Kayak: Upgrading to a pedal drive
I’ve decided I want to make the move to a pedal in order to have a leg up in tournaments and especially the damn wind.
I also want to keep it under $3,000 and I’m 6’1 300lbs.
I’ve narrowed it down to a Native Titan 13.5, I found a 2019 locally for $2,700. I know it’s a huge boat before anyone has to point that out but I feel like it would be amazing to fish from considering my size.
Comfort comes first for me. I was able to fish for 12 hours from my Bonafide and had no issues. I’ve been told by several people the Titan 13.5 is the most comfortable to pedal for large men.
With all that being said I’m open to any other suggestions coming from anyone here.
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by TySoprano
The Titan is extremely comfortable to pedal, and being extremely stable it's easy to stand up and stretch a little too if needed. The biggest downside of a boat that big (I had the 12 so I'm sure the 13.5 would be worse) is they're an absolute barge to paddle if it's ever needed.
Other options I'd suggest would be the Hobie pro angler, Hobie outback (I'm 6ft 260lb and have no issues with mine), Titan 12 if you want a little lighter and the Jackson Coosa and big rig fd. Each have their own pros and cons. If you can, best suggestion I can give is to attend a demo day and try out a bunch of different kayaks and see what feels best to you.
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by MeatHead1313
Thanks for replying everyone says to demo but it’s just not an option where I am the nearest demo day is the end of May and as is they don’t have the Titan on their demo list.
I have the 12’7” bonafide now so I definitely don’t want to go down in size I can’t see myself in anything under twelve and half foot.
The hobie is out of my price range unfortunately or I’d buy a PA14 tomorrow but I just can’t spend the money on the new 360 and I want the hands free reverse option.
I would be interested in the big rig but the only person I’ve known to own a Jackson pedal drive had issue after issue with the drive system he eventually just sold it.
As far as trouble paddling I’m not really concerned with that I won’t need to paddle often and the bonafide isn’t a cake walk to paddle itself especially in wind or current.
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by TySoprano
I’m personally going for a OT Topwater PDL. Good value for me
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by curmudgeon-o-matic
Mind sharing your weight and height? I have a friend who sold his Hobie for the Topwater he loves it.
I really like the top water as well I’m just afraid It won’t be as stable as I’d like it to be. But I’m trying to talk my dad into buying one I think it would be perfect for his size.
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by TySoprano
I’m 5’9” 210lbs. I really like the instant reverse as it fits my style of fishing (small freshwater lakes for bass, panfish, pike, trout). I’m not opposed to the mirage drive on the hobie, it’s awesome, I just hate pulling the pulley to reverse every time. Could look into the OT predator As well. Again for the price I can’t beat an OT Topwater. I got a 10’ as well. They come in 12’ as well. I can see where a saltwater angler would prefer a hobie. I initially wanted a Jackson coosa til I sat in the OT. It just fit and felt better. Good luck and tight lines!
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by curmudgeon-o-matic
Yeah see I’m afraid my extra weight won’t work well on the told town it’s why I was going for the Titan 13.5
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by TySoprano
The titan is an awesome yak as well. My buddy has one. I believe the 10’ OT weight capacity is 440lbs and the 12’ is 500lbs. Again just my two cents just consider an OT Topwater 120 PDL.
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by curmudgeon-o-matic
Thanks man maybe I should test drive my buddies
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by TySoprano
Vibe has a pedal drive coming out in a few weeks with some decent features that you can get into for under 2K. It’s the shearwater 125. Might be worth a look.
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by S_hawkins25
I know I’ve been keeping an eye on it but it’ll be well over 2k once you get everything. The drive, drive cover are all separate from the kayak. They are taking a nucanoe approach.
Do you plan to buy one ?
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by TySoprano
I have a vibe yellowfin 120 that I love, pedal drives are out of the budget sadly. From what I understand you can get the shearwater for $1900 with the drive.
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by S_hawkins25
Ah nice I just knew it was all separate. I’ll check into them thanks man
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by TySoprano
FS Digest wrote:
Thanks for replying everyone says to demo but it’s just not an option where I am the nearest demo day is the end of May and as is they don’t have the Titan on their demo list.
I have the 12’7” bonafide now so I definitely don’t want to go down in size I can’t see myself in anything under twelve and half foot.
The hobie is out of my price range unfortunately or I’d buy a PA14 tomorrow but I just can’t spend the money on the new 360 and I want the hands free reverse option.
I would be interested in the big rig but the only person I’ve known to own a Jackson pedal drive had issue after issue with the drive system he eventually just sold it.
As far as trouble paddling I’m not really concerned with that I won’t need to paddle often and the bonafide isn’t a cake walk to paddle itself especially in wind or current.
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by TySoprano
Thanks for replying everyone says to demo but it’s... (
show quote)
I have a Hobie PA 12 and I really like it but it doesn't have the 360 drive but it is the 180 with manual reverse, in the last two years I have only used rev. twice. It is a wide kayak at 36 inches and really a stable boat for standing and casting especially if you fly fish at all. Hobie's are expensive but have about everything you might want, folding rudder, skeg and I think the best seat on the market. With the new 360 drive out you might find a good used boat? Best of luck with your new boat. Jawhawker
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