Upgrading to Pedal Kayak Soon

[Tizi]

As the subject says, I plan to upgrade to peddle power within the next several months.  Here is my short-list of kayaks I am considering.  I am looking for a kayak I can move around easily and can stand in.  I am looking for advise on each. 

 

Native Slayer Propel 10 - $2,199

Hobie Mirage Compass - $1,949

Old Town Topwater PDL - $1,999

 

I am leaning towards the Old Town, I like the reviews I have seen so far.

 

[Choporoz]

I did a lot of research over the fall and winter and ended up buying a Compass in January.   I have probably 10 outings so far....still early.

Initial impressions....

-heavier than I expected; I cartop it, but Hullivator is a godsend....trailer is way to go if your storage can handle it

-seat is much better than my Tarpon, but not as comfortable as I'd hoped.   I can do a couple more hours than I could in my other yaks, but still going to have some issues anything over 7 hours 

-180 drive is a MUST for fishing.   I absolutely love it....soooooo much more time fishing than the old days...I haven't staked or anchored yet

-dealer offered to move round hatch forward and install rectangle in front of seat....I balked at the expense at the time, but its probably a good idea 

-I've been sort of shocked at the explision of trolling motors on yaks lately.  Consider skipping the pedals and going right to a Torqueedo.

 

I found this to be a good on-water introductory video to some basic differences:

 

 

[kenmitch]

I have the Slayer 10 which I purchased back in late 2017. I don't have any complaints, but with today's other offerings I'm not sure if I would go with it. Back then there really wasn't too many options available yet.

 

I know I'll get some slack for saying this, but the lack of instant forward/reverse kills the Hobie as far as I'm concerned. Hook a nice feisty bass or other gamefish close to cover and you'll wish you didn't have to fumble around trying to switch back and forth from forward to reverse. It's bad enough just making rudder adjustments.

 

The Topwater PDL looks like a nice yak for the money. I'd probably lean towards it over the Slayer 10 if I was shopping today.

 

Good luck on your quest!

 

 

 

 

[Tizi]

I have a full sized truck, SUV, and Civic.  I want to be able to throw in the back of the truck or car-top easily and don't want to deal with a trailer.  Weight is definitely a consideration.

[Choporoz]

23 minutes ago, kenmitch said:

I know I'll get some slack for saying this, but the lack of instant forward/reverse kills the Hobie as far as I'm concerned. Hook a nice feisty bass or other gamefish close to cover and you'll wish you didn't have to fumble around trying to switch back and forth from forward to reverse. It's bad enough just making rudder adjustments.

 

I haven't been in a peddle/prop boat, so I cannot compare....maybe I don't know appreciate what I haven't experienced.  However, switching the 180 drive to reverse requires surprisingly little fumbling -- reach down and pull -- it does require taking a hand off the reel, but it doesn't take more than about two seconds.....I'd say the edge goes to the prop, but perhaps not as significantly as you'd imagine.  Offset that with extreme shallow water operations possible in the Hobie, and maybe it's a wash

[kenmitch]

5 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I haven't been in a peddle/prop boat, so I cannot compare....maybe I don't know appreciate what I haven't experienced.  However, switching the 180 drive to reverse requires surprisingly little fumbling -- reach down and pull -- it does require taking a hand off the reel, but it doesn't take more than about two seconds.....I'd say the edge goes to the prop, but perhaps not as significantly as you'd imagine.  Offset that with extreme shallow water operations possible in the Hobie, and maybe it's a wash

Both solutions work in the end. When I purchased a pedal kayak I purchased it to be hands free. In my eyes the Hobie offerings were nice, but are less of a hands free solution. That doesn't make it any less desirable to you or anybody else that may be interested in their offerings. 

 

When you got the fish of a lifetime on the other end of your line every second counts....lol

 

In the end it's a moot point as the Hobie he's looking at doesn't even have the 180 drive anyways. I just assumed it had the 180 drive in it. 

[IgotWood]

I’ve been in an Outback for a few years now. I have to admit, I had a little buyer’s remorse for a while. The ability to make one paddle stroke to quickly adjust my position is gone. I have to pedal up to speed in order for the rudder to work. Can still turn the boat with the paddle, but the fins and rudder make it difficult. It’s not as maneuverable as a paddle boat. Eventually, I’ve gotten adjusted to it and I’ve learned to deal. 

 

Otherwise, I love the boat. And the compass is even better from what I’ve heard. It paddles better, handles better, and it just as stable. I can stand in my Outback very comfortably. And it pedals very efficiently.

 

However, I am actually selling my Outback to get into a Radar. I tried one a couple weeks ago. It is so stable, even more than my Outback. It pedals very well, and it paddles so nicely. You may want to check on out. Good luck. And let us know what you decide on!

[Harold Scoggins]

I'd go Old Town PDL.

[Tizi]

I have a dealer in the area that carries the Native and Old Town brands.  I am going to demo each and make a final decision.  Very much leaning towards the Old Town PDL.

[928JLH]

+1 For the Old Town

[schplurg]

On 4/18/2019 at 11:20 AM, Choporoz said:

 

-I've been sort of shocked at the explision of trolling motors on yaks lately.  Consider skipping the pedals and going right to a Torqueedo.

 

 

 

 

That's what I plan on doing for my first yak. Can't afford pedals but my tendinitis might make paddling tough. I want the TM foot controlled, at least a reverse and forward footswitch of some kind.

[YoTone]

Slayer 10 owner here. The Slayer 10 has been out for years and ive seen them go as low as $1400 used.