I have a Native Slayer 13 with the the pedal drive. I mostly use it to fish in saltwater where the stability and ability to travel distances is required. I thoroughly enjoy the pedal drive system but don't think I would go with a Native if I did it again. The Hobies are on average about $500-$1000 more but it comes with a lot more add-ons that at some point down the line will be nice to have on other models.
If you get any of the "stable" sit on tops, Jackson, Native, Hobie, Feel Free, Wilderness, Old Town, etc. they are on average going to weigh about 80-100lbs with the pedal drive adding on another 10-15. Unlike Hobie, the propeller style pedal drives do not work great in any type of weeds/slop. The weeds get wrapped around the propeller and you are stuck pulling it up and pulling off the weeds. I'ved experienced this in both fresh and saltwater.
In my opinion the Hobies are worth the extra money but I'm not sure of all of the add-ons that other kayaks offer. In order to outfit my Native with a fish finder I had to by a transducer arm, several ram mounts, wiring kit, and several other parts. The Hobies have a spot designed to mount a transducer and their style of "pedal" does not get as many weeds stuck on it. Plus the add-ons for Hobies are designed specifically for their kayaks so their is limited or no cutting into the hull to add features.
Unless you are backing right up to a boat ramp with a friend I'd also strongly recommend a carrying cart bc as mentioned these are heavy. I recently did a tournament and had to carry my kayak about 150 feet through sand and it was brutal. Luckily I won a Malone carrying cart!!! If you have a car/suv, something without a bed, I'd even recommend a trailer that you can back right into the water.
I'd suggest a Jackson if you are not going to get the pedal system. Keep in mind that many places allow you to purchase the pedal drive separately so you could see how it is and then purchase it after.
