I have narrowed my long search to the two above kayaks due to their price range. Can anyone provide tracking and stability feedback? I do not want to break the bank, and I am looking for a single 12 ft kayak. The kayak will be used for the bays, short river trips, and lakes. Thanks in advance.

I have used a Manta for 12 years. It was made by Liquid Ligic when I bought it, prior to them selling the mold to Native. Tracks well and regarding stability I have never flipped. Only complaint is a leak that started a couple years after purchase - never found the source, suspect it is in a scupper column. Newer versions have improved seats and foot rests. Been a very good boat for me.

I don't have any experience with the Manta but I have paddled a Pescador 12 (not the pro but the original model with the lower seat). It tracked & paddled pretty well and had good stability. I will say stability is a really lose term and relative to a person's size, weight, strength and agility ability all of which you usually don't know when getting stability feedback. I always take "stability" with a grain of salt for that reason. If you're looking to stand in it IMO it's doable but may take some practice depending on your size and agility. I do think the Pescador 12 is a solid kayak and well worth the money.

Both are just about the same yak. Manta has the dry hatch in the front. Pescador has complaints about the rod holders behind the seat not being deep enough. May want to consider a rocket launcher to take care of that issue. Otherwise they look about the same. Weight capacity is about 325 so you may need to really consider that if you're over 200 lbs.

If you're budget is $800+ you may want to consider craigslist or market place. Lots of good offers. I just picked up a Diablo Amigo under your budget and a Bonafide ss107 for $700.

Yeah right now the used kayak market is definitely a buyers market. I bought a used Viking Profish 400 for $550.

Let us know what ya get and post some pics

I have owned 2 Pescador 12 sports, track well are stable and are fairly speedy for low price quality kayak I would recommend it. I weigh 240lbs.