Native Stingray 11.5

Size and Weight

The Stingray 11.5 gets its name from the 11’6” (350 cm) length. It has a width of 31.5” (80 cm) which is enough to provide plenty of stability, even in large swells thanks to Native’s hull design. The Stingray 11.5 clocks in as one of the lighter kayaks made by the brand, weighing in at a fitted hull weight of 60 lbs (27.2 kg) and a fully-rigged weight of just 65 lbs (29.5 kg).

Capacity

Most lightweight kayaks have an overall capacity that might not be adequate enough for many seasoned anglers, but the Stingray 11.5 is able to carry up to 375 lbs (170 kg), making it capable of being loaded down with a decent amount of extra gear for most users.

Features

As its name implies, the Stingray is at home in the open ocean where large swells and swift currents would typically overwhelm a poorly-made kayak. The Stingray 11.5 is made to get anglers where they want to go without leaving them at the mercy of the waves.

The hull design is specially made to cut through waves, but the Stingray 11.5 also has a molded skeg on the stern to help support it in staying on course.

Like most other Native kayaks, the Stingray 11.5 features a large bow hatch on its front end that is perfect for storing personal floatation devices, extra gear, tackle and anything else an angler might need on their trip. The bow is also fitted with bungee cords that allow for securing gear items on top of the kayak as well.

The cockpit area features molded foot pegs for anglers to use depending on their height and leg length. The cockpit also has two large scupper holes to help drain water in the event there is more spray than usual.

The cockpit area directly in front of the seat features a molded drink holder, as well as a dry storage day hatch for stashing anything an angler might want to keep dry on their trip.

The Stingray 11.5’s seat is very easy to remove and install and is also reported to be very comfortable, especially when being compared with other kayaks of similar build and price. The seat features hand-sewn breathable mesh that provides plenty of padding and lower lumbar support for all-day fishing. There is also a small amount of extra storage located underneath the seat.

There are two rod holders located directly behind the seat. Users will also find a large open storage well on the kayak’s stern which is perfect for storing crates and coolers, or any other gear a user would deem necessary. The tankwell is also fitted with bungee cords to help secure any items stored on the stern area.

To the right of the seat is a paddle clip that allows for quick and easy storage to keep an angler’s paddle from getting in the way when the focus is on the fish.

The stern of the Stingray 11.5 has the unique feature of an additional, smaller molded seat that’s perfect for kids or smaller-sized users who can tag along in tandem mode. Both the bow and stern feature large, molded handles for better portability.

Performance

Despite its smaller size, the Stingray 11.5 has all the right capabilities and design to function as a multi-use kayak that’s able to withstand any large swells, or feel right at home on the calm backwaters of any river or lake. The kayak’s stability is good enough for most anglers to feel perfectly comfortable standing up while fishing. The design is slightly more narrow than most other Native brands, which lends to giving the Stingray 11.5 great speed and tracking, especially with its molded skeg. The Stingray 11.5 is also reported to have excellent agility and overall control, meaning anglers will have no trouble getting where they need to go, whether it’s on the open water, or deep into the shallows.