Updated October 21, 2024
Paddling a kayak can take a lot of energy and tie up your arms and hands from being fully engaged in other activities. A solution for people who would like to give their arms a break from the exercise or want to be more engaged in other activities like fishing or photography, for example, is a pedal kayak.
They are fun and use relatively sophisticated mechanical technology to propel you and your kayak across and through the water, a little like riding a bicycle.
Unfortunately, the best models are not cheap. In order to help you get the most for your money, a range of top models is reviewed below for your consideration. Starting with a comparison table, each pedal kayak is described with key features, photos, and videos, followed by a buying guide to give you the lay of the land.
Please use the comments section at the bottom if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Pedal Kayak of 2023
- Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak
- BKC PK13 13′ Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak
- Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
- Perception Pescador Pilot 12
- Perception Crank 10 Pedal Kayak
- BKC PK14 14′ Tandem Pedal Drive Kayak
- Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14
- Wilderness Systems Radar 135
- Native Watercraft Slayer 12.5 Propel Max
Best Pedal Kayaks Comparison Table
| Picture | Kayak | Weight | Length | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak | 100 lbs | 12' | 450 lbs | $$ |
  | BKC PK13 13' Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak | 80 lbs | 13' | 550 lbs | $ |
  | Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak | 103 lbs | 12'9" | 425 lbs | $$$ |
  | Perception Pescador Pilot 12 | 85 lbs | 12'5" | 475 lbs | $ |
  | Perception Crank 10 Pedal Kayak | 87 lbs | 10' | 350 lbs | $ |
  | BKC PK14 14' Tandem Pedal Drive Kayak | 99 lbs | 14' | 660 lbs | $$ |
  | Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14 | 148.5 lbs | 13'8" | 600 lbs | $$$$$ |
  | Wilderness Systems Radar 135 | 90 lbs | 13'6" | 475 lbs | $$$ |
  | Native Watercraft Slayer 12.5 Propel Max | 95 lbs | 12'6" | 500 lbs | $$$ |
| Picture | Kayak | Type | Length | # of Persons | Price |
Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Recreational Kayak
The pedal drive automatically changes from forward to reverse and combined with the hand-controlled rudder makes it especially maneuverable.
Bow and stern wells provide great storage for a cooler or fishing gear and easy spots for a kid or pet to plop down. In addition, if you are keen on fishing there are built-in rod holders and accessory tracks.
The seating is comfortable and slides into position for different-sized kayakers, and the seatback further adjusts to get just the right position for you.
It comes in a range of intriguing color designs and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- Best For: recreational kayaking
- 1 paddler
- Length: 12 feet
- Width: 34.5 inches
- Weight: 100 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive with forward and reverse, capable of cruising up to 5.5 mph with a 10.3:1 gear ratio
- Rudder System: hand-controlled, removable
- Bow and stern tank wells with removable bungee webbing great for storage, kids, or pets
- Click-seal hatch under the seat for dry storage
- Element Beach Seat with slide-lock and backrest adjustments, and a mesh storage pocket
- Bow, stern, and side carry-handles
- 3 molded-in cup holders
- 2 8-inch accessory tracks
- 2 flush-mounted rod holders
- Available in envy, sunrise, ahi, and sea glass color designs
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $$
BKC PK13 13′ Pedal Drive Fishing Kayak
Constructed of durable high-density polypropylene it has an efficient pedal system with instant reverse and a hand-controlled rudder adding to maneuverability. Great for cruising long distances, you can achieve the speediest results by simultaneously paddling and pedaling.
The adjustable, padded, aluminum-framed seating is comfortable for long days on the water. With hands-free locomotion, lots of storage options, a wide, stable design, and 3 flush-mounted rod holders, the PK13 is an excellent choice for fishing.
For those looking for a smaller model, Brooklyn Kayak also has the BKC PK11, a 10.5-foot version.
- Best For fishing and distant travel kayaking
- 1 paddler
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 35 inches
- Weight: 80 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 550 pounds
- Material: UV-protected roto-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Pedal Drive with instant reverse and non-slip straps
- Rudder System: hand-controlled, removable
- 3 flush-mounted rod holders
- Large bow watertight storage hatch with a dry bag insert
- Smaller watertight storage hatch behind the seat with a dry bag insert
- Large stern well with bungee webbing
- Adjustable back support seat with aluminum frame
- Multiple drain ports
- Front, rear, and side carry handles
- Currently available in grey camo coloration
- Price: $
Hobie Mirage Outback Fishing Kayak
Powered by the MirageDrive 180 system, the pedaling is speedy. This system along with the hand-controlled rudder both have a kick-up feature that automatically retracts when encountering the bottom structure to avoid damage.
Fishermen will love the 400-pound capacity and abundance of storage options, along with 4 rod holders, and multiple H-tracks for accessories, not to mention underfoot padding and excellent stability that serve well for stand-up fishing. When seated, the adjustable level Vantage CTW seating system is comfortable for long days on the water.
Ready for mounting a Lowrance fishfinder, the Outback has the Guardian Transducer Shield for multidimensional views down below.
- Best For: fishing
- 1 paddler
- Length: 12 feet 9 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 103 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: MirageDrive 180 with ARC Cranks and kick-up Turbo Fins
- Rudder System: hand-controlled, removable, kick-up
- New wider Vantage CTW adjustable level seat
- Multiple H-track mounts for accessories
- Lowrance-ready system (for Lowrance fishfinders) with the retractable Guardian Transducer Shield system for a multidimensional view below
- Bow storage compartment
- Numerous sealed hatches
- 4 rod holders
- Side trays and storage compartments
- Sail mount
- Clip-on plastic bumper for car-top loading
- Available in papaya orange, slate, ivory dune, and seagrass green color designs
- Price: $$$
The Pilot Drive pedal system has a maximized gear ratio for efficient locomotion that automatically shifts to reverse just by changing the direction of pedaling. Combined with the one-handed 360-degree rudder there is great maneuverability and tracking to adjust to conditions.
Stable enough for stand-up fishing with plenty of storage provided by large bow and stern wells, under-seat storage, accessory tracks, and cup and rod holders, the multi-adjustable and removable mesh Captain’s seat is a comfortable place to plant your bottom for a day on the water.
In addition, numerous scupper holes automatically provide drainage to keep everything dry and there is also a skid plate to prevent hull damage.
- Best For: fishing, flat, calm coastal waters, mild surf
- 1 paddler
- Length: 12 feet 5 inches
- Width: 33.75 inches
- Weight: 85 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: Pilot Drive pedal system with an optimized gear ratio and automatic reverse
- Rudder System: one-handed with a 360-degree turning radius
- Comfortable, removable, mesh Captain’s chair
- Large bow and stern storage wells with bungee webbing
- Underseat storage
- Accessory gear tracks
- 4 rear molded-in rod holders
- Drink holder
- Multiple scupper holes for drainage
- Skid plate to protect the hull
- Available in dapper, moss camo, grasshopper, sonic camo, and sunset color designs
- Price: $
Perception Crank 10 Pedal Kayak
The Pilot Drive pedal system and hull design combine to allow you to attain speeds of 10 mph while the hand-controlled rudder keeps you on track.
There is plenty of deck space and the same comfortable, adjustable Captain’s seat as the Pescador Pro 12 reviewed above. Ample storage is available in the form of large bow and stern wells with bungee webbing, solo mount recesses for mounting accessories, and a side paddle park.
Additionally, portage is easy with carry handles all around, and there are multiple scuppers for drainage and a transducer scupper ready for mounting a fish finder.
- Best For: flat, calm coastal waters, mild surf, and fishing
- 1 paddler
- Length: 10 feet
- Width: 35 inches
- Weight: 87 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: Pilot Drive pedal system with an optimized gear ratio and automatic reverse
- Rudder System: one-handed
- Comfortable, removable, mesh Captain’s chair
- Large bow and stern storage wells with bungee webbing
- Underseat storage
- Multiple scupper holes for drainage
- 2 molded-in solo mount recesses for accessory holders (like rod holders)
- Transducer scupper for fish and depth finders
- Molded-in side carry handles
- Rigid bow and stern carry handles
- Side paddle park
- Available in dapper, déjà vu, grasshopper, and sunset color designs
- Price: $
BKC PK14 14′ Tandem Pedal Drive Kayak
With 2 pedalers (or even 1) it is speedy and the grooved hull and hand-controlled rudder enhance tracking across flat water to your fishing spot or other destination.
There is plenty of storage with 3 watertight hatches, a large stern well with bungee webbing, and 3 flush-mounted rod holders.
The seating is ergonomic, adjustable, and comfortable, and carry handles all around make portage more convenient.
Two collapsible aluminum paddles are thrown into the package making it even more economical.
- Best For fishing, tandem distant travel kayaking
- 1 or 2 paddlers
- Length: 14 feet
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 99 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 660 pounds
- Material: UV-protected roto-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Dual Pedal Drive with instant reverse
- Rudder System: hand-controlled, removable
- Grooved hull good for tracking
- 3 watertight hatches with dry bag inserts
- 3 flush-mounted rod holders
- Mounting plates
- Large stern well with bungee webbing
- Ergonomic adjustable back support seats (2) with aluminum frames
- 12 scuppers and plugs for drainage
- Front, rear, and side carry handles
- 2 collapsible aluminum paddles
- Currently available in grey
- Price: $$
Stable and wide, stand-up fishing on the padded deck is a breeze. When seated the 4-way adjustable seating has Boa lumbar support for a comfortable day of pedaling and fishing.
The Mirage 360 drive with a hand-controlled rudder is ultra-maneuverable and both systems have a kick-up feature that automatically retracts upon contact with the bottom structure to avoid damage.
Fishing is facilitated by lots of storage for your rods, tackle, and accessories in the form of fore and aft hatches, under-seat storage, H-bar rails, and 6 rod holders.
The Guardian retractable transducer shield provides multidimensional views below if you decide to mount a fish or depth finder.
This is Hobie’s premier model with a price tag that reflects it.
- Best For: fishing
- 1 paddler
- Length: 13 feet 8 inches
- Width: 38 inches
- Weight: 148.5 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 600 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: Mirage 360 drive technology with automatic ST turbo kick-up fins
- Rudder System: retractable, hand-controlled, removable, kick-up
- EVA traction pad
- Vantage 4-way adjustable seat with Boa lumbar support
- Large front hatch, a rear hatch, a large well with bungee webbing, and under-seat storage
- Guardian retractable transducer shield
- 12-sided Hobie H-rail bars for accessories
- 6 rod holders
- 2-piece paddle with a T-handle included
- Available in amazon green camo and arctic blue camo
- Price: $$$$$
The adjustable 3-position mesh seat is comfortable to suit a range of kayakers and there is plenty of storage in the center and front hatches, a large rear tank well, behind the seat, and on sidetrack accessory rails. There is also a removable center pod that can be used for a fish finder or transducer when that space is not used for a pedal or motor drive.
- Best For: fishing, inshore or offshore
- 1 paddler
- Length: 13 feet 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 475 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: Helix Pedal Drive is sold separately
- Rudder System: Wilderness Systems XL Rudder is included with the Helix Pedal Drive sold separately
- Compatible also with the Helix motor drive
- Tri-hull, pontoon-style hull for stability
- Rocker chine for maneuverability
- Extended bow and stern for speed
- Removable, adjustable 3-position mesh seat
- Adjustable padded footrests
- Removable center pod for a fish finder, cables, battery, transducer, pedal drive, or motor drive
- Large center and front hatches
- Behind seat storage for easy access
- Large rear tank well
- Sidetrack accessory rails
- Side gear pockets
- Paddle holder
- Front and rear carry handles
- Available in atomic, mesa camo, midnight, solar, and sonar color designs
- Price: $$$
View More From Wilderness Systems
Native Watercraft Slayer 12.5 Propel Max
The Native Watercraft Slayer 12.5 Propel Max is a sophisticated, fast-angling kayak loaded with options for the fisherman.
It has a newly improved pedal drive with hands-free reverse and extended rudder for maximum maneuverability, and a pontoon-shaped hull with a rocker bow for stability and the speed to handle choppy offshore conditions.
With a large bow hatch and rear well, accessory rails, paddle park, horizontal rod storage, and molded rod and cup holders, there are plenty of spots to conveniently place your gear and accessories, and it has a comfortable wide adjustable seat.
If you are keen to take it to the next level and add a few things, there is a transducer recess in the hull, and it is bow and stern power pole and motor mount ready.
- Best For: fishing, inshore or offshore
- 1 paddler
- Length: 12 feet 6 inches
- Width: 34 inches
- Weight: 95 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Material: roto-molded polyethylene
- Pedal Drive: the latest Propel pedal drive with automatic hands-free reverse
- Rudder System: extended rudder with a stiff aluminum post
- Rockered bow for handling chop
- Stable pontoon-shaped hull
- Comfortable adjustable seat
- Large bow hatch includes a transducer recess in the hull ready for a fish or depth finder and bungee webbing over the top
- Battery storage behind the seat
- Large rear well
- Accessory tracks
- Side rail and back tackle storage
- Molded rod and cup holders
- Horizontal rod storage
- Small stern hatch
- Stern paddle park
- Front and several rear carry-handles
- Stern and bow power pole and motor mount ready
- Available in copperhead, grey goose, hidden oak, and lizard lick color designs
- Price: $$$
View More From Native Watercraft
Best Pedal Kayaks Buying Guide
Why Use a Pedal Kayak?
As mentioned in the introduction, when you use a pedal kayak you free up your hands for other activities. They are especially useful for fishermen who can cast or otherwise manipulate gear, and still continue to propel and control the kayak without interfering.
In addition, people with upper body weakness or disabilities alleviate stress and strain by transferring the major exertion to the lower body. While steering may still require the use of hands, rudder systems usually can be manipulated with the minimal effort of a hand or a few fingers.
Pros and Cons of Pedal Kayaking
Pros
- Hands-Free Operation – While you pedal you can use your hands to fish, take photos, eat a snack, or have a drink, all things that require substantial juggling or cessation of locomotion if you are using a standard paddle.
- Efficient Use of Energy – The legs and lower body are much stronger than the arms and upper body. To cover the same distance when using a traditional paddle requires much more effort and energy than when using the legs alone to pedal.
- Speed – With the efficient use of energy when using your more powerful legs and lower body also comes more speed. In addition, the effort can likely be maintained over longer periods of time than standard paddling.
- Fewer Skills Required – Pedaling a kayak is simple and rhythmic requiring little if any nuance much like pedaling a bike, which most can already do. Traditional paddling involves more sophisticated skills and techniques that take substantial time and practice to master.
- Less Noise – The propellers in a pedal system operate underwater and do not splash, unlike traditional paddles. This is more peaceful for you and for the fish as you approach and attempt to capture them.
- Remain Drier and More Comfortable – Splashing kayak paddles not only make noise they can also get you and the interior of the kayak wet.
Cons
- Weight – The pedal drive system is reasonably heavy which adds to the difficulty of transporting and lifting the kayak onto your vehicle.
- Price – The pedal drive is a substantial piece of equipment that adds significantly to the price.
- Maintenance – The mechanism of the pedal drive requires periodic cleaning and lubrication. When used in corrosive saltwater it is especially important to remove it by thoroughly rinsing your pedal drive along with the boat after each use. Any muck or plant life accumulating in the propeller mechanism should be thoroughly cleaned out.
Types of Pedal Systems
Two main systems are in use, push, and rotational. There are high-quality models of each style and proponents of each, as well.
- Rotational Pedaling – This is the system where your movement is similar to pedaling a bicycle. Pedaling is a constant flow where it is easy to get into a rhythm that turns a propeller. Generally speaking, this system requires less effort. When you stop pedaling it takes longer for the kayak to slow down than with the push pedal system.
- Push Pedaling – Rather than pedaling on a circular axis, this method involves pushing in more of a back-and-forth manner much like a Stairmaster exerciser that activates propelling blades. When you stop pushing the boat stops moving immediately.
Rudder Systems
Pedal systems basically propel the kayak on a straight course. When you use a standard paddle for propulsion you can use the paddling technique for maneuvering and/or a rudder system available on some models. On traditional kayaks, rudders are usually foot-operated.
Steering with a pedal system will require a rudder and since your feet are already occupied, hand-control systems are employed. There is variability in the quality of systems, but the best is controlled with a hand lever usually mounted on the right or left rail next to the seat, and requires minimal pressure to operate.
When you have a choice of mounting location for the controls, it is best to have them opposite your dominant hand which you can use for your rod and gear while your opposite hand steers.
For your reference – Kayak Fishing: Paddle Vs. Pedal
For more reviews of kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Ocean Fishing Kayaks Fishing Kayak Paddles Waterproof Bags Canoe Paddles Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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