
Title: Re: My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai
Post by: Nativeman on July 15, 2012, 05:20:20 PM
Mate

It all came from Adventure Outlet on the Gold Coast, www.adventureoutlet.com.au (http://www.adventureoutlet.com.au) or you can check the Mantra kayaks website for your closest dealer.

The Kayak retails for 699 with paddle, seat and an all directional rod holder. My extras would I have added would cost about another 100...

Cheers