Peddle kayaks?

[dsitka]

I'm sure this is an old topic, but I am looking forward to changing into a pedal kayak with a bit more stability. Is there any such think as a unanimous stand out kayak to kill for. I am hoping to get something late this year and right now pondering Hobie's "Pro Angler" with the "Outback" running a close second. I have a tarpon 140 that is fitted out but my main problem is accessing the rear compartment. In fact i have capsized the boat just reaching for gear. Part of this is on me. Bad back and old. What's the popular boats out there? Thanks

[J.A. Veil]

Within the Snaggedline community, Hobie kayaks seem to dominate the pedal-powered market. But Hobie's features, propulsion system, and cost are not for every angler. Take a look at some of the other pedal kayak models out there. Native Watercraft, Old Town, and others use a different pedaling style. If you can find a dealer that has models from more than one manufacturer, you can get some ideas of how well they would work for you.

There are lots of positive aspects of using a pedal-drive kayak. But keep in mind that the drive units, regardless of the brand, are complex mechanical devices that do require maintenance and some care. Pedal drive kayaks tend to be much more expensive and heavy than paddle kayaks of a comparable size. Good luck in your search.

[jbrown]

Outback. Not the pro angler if you go with Hobie; Which would be the best option.


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[Big Mike]

I’ve used a PA for the last 7 years and love it, in fact just replaced my old one with a 2020 180. Like all things there are trade offs. On the positive I like the horizontal rod tubes giving me an unobstructed 360 zone to fight fish and cast, I keep all my most frequently used stuff besides my seat because it’s got the width to do that (the only thing behind my seat is my fish measuring board), and it’s spacious as all heck, and I’ve never felt like I was going to tip (not that you couldn’t but harder than an Outback). On the negative it’s heavy and with the width comes a loss in speed. I trailer mine and like you have a balky back. If you fish in an area with lots of ramps then trailering not a real issue, if you’re in Annapolis it’s much more problematic.

I find the “elliptical” like motion of the Hobie drive easier than a circular pedal, but that’s a personal preference. I do appreciate the ability to flair the fins without pulling the drive in super shallow water.

Good luck in your search.

[dsitka]

I was hoping to get down to Annapolis to look around. Supply line issues are keeping inventories low... I have an open mind about branding and price. As for maintenance, I ride motorcycles and that is a routine I am familiar with. One question that i have is propeller versus fin propulsion. This is all new to me.Thanks for the suggestions. this is my Tarpon 140, a good paddler but reaching the back has left me wet a couple of times now.
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[dsitka]

Hey Mike,
I have a trailer, so loading and hauling are under control. My greatest problem is stowing gear behind the seat. Lumbar vertebrae don't want to cooperate. I really like horizontal rod storage capacity and keeping the ready to use gear beside me. Do you do any tidal water fishing with your PA?

[dsitka]

Is that because of the weight difference?

[Big Mike]

Hey Mike,
I have a trailer, so loading and hauling are under control. My greatest problem is stowing gear behind the seat. Lumbar vertebrae don't want to cooperate. I really like horizontal rod storage capacity and keeping the ready to use gear beside me. Do you do any tidal water fishing with your PA?

I’d say 95% of my trips are tidal. It handles current well, including max flow at the bridge to St George’s Island. I also stay drier than the Outback crowd when waves get up, but you can still take water on board.

My comment about Annapolis And trailers was my belief that the majority of access points are car top only. I’ve never fished up there for that reason alone.

[kuljc]

you'll find a lot of info between fin propulsion and prop. What I've found is that the fins will give you more torque, which is better for current. But I know people with the 12ft oldtowns or natives that don't have any issues with current. So in my mind the two main factors are 1) prop gives instant reverse (peddle backwards vice pulling on a tab to reverse like Hobie) 2) the prop is always down and you can't do shallow water, and you can get stuck easily in shallow water. the fins can flutter in shallow water and there are kick up fins now so they shouldn't jam and get stuck on anything.

So depends on what you fish. I fish everything from a few inches to the gulf stream, so my go to is a Hobie. But I also have an Old Town PDL with a prop, that I really like for when I'm casting around the shoreline searching for fish and if I find a good spot I can peddle back and forth without messing with anything.

[dsitka]

you'll find a lot of info between fin propulsion and prop. What I've found is that the fins will give you more torque, which is better for current. But I know people with the 12ft oldtowns or natives that don't have any issues with current. So in my mind the two main factors are 1) prop gives instant reverse (peddle backwards vice pulling on a tab to reverse like Hobie) 2) the prop is always down and you can't do shallow water, and you can get stuck easily in shallow water. the fins can flutter in shallow water and there are kick up fins now so they shouldn't jam and get stuck on anything.

So depends on what you fish. I fish everything from a few inches to the gulf stream, so my go to is a Hobie. But I also have an Old Town PDL with a prop, that I really like for when I'm casting around the shoreline searching for fish and if I find a good spot I can peddle back and forth without messing with anything.

Thanks, I am hoping to fish the Chesapeake Bay tidal water rivers. I now live in the Annapolis area,,, I trailer launch with wheels to move to soft access. Yes that can be a bugger. Hobie is expensive but the quality is there, now to find a dealer with inventory.

[Big Mike]

I was at Backyard Boats in Woodbridge and they had a new shipment come in it looked like. Saw a couple PA’s but no idea if sold or if 360 versus 180.

[Mark]

The good news for you since you are already trailering and you live in AA County, is that two relatively new launches will accommodate you -- Solley's Cove and Ft. Smallwood. They have hard ramps and ample trailer parking. Of course there is also the state run Sandy Point and Annapolis has a few locations where you can trailer if you have a permit issued by the city. But by far, the vast majority of kayak launches in AA County do not provide for or allow parking for trailers. Jonas Green, for example, is a popular launching spot where trailers are prohibited.

Queen Anne's County launches (Kent Island) will accommodate trailers. You will need a permit for them.

So, you will have sufficient nearby options for trailering a kayak. However, I have to say that at some point, as we age, I think the need for stability, storage space and range makes a motor boat a safer and in some cases an even less expensive option than a large pedal-driven kayak especially if you wish to visit mainly tidal water.

I own a 3 year-old Hobie Revolution and I would not not pay the current retail price for it now. Pedal kayaks have simply exploded in price beyond reason in my opinion. They are approaching or have surpassed the prices of similarly sized Jon boats or V-Hulls in some cases.

Good luck in your choice.

[dsitka]

Availability is an issue right now. I called Backyard Boats in Annapolis and they have a limited inventory. They want $60 for a half hour on a PA 180. I'm sure that would be money well spent if you found out you don't want to buy a $4000+ kayak, but it is a marketing turn off, at the end of their season. Mark, thanks for the info, those areas are all viable for me.

[dsitka]

Mike, I am seeing inventory shortages in all the brands. I guess it is the pandemic shortages and the time of the year. Looking like i may have to wait. Thanks for the info, I can give them a call.

[dsaavedra]

Another place to check is Delaware Paddle Sports. Its a bit of a drive but Lewes is a nice town, you could make a weekend trip of it. As an added bonus there is no sales tax in DE which, on a $4000 kayak, saves you about $250 bucks versus buying in Maryland. I bought my Hobie Outback from them last November and they had plenty in stock - and that was a time when supply chains were probably more disrupted than they are now.