My new Estuary/Creek Kayak, the Mantra Kai

[Member]

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.

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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..

[Member]

Be interesting to hear how much freeboard you end up with that drop on the bum.

[Member]

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

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You just dont know when to stop do you Sel 

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You just dont know when to stop do you Sel 

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

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All you need now Sel is to get a photo of you holding a big fish  , like WayneD did with his Noa.

[Member]

Well I might hire a prop one day too for a photo

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Well I might hire a prop one day too for a photo

I was hoping you wouldn't have picked that one up. hahahhaha

[Member]

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

[Member]

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.

[Member]

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?

[Member]

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

[Member]

Nice work Sel, do you do commission work? 

[Member]

and here's a pic of Sel in his Kai all kitted out and looking the fashionista that he is when fishing.