FS Digest

Looking into either the Feelfree Dorado, or Native Watercraft Titan. The Dorado is a little more budget friendly, so leaning that way currently. Does anyone reading have experience with either or both of these boats?

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by TacoMatador

FS Digest

The Titan is heavy AF. You definitely want a trailer for it.

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by BoyWonderDownUnder

FS Digest

I saw that. The Dorado isn't exactly light either. I'm capable of picking them both up and hauling isn't an issue but the Dorado is a fair amount lighter. That's another check in its column for me.

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by TacoMatador

FS Digest

Look at the 2019 Hobie Outback if you’re already looking in that price range. It’s significantly lighter.

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by BoyWonderDownUnder

FS Digest

I did based on your recommendation. I do like a lot about this boat, but it's several hundred dollars more than the two I mentioned. Not sure it's for me, but time will tell. Not like I'll be able to use it until next spring anyway.

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by TacoMatador

FS Digest

You might also want to check out the Big Fish 108. Comparable to a Titan but much cheaper.

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by devilstang

FS Digest

I've got no experience with the feel free so can't comment there, but I had a Titan 12 as my first kayak so can give my thoughts on it.
Number 1 complaint is it's bloody heavy compared to a lot of other kayaks, but I never had an issue loading or unloading from my truck bed or combat launching.
It's insanely stable, and I had no trouble standing and casting even on my first ever trip out, and after a few trips to get used to it was standing and fighting redfish with no issues.
Native's propel drive is solid as a rock. I ran into sunken cypress stumps multiple times with absolutely no damage. One downside it had was it was basically useless in weedy areas, but the new 701 series drive they're shipping with have an integrated weed guard now to help alleviate that some (and there's aftermarket guards available for earlier drives).
Turns surprisingly well when under way and tracks well in calm conditions, but gets blown around easily by wind.
Older models with the steel cable rudder control have issues with the cable snapping due to being held in place by a steel screw, but again the new titans come with a spectra cord rudder control assembly to alleviate that issue, and berleypro offers an upgrade utilizing the same for older models (but that means more money spent). I did the berleypro upgrade on mine after my cable snapped and it was definitely worth the money imo.
Not sure if it was limited to only the 12's or also the other models, but the early run 12's also had issues with leaking due to missing the rudder gaskets, but again Native addressed that issue and were offering free gaskets for those that didn't have them.
Overall, even though I had a few issues early on with mine, once those issues were taken care of it was a hell of a great fishing platform. Native have also done a hell of a job listening to feedback and addressing the issues the early models had.

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by MeatHead1313

Bob O Loc: Palatine, IL

Be sure to ck out the Old Town PDL and Predator with 5-yr warranty on pedal unit and lifetime on hull. I use the PDL near offshore and in freshwatet lakes, iften standing to flycast or throw my castnet. Easy, fast pedaling, stable and, yes, I have a Harbor Freight trailer that I modified to launch and retrieve with extended PVC bunkers. I can even unhook my trailer and walk it to the water.For what it's worth.