If you love riding your bike and kayaking, a pedal kayak might be your new favorite water toy. Not only do you get to cycle on the water, but you’ll be hands-free for fishing and eating snacks while you’re out on the water!
Plus, with pedal-powered kayaks, you can generate a decent amount of speed, just for fun or to get to your next fishing spot quickly.
Best of all, pedal kayaks are easy to maneuver and comfortable for all-day kayaking.
Here’s a look at some of the best, so you can find the best pedal kayak for you.
Table of Contents
10 Top Pedal Kayaks on the Market
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Image |
Product Name |
Weight |
Length |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0
|
85 lbs | 12 feet | Check Current Price |
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Hobie Cat Mirage Revolution 13 | 88 lbs | 13 feet | Check Current Price |
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Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 13 | 89 lbs | 13 feet | Check Current Price |
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Hobie Pro Angler 12 | 128.5 lbs | 12 feet | Check Current Price |
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Native Watercraft Ulitmate FX Propel 13 | 98 lbs | 13 feet | Check Current Price |
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Old Town Predator PDL | 117 lbs | 13 feet | Check Current Price |
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LiquidLogic Manta Ray Propel 12 | 70 lbs | 12 feet | Check Current Price |
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Hobie Mirage Oasis Tandem Kayak | 127 lbs | 14 feet | Check Current Price |
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Hobie Mirage 180 Pro Angler 14 | 144.5 lbs | 13 feet | Check Current Price |
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Hobie Mirage Sport | 78 lbs | 10 feet | Check Current Price |
Choose the Best Pedal Kayak for You
1. Perception Pescador Pilot 12.0
The Pescador Pilot 12 is one of the best, when it comes to kayaks you can pedal.
This kayak is powered by the Pilot Drive system, and it’s probably one of the more comfortable integrated designs on the market currently.
As far as ergonomic kayaks are concerned, check out the Captain’s Chair which contains adjustable gear tracks, four molded-in rod holders, and a couple of YakAttack GearTrac mounts for extra gear.
Additional features you’ll find on this kayak are things like a transducer scupper, low profile rudder, turbo flaps and even a cup holder.
If you’re in the market for a reliable name and a well-balanced ride in your next foot-propelled kayak, look no further!
Pros:
- YakAttack GearTrac mounts
- Smooth ride
- Ergonomic pedals
- Extra comfort with the captain’s chair
Cons:
- No useable sail mount
2. Hobie Cat Mirage Revolution 13
The Revolution 13 is a large, stable cruiser that allows you to go out on the water, hands-free, so you can spend more of your time fishing.
For its size, you would think it would be rather heavy, but that’s not the case with this fairly light-weight kayak.
As for extra features, the Revolution 13 comes equipped with molded-in rod holders, a spacious covered bow hatch, rear cargo area, two-piece paddle with on hull storage, and even a sail mount.
Overall, this pedaling kayak handles really well even in choppier conditions, is lightweight and comes with a plethora of nice features that any kayaker will appreciate.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Plenty of storage space
- Pedals feel solid
Cons:
- Can be hard to balance while casting long distance
3. Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 13
The Slayer Propel 13 from Native Watercraft is what you could call a game-changer in the hands-free kayak fishing community. This foot propelled kayak is extremely stable, even for long distance casting or when you need to stop on a dime when trolling.
The Slayer Propel 13 was designed with customization in mind so it offers plenty of rails where you can easily mount any of your Scotty, Ram, or Railblaza gear.
The features list for the Slayer Propel 13 pedal kayak is extensive. A few of the highlights include the Propel pedal-driven system with both forward and reverse, left-hand rudder control system, rear storage well, 5″ dry storage hatch, two rod mounts, and several groove tracks for all of your accessory mounting needs.
Pros:
- Extremely stable
- Good storage
- Customizable
Cons:
- Pedaling can be a little difficult, as it’s so stable
4. Hobie Pro Angler 12
If you’re in the market for something a bit on the shorter side that will fit into the back of your truck, have a look at the Hobie Pro Angler 12.
Measuring right at 12 foot in length, the Pro Angler may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it can hold up to a half-dozen rods within its four standard horizontal molded-in rod holders.
The Pro Angler 12 comes with a retractable skeg for course-keeping and integrates a pretty nifty H-rail system for customization.
Seating is also integrated really well into the Pro Angler 12 with the elevated Vantage St seat which makes it a little easier to move around the kayak.
It’s a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want the size of the Mirage Revolution 13 but wants the benefit of the Mirage Drive pedal system. With the Pro Angler 12 you’ll be zipping through the water hands-free in no time.
Pros:
- Mirage Drive
- Spacious
- Very comfortable
Cons:
- A little heavier and slower than other pedal kayaks
5. Native Watercraft Ulitmate FX Propel 13
The Ultimate FX Propel 13 from Native Watercraft is basically an all-in-one fishing machine built for the die-hard fan of kayak fishing.
When it comes to this kayak, it’s “go big or go home”. And, it doesn’t hurt that it features the highly regarded Propel pedal kayaking system. This means you can easily go from paddling to pedaling in no time at all.
The open deck makes light work of loading and unloading equipment when you make it to the ramp. If you have a lot of gear, you’re in luck because this kayak has a massive under-seat storage space.
Underneath the hull you’ll find a built-in transducer mount and up top there are multiple Groove Track rail mounts bow-to-stern.
All and all, this kayak could be the best pedal kayak for you, if you love fishing.
Pros:
- Groove Track rail mounts work really well
- Excellent storage
- Built-in transducer mount
Cons:
- One of the more expensive options
6. Old Town Predator PDL
The Predator PDL by Old Town is labeled as one of the most advanced pedal-powered fishing machines of its kind, and honestly, we can see why.
When you first get into the Predator PDL you’ll quickly understand that this pedal-powered kayak is all about precision and maneuverability.
The pedal system on this kayak is almost unmatched and includes the ability for both forward and reverse, is removable and tips upward to make water docking simple and quick.
When you look into the features on this kayak, the things that stand out the most are a rudder control knob for steering, a performance crafted tri-hull, a built-in transducer scupper, 6 removable mounting plates, and an oversized Exo-Ridge tank well for all your gear
We could honestly go on and on about all of the nifty features found on the Old Town Predator PDL, not to mention that really awesome camo paint job!
Pros:
- Dual steering
- Easy water docking
- Great maneuverability
Cons:
- A little heavier and pricier than other options
7. LiquidLogic Manta Ray Propel 12
Do you want something that you can just throw in the water, hop into, and enjoy a nice relaxing glide?
If you answered yes, then this may very well be the best pedal kayak for you.
The Manta Ray Propel 12 from LiquidLogic is a pedal driven kayak that uses the Propel Drive System.
With this system, you have the capability to go in both forward and reverse, as well as slow down, stop quickly, and back up in areas where you might otherwise find yourself stuck.
While this kayak is certainly not fancy, it does have a few handy extra features. These include sealed bow storage for smaller gear, a transducer mounting area and plate, and a comfy seat.
Pros:
- Propel Drive System
- Dual steering
- Forward and revers capablity
Cons:
- Minimal storage space
8. Hobie Mirage Oasis Tandem Kayak
Do you love taking your friends or loved one out onto the open water with you for a kayaking day?
You can do so with style, on the Mirage Oasis tandem kayak from Hobie.
Aside from just looking really cool and really big, The Mirage Oasis comes packed with some pretty impressive features. This kayak offers the capacity to carry up to 550 pounds, with enough room left for a mounted sail.
Other notable features are three, 8-inch twist and seal hatches, the Twist and Stow rudder, a couple of storage pockets, 2 molded-in rod holders, and dual steering so you can get your friend to help with the legwork.
Pros:
- Tandem kayak
- Lots of room
- Dual steering
Cons:
- Quite heavy
9. Hobie Mirage 180 Pro Angler 14
If you don’t need the extra seat, pedals, and ability to ride tandem with a friend but want all the same features you get with the tandem version or any of the other Pro Anglers, you should check out the Mirage 180 Pro Angler 14 from Hobie.
This pedal-powered kayak is an extreme fishing tool. It comes with six horizontal rod lockers, plenty of tackle compartments and an elevated Vantage ST seat.
And that’s just where the fun begins because it also has an awesome non-skid deck for those long casts when you really need the extra stability.
Also aboard this beauty replaceable mounting boards, 8 inch Twist and Seal hatch, the MirageDrive 180 with the ST Turbo Fins, 6 horizontal rod holders, and a spacious rear cargo area.
If you’ve never tried out any of the Pro Anglers, now is the time.
Pros:
- MirageDrive
- Non-skid deck
- Very stable
Cons:
- Rod holder positions
10. Hobie Mirage Sport
As another fine example of the Hobie Mirage Drive kayak pedal system, comes the Hobie Mirage Sport pedal kayak.
If you want something rather compact that’s simple to load or unload and provides a day of easy recreation on the water, the Mirage Sport is a good choice.
The Vantage CT seat is ergonomic and comfortable, while the shell of the kayak is made from durable polyethylene that is extremely tough. You’ll probably forget you’re in a small kayak.
Just like the other Mirage kayaks, the Sport also comes with the Mirage Drive kayak pedal system with ST fins. There’s a sail mount, a rear cargo area with bungee tie downs, a 6-inch and an 8-inch twist and seal hatch, and two molded-in rod holders.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy transportation
- Good for beginners
Cons:
- Might be a squeeze for taller kayakers
What To Look For When Buying A Pedal Powered Kayak
When choosing the best pedal kayak for you, size always matters.
Longer kayaks, in general, have better use in long-distance rides, as you can usually cover large areas with little effort. They also provide excellent stability. But they’re also slower, and often not the best-sized kayaks for rougher waters.
On the other hand, shorter kayaks are much faster, usually accelerate quicker and can handle sharp turns. But they can be harder to control and require more effort on the kayaker’s part.
Pedal Quality
Excellent pedal quality is an absolute must-have on any pedal kayak and it needs to suit the individual kayaker.
Before making your purchase, make sure that there is enough leg room, the pedals are made from a high-quality material, and that they’re easy to repair if they take on some minor damage.
Durability
It’s hard to predict weather conditions in open riverways and oceans. When waters get rough, you don’t want to be caught ill-prepared.
Most kayaks nowadays are made of a polyethylene material but you can also find inflatable kayaks that work just as well. Usually, kayakers have their preference when it comes to materials, but just make sure that whatever kayak you choose doesn’t feel brittle or flimsy to the touch. When purchasing a kayak you really do get the materials that you pay for, so be very mindful of this.
Shape
One of the most important out of the things to look for in your next kayak is its shape. It needs to be aerodynamic and able to easily cut through the water.
The shape overall also determines what kind of rides you’re going to get out of it.
Weight
You don’t want to choose a kayak that’s too heavy nor too light; it needs to be just right. There are few reasons for this, the first being that if you’re a smaller kayaker, then you want something that you can transport easily, without straining yourself.
Second, you don’t want it to be too light. If your kayak is too lightweight it may affect the ride you experience, in imperfect weather conditions.
Final Thoughts on the Best Pedal Kayaks
There are a lot of choices on the market when it comes to pedal-powered kayaks. Choosing the right one to meet your specific needs makes all the difference, not only in terms of comfort but also of performance.
When you consider how easy (or challenging if that’s what you want), it’ll be for you to transport, pedal and meet your desires for recreational kayaking, you’re on the right path to finding a fantastic yak.
If you’ve had experiences with pedal kayaks, good or bad, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear your feedback.
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