I know many of you are interested in some of the changes coming from Legacy so figured I would offer this report. I originally posted this on www.austinkayakfishing.com:

I spent the last few days at the Outdoor Retailer expo in Utah and was able to get the latest on what you will see in 2008. The “OR Expo” is where most paddlesport manufacturers launch new products and is also a great place for dealers to try out all the new stuff before they decide to make their purchase. I must have paddled over 30 boats!



Here is a summarized report of some of the things you will see in 2007/08 from Legacy.

Native Watercraft:
As you probably know by now, they have done some product reorganization. Specifically, the Manta Ray is now part of the Native line up. The mold is exactly the same but they have added the Magic foot pegs and DVC seating (like the Redfish), introduced new colors and of course rebranded them with Native graphics.



Native has also launched a new boat called the Marvel. They say it is the “first” SIK with removable seats. It is adjustable in height, which is not something you will find on many kayaks while the removable seat allows you turn the tandem into a solo. This boat paddled great…even the 10’ handled well.



Another big change is the Ultimate. They now offer a rudder option. They are also launching a new Ultimate with a…doh, sorry…I have been sworn to secrecy but will keep you posted. All I can say is that it is going to be FAST! Oh, and they are also manufacturing a few boats with the new Tegris material. This stuff is light! The Ultimate Tegris is about 35lbs.



The Magic 14 is here! This boat is great. The deck is amazing with so much space and can be configured as a tandem or solo. The Magic tracks well and moves fast. It is not as maneuverable as the 12 but still paddled well.

They are also launching a high performance sea kayak. It is a prototype and doesn’t have a name yet but it sure looks nice.



Native also introduced several new accessories such as dry bags (ice chest, tackle, etc.), a catamaran (yes, a catamaran) and a trolling motor mount for the Ultimate, dog beds, rigging platforms and much more.









Heritage:
First off, they have introduced new colors. Instead of bright yellow, it is more of a mustard yellow or gold...sounds ugly but actually looks nice and is a huge improvement over the previous color. Also introduced was a new green color (see below). At first, I wasn't too sure about it but it quickly grew on me. Heritage will now offer more SIK options with the introduction/rebranding of two former Liquid Logic models, which are the Pisgah and Stingray. Both with new colors and the DVC seating system you see on all Heritage kayaks.

Here is a pic of the Stingray family:



Next is the introduction of the Featherlite 14 composite. I didn't get to paddle this but it sure looks nice and I imagine it is a speed demon. Here are some pics:





Here is the Redfish lineup...no big changes except for some new colors. I was hoping they would make the hatch bigger on the 14 but no go. Rumor has it they are working on it though.



One more thing…most boats from both Native and Heritage, if not all, will have now angler packages available.

If you are interested in learning more about these boats, accessories, availability, pricing, etc. please contact me at roland@lakelinewatersports.com. I am also planning a Fall demo day in central Texas. I didn’t intend to do it this year but with so many new products I couldn’t resist. More info coming soon.

Cheers,
Roland “Bones” Jimenez
www.lakelinewatersports.com

Thanks for posting pictures from the retailer's show. Wish the public could see this show.

No problem! It was nothing but eye candy out there. You guys would go nuts. So many boats so little time. I spent both days at the open air demo and still only paddled a small percentage of boats. I wanted to paddle more SIKs, sea kayaks and inflatables but I couldn't even finish the SOTs. Maybe next year you can convince your local dealer to let you tag along.

I'll post some more stuff later today or tomorrow.

Roland “Bones” Jimenez
www.lakelinewatersports.com

Thanks for the great report. The photos are so much more than the sketchy press release we get fed.

Looksl ike a good year for the retailers and Paddlers!

Yep, 2008 will be a good year for all!

Here is my full report on a few other brands on the AKF board: http://austinkayakfishing.com/forum/vie ... php?t=1061

Snookdude also posted some great photos here: http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/foru ... 613#665613

Roland,

Have you paddled the Compass? Looks like a great solo canoe.

Nice boats

Greyloon, actually I haven't. For some reason, they never have them available for demo. I sat in one and picked it up but no paddling. I may order a couple this year and plan to look into a demo as well. It sure is a pretty one and surprisingly sturdy.