Suggestions for a pedal kayak

[sgjackson]

I currently have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 130X that I got a few years ago and I've never really been happy with it - it's not stable enough to stand in, the seat isn't great and I'm constantly adjusting it, and it's kind of noisy when waves slap against the center pod. One of the seat straps snapped on it this weekend - a new seat is 400 dollars, so I'm chancing a kayak seat strap repair kit I found that specifically mentions Tarpons, but I'm also thinking about just pulling the trigger on a new kayak.

 

I've used this multiple times a week for years and I've got a pretty good idea of what I want at this point. I really only fish on lakes in Florida.

• Pedal drive that can either handle thick grass like Kissimmmee grass, milfoil, and lily pads, or can be lifted easily to paddle.
• Stable enough to stand in
• Light enough that I could toss it on a cart and take it up and down from the lake easily. The Tarpon X is ~80 pounds rigged and I can drag it up the bank no problem without a cart, but I'm guessing anything Pro Angler-sized would be too large.
• Right now I'm manually using a stakeout pole, and if I get a new kayak I want to get something that cleanly integrates with a Power Pole Micro.

 

I looked around the manufacturers websites last night and my short list for demoing is a Hobie Outback, an Old Town Sportsman PDL 120, a Native Titan Propel 10.5, and a Jackson Bite FD. All these are (probably) more stable than what I currently have, go down to about 90 pounds without the pedal drive for carting, and easily rig up a Power Pole. Curious if anyone has any of these boats, if you've compared them, and what you think.

[Darth-Baiter]

I ride a Hobie 
Outback, so i am heavily biased.  i stand so easily.  but i think that big Tarpon of yours, i can stand it also.  i stood in an Wilderness system kayak before, but i dont recall the model.  

 

the fin drive cuts thru some grass.  not all grass, but some.  a prop, nope. 

[sgjackson]

25 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I ride a Hobie 
Outback, so i am heavily biased.  i stand so easily.  but i think that big Tarpon of yours, i can stand it also.  i stood in an Wilderness system kayak before, but i dont recall the model.  

 

the fin drive cuts thru some grass.  not all grass, but some.  a prop, nope. 

The Tarpon is only 32" wide and pretty wobbly - I also don't have great balance admittedly and want to stack the deck in my favor

[Fishingmickey]

Howdy SGjack,

     Light weight (<80#), stable enough to stand, pedal drive that can handle weeds.I don't know of any kayaks that fill that bill except for the Hobie Lynx.  The Lynx is more like a stand up paddle board with the mirage drive.  It is light at 47lbs and expensive at $3200.  The Hobie mirage drive is the best drive IMHO for dealing with weeds.  Any of the prop drives are just going to get fouled and require cleaning ( I don't speak from experience with them just word of mouth). I fish out of a PA14.

     The Hobie Compass and Passport are lighter weight then the Outback or PRO Angler is.  JFranco may chime in. He owns or owned a Compass.

Regards,

Fishingmickey

[Darth-Baiter]

i had a Hobie Compass.  standing up is exactly the same as the outback, except on the Compass the seat is low and not adjustable  (at least mine wasnt).  so standing up took more strength to come up from a squat. 

[king fisher]

I can easily stand in my Hobie Outback, but it is light enough for me to launch and land on the beach in moderate surf.  Peddle system is small and easy to remove.  A big disadvantage with a Hobie drive system, is you have to pull a cord in order to go in reverse.  I am used to it, and doesn't bother me, but I could see it being a big red flag to many anglers.

[Hook2Jaw]

I've owned two Hobies, one Old Town, and now I own two Crescents; one with an xi3 and the other as a throw and go.  While others here have mentioned the Hobie is good in grass, I found that a propeller would go through grass that thin with the same ability.   Where the Hobie excelled was grass that wasn't topped out.  Once it reached anything approaching thick, the fin and propellers got jammed up and paddling became more efficient.

 

A Hobie is a great kayak, don't get me wrong on that -- but Old Town offers a comparable boat that is typically a grand less.  I'm not spending an extra k for a name ever again and the amount of money it costs for any part that goes on a Hobie is double or more for the parts that will go on an Old Town with a propeller.

 

Mast for a fin?  30 bucks.   Fin?  30 bucks.

 

Shear pin?  You can make these with a hook and some cutters.  A propeller is six dollars.

 

I'd get an Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL, if I were you.

[NorcalBassin]

I have an Old Town 120 and love it. After doing a lot of research I'm really happy I decided to get the instant forward/reverse of the PDL. I didn't realize how many times I'd want/need to go back simply by just peddling backwards. 

[Standard]

I've been fishing out of a Bite FD for about 2.5 years now.  Been an excellent setup.  Plenty stable, no problem standing at all.  The flex drive setup is nice for shallow river fishing, it just bumps into the hull when I don't see that rock.  I've somehow never busted a shear pin even after thorough abuse.  I've beat the crap out of the whole kayak and the only thing that's failed has been the seat straps.  You will chase the occasional creak / click / squeak from the flex drive unit.  Part of my semi-regular maintenance is to check that all the bolts are tight.  

 

Downsides - no internal storage.  I wish there was one hatch on it, but it's not a deal breaker for me.  The Coosa has a hatch, but I don't want to go that big.

 

It doesn't have a direct power pole mount, you either have to buy the adaptor from Jackson or make one.  I made one out of 3/16" steel I had laying around.

[Darth-Baiter]

I like that!!  

[Choporoz]

I started with a Wildy Tarpon, and now have a  Compass MD 180 and a Native Slayer Propel 10.5.   I generally prefer the Compass over the Native, but not so much that I'd ever advise against the Native. 

-The Mirage Drive handles emergent weeds and pads far better.  

-Sustained cruising speed, edge goes to Native.  

-I almost enjoy paddling the Hobie when I have to.  Paddling the Native is extremely painful experience. 

-I had the Compass first and the cable shift is second nature now and never been an issue for me, but I admit that the Propel instant reverse is nice.

-I struggle with the layout of the Native, but maybe haven't given it enough time.  The back deck is smaller than Compass' and I haven't found gear arrangement I like.  Same with area between scratch and pedals...just never feels like great layout.

-Seats are comparable - slight edge to Native in comfort, and underneath clearance for storage.  However,  adjusting the Native is hard...removing and installing seat is even harder.  Maybe I have a lemon, but the seat tracks on mine have zero play/tolerance and alignment is off slightly.   Huge PITA.  Fortunately,  the Native does not get transported much and the seat just stays un.

 

[Boomstick]

I have demo’d the following models

 

Hobie Pro Angler 14 - amazing storage and rigability, but also large, expensive, heavy and a prone to hull cracks and drive problems. I found it a little tough to stand in as it was a little rickety (they’re also not that hard to flip despite common misconception). Slow to get up to speed but a good top speed.

 

Hobie Outback - I technically outweigh this one, but it’s very quick and nimble. They might be a little rickety in chop, but you’ll fall off before you flip. I would definitely go with an Outback over a Compass if you can if it’s the current model at least, the longer fins make it faster, better seat and better setup from front to back - although it is a little heavier (but still not too heavy)

 

Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL - very good initial and secondary stability and solid reliability, all around a safe bet. The Native SlayerMax 12.5 or Bonafide P127 are supposed to behave similarly too but I felt I liked the Sportsman 120 PDL layout better if I added tracks to the back. I can actually use the rod holder grooves under the seat, where the Native and Bonafides plastic tip covers are sharp and may damage your line and if you use the tracks then you can’t use them anyway. Pedaling around 2mph is pretty effortless - going 2.5 is a bit more work and top obtainable speed is probably around 4.5. My youngest kid has the Topwater 120 paddle version and we added a Blackpak and anchor trolley and later a fish finder and it’s ready to fish, pretty easy to get a decent layout.

 

Old Town Sportsman Bigwater 132 PDL. I’m probably getting one of these for myself and my kid. We both felt this was easily the best performing kayak we demo’d and turns much quicker than the 120 too. I would estimate I was going between 3.5 -4 mph at a speed I could sustain and I’m fairly sure I broke 6mph although that was tiring after a bit. It was definitely more rickety than the 120 (but what isn’t) but overall was not too bad to stand in a little current. I will note I know my boundaries well and I don’t stand that much due to a bad back and I’m a big guy with bad balance plus it’s hard to jog yourself in place so I am going into the purchase knowing well how I use it. As far as rigability goes it does not have the horizontal rod slots but does have a couple mounting plates in the back, one which I might add a fish finder on and the other I can mount a ketch board. The front facing rod holder is also useful to set your rod down quickly if you don’t have to paddle. The back is smaller than the 120 too but I am told it will fit the 16x16 Blackpak pro and you can get a flat ice chest that will fit behind the seat so I should be fine. I think the benefits of getting to places quickly outweighs the cons of not being the most stable on the market. Navarre kayak sells custom parts for old towns too including front tracks with plier and hook holders that are nice.

I also looked at a Jackson Knarr but they didn’t have a demo model. But there are sure a lot of reports of hull cracks that has me concerned - especially for a less common model. I hear they are very fast and they have a Pro Angler like layout at s good price for what it is.

 

I will also note that the Hobie drive is better in weeds. Most of our weeds are in spots and I can go around the outside but if you fish lakes full of weeds. I would take that into consideration.

 

Also if you want an open layout look at the Kaku Zulu. My kid has the Voodoo and it’s great for sight fishing!

 

Hope that helps.

[pdxfisher]

I have a Hobie Outback and I like it for me. I thought about a PA 12 but did not want to have to haul the extra weight up the boat ramps. The nice thing about a Hobie is that in thick weeds I can pedal with tiny strokes with the pedals near full extension. That keeps the fins against the hull and I can slide over a lot of weeds. I have never been in lily pads so I am not sure if that would work in that situation but it works really well if there is even a couple of inches of water over the weeds.

 

I will admit I am jealous of the instant reverse on my friends Old Town Pedal kayak.  For open water I think it is probably superior mechanism but in the weeds or really shallow water the Hobie performs much better. 

 

 

[Swinghead]

I have the Oldtown PDL. I use the instant reverse all the time. The wind moving you or fighting a fish you can go from forward to reverse several times without any effort. It becomes second nature. I don’t know how anyone could fish effectively without this kind of drive. 

[Scott804]

Now that I have been in a pro angler I will never go back. Just the horizontal rod storage alone is a big one for me, not having to transport rods from truck to kayak over and over, just get to the water & throw it in and go. That being said, it sounds like your wants are more geared toward an outback or a lynx. I would probably go outback personally. No offense but guy who said a pro angler isn't hard to flip might be living on mars 

[John E]

On 9/26/2023 at 10:39 PM, NorcalBassin said:

I have an Old Town 120 and love it. After doing a lot of research I'm really happy I decided to get the instant forward/reverse of the PDL. I didn't realize how many times I'd want/need to go back simply by just peddling backwards. 

Agreed.  I have an Old Town 106 PDL and love it.  I can easily stand in it and being only 10'6, it fits well enough in my Ford Ranger.  I can go virtually anywhere - provided I paddle in the thick weeds.  The ability to pedal forwards/back is a real plus for holding a position, especially when in a Kayak, you tend to get blown around a lot.  

[John E]

I bought an Old Town 106 Sportsman PDL and love it.  Some may find it's 10'6" length a little cramped but I fit a Yak Attack crate in the back with no problem.  Here's my overall take...

The plus side...

• The PDL drive works great and forward/backwards is great for holding positions.  It's also covered with a 5 year limited warranty.  I can pedal all day at a leisurely 2 to 3 mph.  I can easily pedal enough to get a good reading on my depth finder [Hummingbird Helix 7]. 
• It's 10'6" length makes it easy to store or transport.  Fits in my Ford Ranger just fine.  The longer 120 may track [in the water] better but I'll defer to the 120 owners. 
• The seat is comfortable.
• I have no problem standing and casting.
• Sturdy hull design.
• Love the universal transponder mount. I have a Helix 7 and store the battery [small lithium battery] in the front hatch in a small insulated lunch bag.
• The forward rod holder [on the left side] works great.

On the down-side...

• The accessary rails are a little short - some may find the track space limited. 
• Like most in it's class, it's a little wide for stability.  Paddling all day can be a little rough.
• The propeller drive will get caught in heavy weeds so, expect to have to pull it up and paddle.
•  It's a little heavy and awkward to lift, though I would guess no more than others in it's class.  I'm 62 and in decent shape.  Still - I'll be looking for some kind of trailer in the near future.  Would love any suggestions on that.

Over all, I am very happy with this purchase.  See attached picture below.  Sorry - left my jacket on the seat.  :(

[JN94]

Hobie compass is exactly what you're looking for

[Boomstick]

On 10/15/2023 at 9:05 AM, Scott804 said:

No offense but guy who said a pro angler isn't hard to flip might be living on mars 

People seem to think they're unflappable - far from it. Once the water hits the top of the side logo, that's past the point of no return and they right over. I thought I was going to flip trying to stand up and walk onto the dock, but keep in mind I had an active gout attack and was very shaky as a result - but even so I never had that problem in my Bonafide. I'm not overly concerned about it, but it is simply a myth that they're unflippable - or even near the most stable on thee market.

 

I kind of want one for the horizontal rod storage alone, but long time recurring quality control issues have me concerned. I'll probably get a Yakima topwater rod carrier to help save some launch time instead - at least I don't have many bridges to go under.

 

Also good luck flipping one back over if you do flip it especially filled with water.

[Boomstick]

On 10/30/2023 at 6:06 PM, John E said:

It's a little heavy and awkward to lift, though I would guess no more than others in it's class.  I'm 62 and in decent shape.  Still - I'll be looking for some kind of trailer in the near future.  Would love any suggestions on that.

It's expensive, but if you get the Yakima rack & roll it is light enough where you can use it as a hand cart to carry your kayaks to the lake as well - a very nice feature.

[FishTax]

On 10/30/2023 at 6:06 PM, John E said:

I bought an Old Town 106 Sportsman PDL and love it.  Some may find it's 10'6" length a little cramped but I fit a Yak Attack crate in the back with no problem.  Here's my overall take...

The plus side...

• The PDL drive works great and forward/backwards is great for holding positions.  It's also covered with a 5 year limited warranty.  I can pedal all day at a leisurely 2 to 3 mph.  I can easily pedal enough to get a good reading on my depth finder [Hummingbird Helix 7]. 
• It's 10'6" length makes it easy to store or transport.  Fits in my Ford Ranger just fine.  The longer 120 may track [in the water] better but I'll defer to the 120 owners. 
• The seat is comfortable.
• I have no problem standing and casting.
• Sturdy hull design.
• Love the universal transponder mount. I have a Helix 7 and store the battery [small lithium battery] in the front hatch in a small insulated lunch bag.
• The forward rod holder [on the left side] works great.

On the down-side...

• The accessary rails are a little short - some may find the track space limited. 
• Like most in it's class, it's a little wide for stability.  Paddling all day can be a little rough.
• The propeller drive will get caught in heavy weeds so, expect to have to pull it up and paddle.
•  It's a little heavy and awkward to lift, though I would guess no more than others in it's class.  I'm 62 and in decent shape.  Still - I'll be looking for some kind of trailer in the near future.  Would love any suggestions on that.

Over all, I am very happy with this purchase.  See attached picture below.  Sorry - left my jacket on the seat. 

I have the same one and totally agree with your notes here. I'm 35 and think it's heavy. I put it in my truck bed but would love a trailer. It's not unmanageable but it's certainly not light. My only complaint you didn't say was I hate the rod holder under the seat, blocks access for storing other things. I love the pedal drive. I rigged a trolling motor to run where the rudder sits and ended up just going back to the pedal drive and rudder system because it works so well and I can do it all day without getting tired. I don't know how anyone can kayak without instant reverse. I use it non-stop. Very stable, overall awesome kayak!

[Darth-Baiter]

my friend flipped his PA12 and it was impossible to right side up.  a boat had to drag him to where his feet touched bottom.  no thanks.  

 

my Outback, I burned 100,000,000 calories and kept rolling and flipping it back up in the water.  I had to drain it a few times.  I got this.  I might have to cut a few beloved rod combos and gear loose to save my life..but I assume that is an easy decision when the time comes.