The Pedal Drive TAX | Kayak Fishing
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.ย. 2024
- In today’s video I am discussing my thoughts on pedal drive fishing kayaks and how there is potentially a pedal drive tax for those that just want a bigger kayak.
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I bought my Lynx specifically for the pedal drive and have no intention of adding a motor. I enjoy the exercise and simplicity of not having to deal with batteries and motors.
Then you don’t fit in the category that I explained. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to comment.
I've been fishing from PA12' the last 10 years. I've had the 360 last 3 years now. I've never had a motor, nor would I add one. I'm fine pedaling wherever I need to go. I've been doing it so long now, it's easy as walking. I launch as close to areas I wanna fish also so I rarely have to make extremely long runs. The lynx seems cool. I haven't had a chance to test one out
Completely agree. I really don't understand it personally. But to each their own. I want the exercise, we're lazy enough in the US as it is. I have to earn the travel and I love that, I don't mind. I can multitask to an extent while pedaling.
That's great if you are planning on purchasing a motor right away. If you are fishing and not planning on a motor the pedal drive is a great option for more hands free fishing and dealing with wind. The Motor/ battery tax is always going to be way larger then the pedal drive tax. Most of the motor options like Torqeedo, Newport or i3 cost more than or close to the price of the pedal drive kayak itself. If money is no object and you can spend $4000+ to $7000+. on a motorized boat then go for it otherwise a good pedal drive kayak makes a lot of sense. You can always save up and buy the motor/battery later.
I’m in the tax free pedal drive camp. I enjoy my effort / reward of physically getting myself to somewhere and catching a fish as a result. I might be weird that way, but I kind of stopped at pedal drives. I’ve been in motorized kayaks and the benefits are obvious, but the satisfaction from beating the sun up to get to your spot, and smoking that largie is just wayyy to sweet. I’m exhausted when I get off the water and my legs are smoked but I love it. I believe the future of the sport will be motorized 100% though and that’s ok.
I cant imagine leaving my peddle drive at home. The pedals allow true hands free fishing. I can hold in the wind, I can glide silently along a shore bank casting the entire time. In my mind, the peddle drive is worth every penny. Having a peddle drive and not using it is crazy talk. But to each their own.
You're not alone.
So I got a Newport NK180 a year ago for my Hobie Compass, but not one trip has gone by where I didn't use my Hobie drive. I'll use the bassboat analogy. The NK180 is my outboard, and the Hobie drive is my trolling motor. The motor gets me from Point A to Point B, but when I'm actually fishing I'm using the drive.
I have a motor on my slayer but I would rather
Leave it at home than give up my peddle. The motor gets me from a to b. The peddle maneuvers me along as I fish and as an added bonus, I get exercise. You should try it sometime.
I feel like this was just trying to sell the new XTR to people!
The "Pedal Drive Tax" is an interesting topic. The video below created by Chad Hoover of Kayak Bass Fishing gives some great points. I'm not going to get into a debate with anyone here about the use of a pedal drive kayak. For 18 years I paddled a kayak and fished. I did it mainly for the workout. That's why I started kayaking in the first place. I just found that taking a rod and some lures along made it even more fun.
Kayak fishing had a "physicality" to it. It still does for some. But the sport has changed drastically in the last five years or so. The physical effort to propel your kayak to the fishing destination of choice has been reduced to almost nothing.
About five years ago I purchased a Hobie Outback and still use the same one today. It's got over 800 fishing trips in it. I've maintained it so that it operates efficiently for my adventures on the water. I can paddle it, pedal it, and yes, I do have a motor on it to get to places faster in tournaments. (You can even install a sail on it!) And yes, I said I would never use a pedal drive or a motor. In fact, I purchased a motor and PA14 a few years ago and they sat in my garage for months. I sold them both and continued to use my Outback.
Have I paid a "pedal tax?" Nope. I use my pedal drive on every trip. I paddle on every trip. The motor, well not very much. I usually end a tournament with over 90% of the battery left. These three options give me flexibility in my choices of where and how I want to fish that day. Chad Hoover makes some great points in this video. I agree with most of them.
Let's go back to the physicality of the sport. At 65 years of age I've maintained most of my fitness through kayak fishing. With the addition of stability and mobility exercises year round and some minor strength training I can still paddle or pedal with the best of them and will continue to do so as long as my health lets me. Yes, if you never use the pedal drive it is sort of a "tax" on your purchase. But there may be another tax. "What?" You may ask. Most of us OG's got into the sport to fish but it was also a way to move on the water with physical effort. My shoulders and arms looked and felt like an olympic swimmer and today my legs are in as good as shape as in my twenties from pedaling miles and miles of water. The tax many are paying to day is the "lack of exercise" tax. The less we move the more unhealthy we become. That can get very expensive with medical costs. I've had a lot of friends who retired, then sat at home in the recliner never moving and paired with their loss of identity and purpose declined rapidly and passed on. Kayak fishing has kept me moving. It has helped me consider my health options.
Sometimes, I ask myself if it really is kayak fishing any more. It's basically miniature bass boats with motors and enough storage to bring your entire arsenal of fishing gear. They keep getting bigger and better and I understand that along with the upgrades in technology. Yes, I'm guilty too of what I like to call "overigging" a kayak. I've got all the bells and whistles everyone else does out on the tournament trails. But at the same time I will continue to value the physical aspect of kayak fishing just like when I started 26 years ago.
Just like me, you will have an opinion too. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy kayak fishing as much as I do. And thanks Chad for a great topic to ponder.
“Lack of exercise tax” 😅
I have a vibe shearwater where I use the Hobie and motor guide Xi3. It’s the best of both worlds because there’s a lot of shallow grass and some areas that the pedal drive allows me to still maneuver through silently that the motor won’t.
My first pedal drive boat was a Hobie PA14. I bought it becuase pedaling is easier than paddling, especially in a large boat. Since then I've bought and sold serveral other boats but, I've always came back to a PA14. I now have a PA14 360 with a Torqeedo. I've considered many times going to a non pedal boat, but I've never been willing to give up the ability to make small movements with my rod still in my hand.
Being able to make small movements in shallow water is indispensable, especially when it's windy. I can't/don't want to run a motor due to risk of damage to the prop, spooking fish or weeds. I could move with a paddle but, that means putting the rod down or doing an awkward, across the chest one arm paddle maneuver.
And that's why the pedal drive tax is worth it.
To those of you here considering getting into Kayak fishing, definitely definitely try out a pedal/fin drive. I got into it a few years ago and fell in love with it. If pedal drives aren't for you - great. But try it out first.
Chad, just know, coming from a hard-core pedal drive person, 2016 Old Town PDL Predator kayak. I am in better shape and fitness today since buying the kayak in 2016. All motors and such make a person lazy and out of shape. Hand peddling is great also. Thank you for hearing me out.
I have a Hobie PA 14 and plan on adding the Torqeedo. I can see situations where the electric motor will be very beneficial and other times where the Hobie Mirage drive has its advantages. My preference is to have both.
That’s exactly what I’m looking into. I want my miragedrive option but want the propulsion to take me 1/2 mile to next spot. I just haven’t decided on Texas power paddle or just outright mounting trolling motor on the stern.
For me having a pedal drive in addition to a motor is a safety feature because I fish big lakes and bays. If my motor and battery have issues then I still have a way of getting back to safety.
I definitely think manufacturers should offer the option to buy a bigger boat without the PD. I have a Slayer Max 10 Propel and love my PD, but I bought it for that purpose. It's helped me in my weight loss journey. I had Gastric Bypass surgery March of '23 and have lost 130 pounds and being out and pedaling almost every weekend has been a large contributing factor in achieving that number.
I understand your point of view. But I'm going to go with a Native Slayer propel 10 due to the hull weight when transporting ,and i don't have a trailer yet.
Most of the Ohio lakes at I fish at are only are 350-1000 acres. One of my favorite lake is a non electric lake. I really like Daren Wendell's Bonafide setup where he motors to a waypoint then trolls with his Propel drive. Good thing of motorized kayaks if you want to upgrade, you can pull the motor and put it on another kayak. You cannot do that with a pedal kayak.
I sold my SS127 for a Slayer Max 12.5 and never looked back. I am a hard core pedal drive guy, but I also just added the NK180, which I am using that to get from Point A to Point B, then pedaling while fishing. I would never by a kayak without pedals because god forbid the motor fails 10 miles out. At least I still have my pedals.
Cool, then that works for you and you didn’t pay the “pedal drive tax”. 👊🏻
First kayak I purchased was a pedal drive. Fished the Knuklhed and after I vowed never to pedal a kayak again.
Replaced the old boat with an Unlimited and couldn’t be happier.
I failed to do proper research and water demo the first one.
I started in a paddle kayak (Ride 135) then moved to a pedal drive PA 12 360. Then moved to all power AutoPilot 136. The greatest leap in convenience on the water and lack of frustration when the wind kicked up was graduating from the paddle to the pedal drive. They did a ton for the sport, but I can see why they’re now irrelevant for some kayak anglers. I do miss the exercise and convenience of less on the water sometimes but I LOVE my autopilot. My route is going to be to get a 2nd kayak (probably smaller) and it will have a pedal drive and a stern mounted motor to travel long runs fast and then use the pedals when I get to my spot. The kayak fishing industry keeps innovating. Excited to see where we are in 10 years.
I did pay the pedal drive tax, but I use it & don't have a trolling motor. I don't want a trolling motor either. I'm fine pedaling & I wanna keep myself as stealthy as possible. For sounds traveling underwater, a trolling motor on a kayak sounds no different than a big boat. That's letting them know your coming from a mile away. The big ones are smart & I'll take every advantage I can get chasing those bigger bites. I do agree with you 100% if you're gonna add a trolling motor, just get a different kayak that doesn't have a pedal drive & save a lot of $! Not everyone wants to pedal & that's fine. Everyone should set their kayak up how they want & hopefully do it smart & not waste hard earned money on something they won't use...
Thanks for the solid response. In your case, you actually didn’t pay the pedal drive tax because you use it.
Couldn’t agree more on the part about setting your boat up your way!
I’m in the market for a pedal drive only that I can throw in the back of my truck bed to go places that I don’t want to lug around my AP136 on a trailer. Just having a hard time justifying the price jump when you can easily get something with a motor around the same cost. This video really does help breakdown why they cause what they do, though.
I think of my TitanX's pedal drive as some real expensive paddles that are the backup form of propulsion if my motor quits. Do I want to be stuck 4 miles out in whitecaps on a kayak (almost a skiff really) with a seat that is 15" off the deck and 40" beam width forced to paddle back in? Yup, not a good option.....and the paddles would need to be ~300cm long for a 6' man.....
You can always paddle a pedal but you can never pedal a paddle. That and motors do quit.
I went from my paddle fishing kayak straight to a motorized. I'm actually looking for a pedal drive now. Something I can just throw in the back of the truck and go. Use the motorized kayak for bigger lakes.
Got a Big Rig HD in 2019. Thought a FD was missed for two years until i added the Torqueedo. Game changer. Would never want a FD these days. Paid for a motor but avoided the tax because i would have eventually gone for a motor.
The manufacturers sell what sells well. They do it on the foundation of "I wish I would have got one with a pedal drive" and it keeps them from having to buy an entire second one if they decided to do so later on down the road.
It seems like a lot of your questions seem to be pretty basic sales questions when you're trying to gather information to best suit someone standing in front of them interested in buying a kayak. They're all very good and valid questions in which if you got a seasoned salesperson on a slower day, answer all of those for you. That would take a little bit of time which you might come out surprised.
I see that some brands offer two different models in some cases. With and without pedal drives.
At the end of the day. Options increase cost. As a society we want, and want and want. Which makes this world we're living in much more expensive. And if corporations can get away with it they will.
The small time dealers need to support their lifestyle as well.
I got the autopilot 136 when it first came out. 2 months in I missed my pedals. I got tired of taking my remote putting that thing in reverse just to make one or two more casts. Way more versatility being in the middle of the spectrum.
I was the one that said I would never buy a motor of any sort and got a fin drive with a better stable kayak. Well now I'm registered and getting a trolling motor lol. So es 100% agree.
I think a hybrid setup is ideal for me. I have the motor option to open up more distant spots and for getting back when you're exhausted (or getting cramps) and use the pedal drive to fish. I had a Native Slayer propel 10 for years. I recently sold it and upgraded to the Slayer Propel 10 Max. One of the big reasons was to be able to easily mount a motor, but I still intend to use the propel drive to fish.
Over the years I told my fishing friends I’d never own a Hobie Kayak. After a few years of kayak fishing I now own two, a Hobie Compass and a Hobie Lynx because of their excellent Mirage drives. I also told my friends I’d never put a battery motor on my kayaks. I just put a Bixpy motor on my Compass. Why? I may help on rivers to get back at the end of the day and during inshore fishing to reach out a little further and get home safely when high winds or storms approach. I still plan on using my superb Mirage drive as much as possible however in a few instances I may drop the Bixpy to reach a little further or get back safely. I love the Lynx and the Mirage drive as is and will enjoy it on our summer lakes and some rivers as is. Advice…never say never!
High Noon
The wilderness systems recon 120 hd is available without the pedal but can purchase after the fact if you want or use a motor which is nice 😀
Started years ago in a Pescador Pro12. Then I tried a Hobie at a demo day. Very happy with my PA14 180 (not 360 which I’m glad) for 6yrs now. No issues. But had total knee replacement due to an injury. Still tried using the Mirage drive but the knee is better off with a motor now so I got a Newport NK300. Beware as the PA will squat under 3/4 or better power and there is a risk of water coming up through the rudder/skeg deployment lines which people need to be aware of. But I got the pedal drive for the boats size and ease of hands free initially
I bought a Hobie Outback so I could have my hands free to fish and still move on the water. Love it. Won't go back. And I will add that I wanted a higher capacity paddle kayak and was really interested in the Prowler Big Game II and it just vanished off the market.
Got my PA14 360. Has NK300 and Xi3. Strictly use the NK for a point a to b motor and use the pedals as I’m fishing. I’ll never get a 360 again but I’ll definitely get the 180. Motor with foot steering makes the 360 obsolete since it’s a giant rudder now lol. My setup isn’t for everyone, but I’m finally satisfied with a setup
I put a pivot drive on a skanu. The pivot drive is quite universal, just have to exercise your mind to make it work.
If you research the pivot drive, its original name was h2pro-ped. Had universal mounts for canoes, Jon boats, kayaks.
It appears nucanoe bought the rights to it.
Honestly I'm waiting for the point that more and more kayak completions ban most if not all electronics and force people to pedal or paddle to get the sport back closer to where it started. I get motors are more efficient and what not but let's be honest people don't need more reasons not to exercise. Recently I did a 4 mile trip in my knarr and while it was a workout it was enjoyable and the more I do it the easier it gets. People are trying to make kayaks what they never where intended to be and to be fair big fishing kayaks like the knarr are pushing it as it is but like many people have said at what point are you better off getting a john boat or some other small boat and just rigging that up if you want it motorized anyway.
If you want to get back to where it started then pedal drives would need to be eliminated from that too. You can’t pick the “right amount” of technological innovation for you, but then decide it shouldn’t go any further than that.
@@ChadHooverFishing it's done all the time, I know several lakes where I live where there is no motorized access but pedal drives are allowed and some kayak tournaments are banning electronics so it wouldn't be a surprise if there is a big shift away from kayak electronics in the future
I bought my USED Old Town Topwater 106 PDL "because" it's a pedal drive AND is super stable. My next kayak purchase will ALSO be a pedal drive, but with a 1-2 pre drilled motor mount location(s) for the flexibility of any/all propulsion options. I've been watching FB for a used Old Town Sportsman 120/132 PDL, Native Titan X 12.5, or Bonafide P127 for their stability and their flexibility. To me, the ability add/remove a propulsion option at will, creates a better value. Although I enjoy my 106 PDL, I do miss having a motor to get to my initial spot faster, I would still retract the motor once I got there to take advantage of a stealthier pedal drive control option. That's my preference... not intending to influence anyone in either direction. Tight Lines 🎣
I love my Slayer Max Propel, I do plan to add a Newport 180pro to it which will give me what I always wanted and that’s all three options when on the water. I fish many places where I’ll use my pedal drive the whole day and wish I had a motor to run back to the ramp from the other side of the lake. And that’s mostly what I’ll use it for. Or when ramps are a distance from where I want to fish, the motor will get me there and then employ the drive for almost hands free fishing unless super shallow then out comes the paddle! Instant reverse on the pedals when getting hooked up and pulled into pads or trees is awesome. Quick touch on the rudder to adjust position and I’m golden. Anyways I’m happy to have all 3 (when Newport gets installed) and see no better option. Side note: I don’t plan to use the motor to steer with that as why I’m staying with the 180pro for my 12.5’ boat and locking straight. I use the metal Boondox rudder so it won’t over power steering.
I went PWR + Xi3. But when I had my Titan 12, I had the NK180 using the pedal drive as a trolling motor to fine tune my position
How do you like the PWR with the Xi3? This is what I’m looking at and interested on how well it steers if you have the motor set straight using a lower speed while fishing.
@@briansimmons4309 love it. Like you said, I can set the Xi3 forward and at its lowest speed and use the foot steering to make minor adjustments left or right.
@@briansimmons4309 the first few weeks, the foot steering was not broken in. I had to add lithium grease on the tracks where the foot pedals are and now it’s butter smooth steering
I lost almost 100 pounds from my pedal drive P127. Didn’t Wendall Fishing win a big trophy in a P127 (pedal drive) last year?
I enjoy my pedal drive. I use it 100% of the time. I don’t want to be switching between a paddle and a fishing rod all the time (specifically if there’s current).
I love my peddle drive but also have a drop in motor that also fits in the peddle drive slot.
Was going to get the titan x, but I don't really want the pedal drive. So now I'm waiting to order the XTR
Because of a combo of my desire to take my dog and my ADHD (which honestly needs more space so I don't go crazy looking for gear), I wanted a bigger kayak. My pedal drive friends basically said it's pedal drive or nothing. But with higher pedal yak cost and having a drive system hogging up the precious space, I am very happy that I picked up a used Nucanoe Frontier 12 and am running a trolling motor. Best of all worlds for my needs at least. Tax avoided. :-)
Topic for a future video: What is the difference between the new power only boats and say a Sundolphin or Pond Prowler? Will these small power only plastic boats from Bass Pro and their ilk be allowed in KBF tournaments?
Im really interested in pdl drive for the instant control during a fish catch to not get knocked off spot or blow the area i intend to cast next. However i dont have this luxury right now as a paddle only guy.
I love my pedal drive. I don't want to pay the taxes and registration to run a trolling motor. Now I also love my paddle kayaks. The more the better. Nativei Slayer 10 pedal drive, Native Ultimate and Native Tegris. The weight counts the older I get so my choices are much lighter than where I started back in the wilerness systems Ride 135.
The XTR is $1000 less than most comparable pedal drives, the PWR is about $2000 less and taxes are the same (actually less if the price is less). Registration is roughly $50 and took about 20 minutes. An hour if you count the drive and the wait. I’m
not arguing with you, just pointing out that the cost argument isn’t accurate overall.
The downfall I see to not having a pedal drive is for those guys who are fishing tournaments. A lot of these bigger kayaks are a beast to paddle. Most kayak tournaments do not allow motors. The motor, if installed in a way that can be quickly removed, is a good way to get around and learn a body of water on pre-fish days then swapping back to the pedals for tournament day.
I agree with your assessment completely except for one missing concept. For many peddle kayaks, with my understanding, there are options to run a motor in the peddle location. This gives the kayak a better maneuvering ability with the motor located there over stern. Also allows for easier prop cleaning for those who fish the weeds more. For a manufacture to refuse to sell a kayak without the peddle drive included is kinda trash on their end honestly therefore the “tax” aspect. As someone who uses all three ways of propulsion I see a need for all at the certain moments. Legs are your bodies strongest muscle so you can use them to control drifting grass lines effortlessly hands free. Paddle gives one the best control in direction over all forms. Motors will get you from spot to spot very quickly with added overall weight. With all that said peddle drives will never loose their place in the kayak fishing industry. They have their advantages and downside. Yeah you are practically running a bicycle in water constantly so it will have some maintenance issues over time. Taking the time to learn your particular drives system is necessary if you plan on going miles while fishing. Learn which parts will work loose. Learn what size tools and spare parts to maintain. Probably most important is to learn how to correct the engineering issues with using better quality hardware than the manufacturer did. If a nut keeps working loose and you replace it with the same nut every time without adding loctite that’s kinda on the user. Use some common sense with products and don’t trash them. You are paying $500-$1.3k for a unicycle!!!! People don’t buy brand new bikes and run them through uncut fields and then wonder why a chain is breaking loose when their sprocket is clogged with grass. Overall having the option to add a peddle drive later is great to me. Having the ability to switch from one to another is great as well. There is one yak I want that you can’t buy without a peddle drive so I won’t buy it because of the “tax”. If manufacturers were more worried about selling their products they would make sells of them without the drives available at a more reasonable rate.
Great video! I truly enjoyed the thought process on this one.
I got my current kayak largely because it is a pedal drive. I refuse to put a motor on my kayak, my fatass needs the exercise and you can get good cardio pedaling.
That said, for people who just add a motor, you are spot on
I love my Recon 120 with peddle drive. I dont plan on going to the electric moter, so im ok with peddle drive. I hope they continue to have peddle drive kayaks.
Still running an ATAK 140 (since 2016ish) with a recentish upgrade on a NK 180S for range... Still considering a pedal drive for fine adjustments in current or wind, but yes - don't want to pay the tax😂. That being said, I'd go pedal drive and stern motor before I went with another pedal-less kayak and a stern AND bow mount motor... The cost there,along with wiring and weight, etc. just feels crazy!
I think there should be three different versions of a kayak one totally stripped down as simple as possible the second with the pedal Drive system in it and third with a motor on it. Or even a fourth one with everything on it.
Having started kayak fishing around 10 years ago, motors weren’t really that popular and not many pedal drive kayaks back then really only popular choices where Hobie and native slayer. Getting into tournaments paddling just couldn’t cover the water they could. As time went on more pedal options became available and more affordable, I got a pedal drive several years ago. Before the explosion of popularity using motorized kayaks. Already having pedal for years I like the idea of adding a motor but still having pedal drive as back up if dead battery or motor issues. Also like the drive in the shallows being a little more quiet. But in todays market if having to buy new definitely would buy non pedal and just motorized.
I've been wanting to "upgrade" to a pedal drive kayak from my paddle kayak for a while now, but having done a lot of research, it seems like these models add a lot of extra weight and watching alot of youtubers who use these kayaks most of them add a motor to it anyway and barely ever actually use the pedal drive. Therefore, for my own personal use case I've decided to add a motor to my current cheap, light paddle yak and save myself like $AUD2.5k+
Just own a Bonafide 107 great kayak. I mostly fish the James, Jackson, Maury and Stanton rivers where Im at shallow and rocky. But would like to have a Hobie drive system. Just don’t want to spend the Hobie dollars to have it. Good luck on your new Kayak but the model is a tab to big for my situation.
I’m in the market right now and that’s the question I’m faced with and it’s a difference of about $750-1000. I’m leaning towards a boat that comes with a pedal option like the Vibe Shearwater. If in a few years I want a fin or prop drive the option is available.
Years ago you did a review of the Wilderness Atak 140 , How great a boat it is , I have one , It is a fine wide body , stable boat No pedal drive option , I added a transom motor , foot steering , I fish salt , ICW , from Ponce inlet north too St Augustine , How does older model hull strength compare too newer models ? Moving forward years , how do still feel about that boat ? I am in market for another boat and wanted it all, At a young 77 , require wide body , prefer 14 footers , Need the room , transport on a trailer , Never having pedal drive I wanted one , plus motor , weather I will end up like the others not using I will not know until I have one , Old Town offers all in one option with the EPDL drive ?? Just concerned how it will hold up years from now
100% on the money. If the end goal is a motor, scratch the pedal drive. If manufacturers sold pedal drive kayaks WITHOUT the drives, they’d sell more.
FYI, a couple additional manufacturers that offer pedal drive kayaks without the drives: Kaku kayaks, vanhunks, Vibe.
I've paid the tax twice, Hobie PA12 360 and the Titan X 12.5. Hardly ever used the pedal drive. Got an order in on the XTR 130 now and i don't think i'll ever look back? Unless i run out of battery🤔
I bought a TitanX I try to use the pedal drive to get a little exercise but honestly I don't use it much. It is piece of mind having the back up drive and I can fish no motor tourneys so yeah I'd pay the tax again.
When the P127 first came out, I was super curious. I demoed it along with the SS127 (which I already owned) and it was clear to me that it wasn't my thing. It was fun but I couldn't see myself using it regularly.
I live in NW Wisconsin and fish Lake Superior and Lake Michigna for Salmon and Trout a lot. I have an Oldtown Predator(BigWater132) kayak and I also own a Big fiberglass boat. I use the boat for groups, but when I cant get anyone or just want to go by myself I prefer my PDL drive cause it make my life easier simplicity i still have obviously a small battery 18ah for the lights and a finder and i like the quiet of pedaling. I see why motors are a thing but I still prefer a pedal drive over a motor. I think it is a nice option while i still can use it (age34) but i can see if i get older I might and can easily add a motor if my back or legs give out. To be fair oldtown has non pedal dfrive versions or the bigwater and the sportsmen/topwater boats where brands like hobie or native do not so I see your point.
I don't like the center space the pedal drives take up. That's where a lot of staging and prep take place. I got rid of my Slayer for that reason, and also bc the "whir-whir-whir" sound bothered me. I looked at the epedal from OT and that didn't seem like much of a benefit for the $. Start out with a good fishing platform first then worry about propulsion, imo.
I bought a 2018 hobie pa14 new. Currently trying to sell it so I can downsize to a hobie outback. for me i casually fish and camp off a kayak and waited years for hobie to come out with a reverse drive and when they finally did was when i bought the kayak. i dont like the other types of drives like a bicycle. i also own a boat so for me i wont ever use a trolling motor on a kayak
Honest Question...If I wanted to start off with paddling the XTR130 at first (I'm a Big man at 6'4" 340) would that be possible. I would eventually moterize but really love what I've seen about the XTR130
Bicycles aren't "dead" with the onset of ebikes. There will always be a market for those that look at a pedal drive for fitness while fishing/kayaking.
It’s just my preference and abilities at this point but, having started in an old paddle yak and having tried fin and prop peddle drives, I settled for a motor. From there, I fell in a rabbit hole.
My wife and I have paddle kayaks, and want to get into pedals, but will probably just go straight to motor. My Jackson Bite was $700 new, but a Jackson Bite FD w/ pedal drive is $2700.
I paid the “tax” but don’t plan to do it again. Had a SS127 with Xi3 and sold it for a Slayer Max 12.5. Found I still needed a motor for those long runs between spots and I did not like trying to fish while constantly adjusting the steering with my left hand. It’s the same thing I did not like trying to fish while constantly adjusting the remote for the Xi3 on the SS127. I’m shopping now for a new boat and leaning heavily toward the PWR129 since it has the rudder already installed to foot steering. I’d be interested in hearing/seeing how Xi3’s perform on a low speed with the motor set on a straight line while steering with the foot pedals.
I'm a member of a group of kayakers that has tournaments that do not allow motors. I got my Native Watercraft TitonX for many reasons including the peddle drive
I purchased a Feelfree Dorado V2 w/ the new 48v system, I did not order the electric motor though. It came with the pedal drive and the rudder all ready to go. So, I guess I paid what you call a “tax”. I think I could have just purchased the kayak without the pedal drive. I went ahead and got the drive in case I ever fished a tournament that didn’t allow electric motors. I never intend to use it unless I’m in a situation that I have to. I’ve built a delete plate to fill the hole in the kayak where the drive normally would set to give me more room in the cockpit to maneuver to take pictures and manage tackle.
I purchased a wilderness recon year 1. Year 2 I purchased the 1300 dollar pedal drive system. Year 3 I went to a motor.
So year one I was paddling, year 2 I was kayaking with a little bit of fishing, year three is when I actually started fishing full time.
I’m not sure I’ll ever go back and I wish I had went to a motor when I went to a pedal drive.
Yes I paid the tax.
I have a pedal drive kayak so that I am able to fish with both hands while controlling the kayak easily. I'm not sure I follow the logic in the video. If anyone puts a motor on a kayak then they are paying a "motor tax", right?
The main reason people are putting motors on their kayaks is to keep up in tournaments.
Any word from powerpole on when we will see the move on a kayak?
I enjoy paddling the Wilderness Tarpon 160 at least as much as pedaling my Outback. The pedal drive can be a bit of a hassle taking it in/out, but it I lose power to my Newport motor, I’d like the option of pedaling vs paddling it 3-4 miles or more.
I have a predator pdl. I always take my pedal drive with me. My minn kota went out on me 5 miles from ramp.🤪
I bought a pedal drive and realized I didn't like the workout as much as I thought I would. Some days I'd be so tired I never thought I'd take that thing out again. Needless to say I sold it and bought an autopilot. Best purchase ever made.
I hear ya. The legs 🦵 can burn some energy with the big old quads.😊
imagine how many dealers will have a surplus of peddle drives just lying around.
Good topic.
Dealers wont abide unless they are given the green light by the manufactures to provide that as an option.
I knew from the beginning I would not be peddling because I have one leg. I knew I’d be paddling and/or installing a trolling motor
Pedal drives are only dead because older/out of shape fishermen starting putting motors on their kayaks because they couldn't keep up with the younger more fit fishermen that were out running them to the fish (ask me how I know! LOL). Since motorized kayaks are here to stay, I think more manufacturers need to offer a "motor ready" kayak so we don't pay the extra money for the pedal drive system. However, Hobie & other pedal drives sell well on ebay. You can get good money for them on-line and re-coop some of the expense.
This video does not relate to my decision, but I feel it’s also damaging to those that are making decisions. So many offering by so many brands, a channel like this should explain the benefits, the downfalls and ultimately guide those people to make the best decision for that person’s situation.
I bought a pdl120 because it’s perfect for my needs. Never intend to power it because it is the wrong kayak for that purpose
I currently have a Slayer Max10 I love it , I can see where the pedaling gets old so I bought a nk180pro but I still haven’t installed it yet just because I haven’t had the chance to go to the dmv
Does this apply when you by kayaks like the 132 epdl by oldtown
Bought a native titan 13.5 and I run a trolling motor on it
Jackson had it right with the upper section motor to the pedal drives....and the blank you could insert in lieu of the pedals. It is sad that lasted one season if that. With the batteries of today and spot lock motors pedal drives will be a lost cause IMO. I would prefer to pedal over paddling any day if the motor stopped working....so for now the TAX is worth it.
Chad I remember when I found your first videos on TH-cam. I think you were in a Wilderness Commander. I thought that was the coolest thing. Honestly I find nothing cool about kayak fishing any more. That’s ok everyone is different. To address your current video. I like what Nucanoe did. I bought an Unlimited to put a motor on. later I added the Pivot drive. I still prefer to paddle my CK1.
I love how you explain things. You break everything down to where it makes sense for everyone, no matter what side of the coin they are on. I personally love my Native Slayer Pedal Drive. I like it because its hands free fishing. I had no desire to put a motor on it because I didn't want the extra expense of the motor, mount, battery, etc. And all the extra weight it would add to my kayak. Plus I didn't want to have to register with the state, which is another hassle... LOL Thanks for your videos.
Like someone noted earlier. I bought the pedal drive because of personal property taxes. And I didn’t want to license it. Now that I am older, I am considering upgrading for health reasons. I almost need a trailer any way.
If you show that you paid taxes on it, you don’t pay taxes again. People who have to do that are ones that bought it used and don’t have proof of purchase or that they paid the taxes. Just like when you buy a vehicle. It’s really easy, it’s just that people have gotten used to dealers doing it for them.
Starting with wilderness system ride 115x and going to paddle boards . I upgraded to native kayak Titan , I love I can pedal troll for striped bass or fish and pedal to stay in place since I can pedal fwd and reverse with the Titan I don’t need a micropole or anchor
until they can have some sort of foot controlled bow mounted trolling motor, pedal drive is the best
zero desire for any pedal drive, zero desire for easy of paddling.
I iam a disabled person who loves kayak fishing and motorized is my only way and no i dont want a boat!
I do feel when iam shopping for kayaks that i am paying this pedal drive tax.
I love the new xtr for this reason and the new wilderness tactical also.
I dont even care if people call these something other than kayaks.. I love them!
Ill call them little one man fishing machines!
Oh and ill add you forgot a draw back of buying a pedal drive kayak when you dont want to use the drive.... You will always have to deal with the big ole hole in the hull which takes up standing/deck space reguardless of it you have the drive in or not.
Everybody is different and has their own preferences. If I had unlimited space, I would have a pedal drive in addition to my other kayaks. Given unlimited space, I would also have a bass boat. However, I am an old man in a townhome and have very limited space. That limited space has forced me to stick with only what I enjoy most. I like going to out of the way places and I often go alone. I need something that I can carry. Pedal drives are too heavy for me. The XTR would also be too heavy for me, by the way. For the same reason, I don't want a motor which adds weight and isn't so useful in many out of the way places. To be honest, I kind of enjoy paddling and the extra challenge of managing a paddle while you are also fishing. If I really wanted to motor around, I would get a bass boat and find a storage facility for it. I stay busy enough fishing out of the two kayaks that I have. I am not a big guy at all, but my main kayak is a Frontier 12 which could be considered a "big guy" kayak. I like it because it is incredibly stable, has virtually unlimited rigging options and is very light considering those two points. I also have an even lighter weight nine foot "throw and go" kayak when I really want to get off the beaten path or make a quick trip down to a local creek.
Great information I am just looking for a big fishing kayak and will paddling it and maybe later on put a motor on it but know don't want to pay anymore then I have too
I really enjoy the pedal drive because I enjoy the exercise I get from it. I don’t know what I would do without it. I would be sad if the pedal drive goes away. And I would buy another one in the future as well. Motors are nice to have in case of an emergency and I need to hurry back to the dock. I go miles away from the dock. I enjoy it so much I forget how far I’ve REALLY GONE with my pedal drive. I lost 63 lbs just fishing and getting a workout in at the same time
If you don't want a pedal drive and all those other goodies seems like you'd be better off with a john boat imo
That’s silly and I fully addressed this in my recent Just Buy A Boat Video and That’s Not A Kayak video.
th-cam.com/video/W99LG6frqoQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iNvTYPENk3OxL2ds
To be honest, I liked the fact that the Hobie came with a pedal drive. I always told myself that I would never get another kayak that didn’t have a pedal drive because of the fact that there is a human powered only tournament Trails out there that don’t allow motors. BUT…..
Then, I grew up and realized that human powered tournaments are lame. Sold the Hobie and got an XTR.
I kayak small Ozark rivers. Pedal drives are worthless here. But even if I fished big lakes, I'd never want a pedal drive boat.
I wanted the pedal drive. Specific the Hobie mirage fin type drive for cutting thru the grass. I use the Torquedo 1103 motor but always have my drive in. It helps the kayak track better and if my motor goes out I can use the drive not the paddle or both to get me home. Sacramento Delta and Clear Lake are very big
👍
well for my fishing, the majority of the time a pedal drive would be up. never had one, but just put a motor ,, being pedal drive falls under the luxury tax here and if you have to register it , might as well just put a tm on it. that luxury tax the county gets lol so no i skipped the pedal yak
You can buy a nucanoe and add a pedal drive later if you want it
It’s a pretty dang good option
Some dealers advertise kayak price with and without pedal drive. But not all of them are willing to sell a pedal drive kayak without the drive due to the fact they bout the drive and want to get their money back.
Exactly. And you are still paying for the installation of the rudder steering and other pedal drive stuff even if you don’t use it.