I've always liked the looks of the Slayer but you have definitely answered some of my concerns about the boat. I'm sure that the second generation will have most of those bugs worked out and be an all around awesome yak.

Have mango slayer 12 w/rudder Thoughts
Slide Track -weird size for slide plates. No problem, set before I leave house
Rudder - rudder works fine, foot pedal slide braces CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP, back of slide brace pops out (replacing w/ Sea Dog Toe pedals)
SEAT best on market, comfy, easy to move (also have Cuda 12 - Cuda seat is no comparison)
STABILITY - very, fairly good in high pos. (high pos. not good for paddling) (far better than Cuda 12)
WHEEL- works for load/unload - use homemade cart to water
WIND - tough paddle
Scuppers - w/scuppers in , still collects some water under seat, not bad though
STORAGE - wish it had hull storage for rod transport, but can live without
Mounted RAM Rod holders & clip paddle holder
LIKE the boat!!! Selling Cuda 12

I have had mine for about 6 months now. I was originally attracted by the open deck. I was new to kayaking and did not know any better. I thought I would have no use for internal storage. I was wrong. After catching every rod on limbs in timber. I have made some modifications and added 3 scotty holders. This setup has not been tested in the trees.

http://austinkayakfishing.com/forum/download/file.php?id=1189&mode=view

I have not had any issue with wanting to move anything in my tracks either. I did alot of front yard fishing to determine placement.

The rudder slides do suck. The straps on the slides mainly...

I searched old posts after I bought my Slayer just to see what I could find.
I love the boat. I never got much use out of my under deck storage on my Manta Ray 14, so I love the open deck with the lid and scupper stoppers that actually make it a front dry storage area that you can get to on the water.
I had back problems and this is the ONLY seat I've found that is really comfortable to me. The hi/lo seat that you can actually switch on the water, plus the ability to stand and stretch keep my back from freezing up in cramps.
As far as the track system I had it on my Manta Ray as well and I love it. I got in the habit of keeping a stubby Phillips screwdriver on board all the time for items with screw heads.
As far as having to remove the rails to get one of the slide attachments in that is easily and cheaply fixed. I never have used the Native slides designed for the track. I go to the hardware store and buy packages of solid brass commode hold down bolts for a few bucks each They have a thin oval head that perfectly slides in the track and are short enough to easily slide into any of the track systems from either end. You just cut the bolts to desired length and add a brass wing nut. (Be sure to have a nut screwed on the bolt when you cut and smooth grind the end so that you can take the nut off and it will dress the threads back up from the cutting and grinding.
There is no perfect boat, but for me, my back, and my style of fishing this is as good as it gets!

I can see a lot of potential with this kayak with just a couple very easy modifications.
Chris, how was a the stability as far as like up against the Ride series of kayaks?

Slayer 12 owner checking in,

My only complaint about the slayer is the the bungee system, but I don't even use mine, I completely removed the back one, I also have my rod holders mounted back there on the slide track, also I don't store anything besides my fish finder battery.

Also I don't remove any of my rod holders during transport, I think the stability is between my wilderness ride 115 and the tarpon 12. My opinion.

I don't regret the boat, I just wish it wasn't such a bass yak.

You guys are probably wondering why I own 2 such similar kayaks, because I bought a kayak before I started frequently getting in the kayak section. Also got a smoking deal on the slayer.

So wilderness ride 115 vs the slayer 12

I'd chose the slayer, I like it. Much more roomy than the 115 and its not even as wide.

BTW great write up, I appreciate the unbiased write ups you have, there on point every time.