When your kayak doesn’t quite do everything you want it to you’ve got a few options. You can mod it out, trade for a better model, or design and build a brand new watercraft from the ground up. While most of us mere mortals opt for the easy options there are a few special souls out there who refuse to settle when it comes to their fishing.

We recently caught up with Adventure Designs founder Greg Ferris. He’s developed one of the most unique kayaks we’ve seen in recent times with some game-changing innovations. It’s not just the shape of this boat that’s eye-catching. It bills itself as being truly, hands free- since on the Trident you paddle with your feet. The new Trident explorer kayak is a feature laden fishing machine ready to rock rivers and lakes in 2022, and in this article, we’ll show you where it all started and where it’s going.

Inspiration

Modern pedal drive kayaks are hands down (pun intended) awesome. And they’re great about 90% of the time on the water. But like every boat they aren’t perfect. And there are a few edge cases where flippers and props don’t always shine. Positional micro adjustments and lateral movements almost always necessitate putting down the pole and picking up the paddle.

As a long time fisherman and experienced product designer Greg immediately saw room for improvement. In addition to crafting an actual “hands free” fishing experience he had one other gripe with modern fishing kayaks – low and uncomfortable seats. While uncomfortable seats aren’t always the norm most kayak seating isn’t exactly on par with a Herman Miller.

After vetting his idea and concepts with the local lake gang Greg sought to create a new vessel that filled three key design criteria:

• Make it hands free
• Make it better
• Keep it simple

Greg knew he wanted to strike the perfect mix of stability, standability, and fishability. In theory an elongated nose and flared base would provide a stable platform for an ergonomic high-sitting chair for quick transitions from seated to standing, while still providing a sturdy base for paddling .A few rounds of noodling later and the Trident was born…on paper

Prototyping

Kayak design is a tricky game of compromises. Push too far in one direction and you inadvertently pull on something else. Trying to find the perfect blend of form, function, and cost is a balancing act that’s incredibly difficult to pull off. The ones who do figure it out do so through a lot of hard work and experimentation.

And experimentation is easiest when you can touch and feel the thing you’re creating. Some quick cadding and lots of pink-board later the Trident was born… in styrofoam. Pink insulating board from your local depot is an awesome material for crafting prototype watercraft. It’s so popular that there’s a small population of DIY’ers that build there own kayaks out of it (replete with storage, rod holders, and drive-wells).

The first prototype was designed using a CAD program and then cut onto pink board, which was stacked up layer by layer. Once the form is built final shaping and waterproofing provide a buoyant craft that can actually be tested on the water. With a foundation to mod on tweaks, design changes, and improvements can be quickly adapted. Feedback from kayak dealers, tradeshows, and career anglers proved invaluable through multiple iterations of both digital and physical remodels. Every cup-holder, storage compartment, bevel and flare was checked and rechecked for optimization.

Pedals and Pivots

One of the most innovative, and consequently most important, systems developed was the pivot-pedal system. The pivot-pedal riffs off of the oar stay found in rowboats. A steel shaft attaches to the paddle along with two adjustable foot rests. The paddle then slides into a pivot bushing that allows for smooth and continuous articulation around the center point. The result is a foot powered paddle system that can emulate all the motions of hand-held paddles.

Paddling with your feet is a novel concept, but luckily it’s one without a steep learning curve. Just a few minutes on the Trident and scuttling around using your toes will feel like second nature. The one intrinsic disadvantage of a pivot system is that it doesn’t capture energy from your legs as efficiently as a cycling motion does. In practice this means anybody with a Hobie or Native is going to beat the Trident in a dead sprint. But that’s a small price to pay when you can go out all day on the Trident without picking up a paddle. And plus, who needs speed when you’ve got a transom mount and a motor?

Ultimately Greg’s hunch proved right. The Trident’s wide-beam stern and narrow bow proves perfect for the pivot-pedal system and hit the trifecta he was aiming for. With a high backed high-seated chair, stable base, and accurate maneuverability anglers could comfortably get to the fishing holes quick and cast ever quicker. It was time to gear up for production.

Moulding the Trident

The last step before mass-production is creating the mould. At this stage every plug, hole, and pin has been meticulously placed and tested. The final model is broken down into a series of simple instructions (Gcode) and fed to a CNC machine that carves the “plug” out of Styrofoam in exacting dimensions. Laminations of gel coat and reinforcing fibers are added to the plug to create a production ready mould.

Since the Trident is a new class of fishing kayak Adventure Designs opted for a fiberglass composite build. Fiberglass is a standard in boats for its light weight, high strength, and lasting durability. It’s not as common in kayaks as the rotomolding process is faster and cheaper at production. But the up-front costs for a rotomolded kayak are much higher. Fiberglass moulds run 1/10th the cost of an HDPE mould. And they offer the huge advantage of allowing modifications to the mould later, something that’s impossible for an HDPE mould. Fiberglass kayaks also offer the option for a gel-coat finish which, aside from adding additional durability, just flat out looks better. Matte plastic just doesn’t catch the eye like the reflection off a freshly waxed fiberglass hull.

The Trident

The road from an idea on a napkin to a fully-fledged product is a tough one. It’s filled with endless challenges, pitfalls, and detours. But it’s one that Greg Ferris and the Adventure Designs Trident have navigated with gusto. The production ready version of the Trident represents countless hours of tinkering, adjusting, and perfecting. And as of Q4 2021 the Trident has officially entered production.

Along with a slick gel coat and striking color schemes the elongated nose on the fiberglass hull resembles an SR-71, although admittedly not as fast. Armed with a trolling motor or a small outboard on the transom and feet on your pedal the Trident offers anglers the first truly hands free fishing experience on the market.

Superior stability, ample storage, and built in wheels round out the Trident as a top-tier kayak. Add to that one of the highest seats of any sit-on-top kayak on the market and the Trident looks like it’s fit for a king. We’re also quite appreciative of the fact that with a beam of just 4′ the Trident will easily slide into the bed of any pickup (without wheel wells). Just remember to hang a flag off that nose.

Learn More

The Trident is currently available for $2,499 and the queue is growing. A bevy of customizations including in hull storage, wiring, and colors are available to further trick out your fishing rig. More information regarding the Trident is available at adventuredesignswatercraft.com. You can also catch the Trident on its debut roadshow through the US MidWest through March of 2022.

The post Innovation in Paddling | The New Trident Explorer appeared first on Yak Logic.

The Cuyahoga River is famous for a few reasons. It runs through the middle of Cleveland, Ohio. It’s the inspiration behind a song by R.E.M, and a beer by Great Lakes Brewery. And at one point it was one of the most polluted rivers in America. In fact the pollution was so bad that the river actually caught on fire, 13 different times.

The pollution afflicting the Cuyahoga river was an environmental tragedy; but served as a catalyst in the conservation movement that led to the creation of the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency that redefined the Nation’s relationship with Nature.

Today the Cuyahoga flows rather than oozes. And it stands as one of the great American comeback stories. Bald Eagles are building nests each year, Sycamore’s grow along the banks, and locals can hike the shores and paddle the ripples. But despite the incredible progress the Cuyahoga has made there’s still room to improve; and one man is leading the charge.

Angling to Activist

Eddie Olschansky is an Ohio native well acquainted with the lure and lore of Cuyahoga River. As a Cleveland native he grew up fishing Lake Eerie and pond skipping around the national park. It wasn’t until 2015 though that he switched from banking hours to boating hours with the acquisition of a second-hand sit-inside kayak.

Like most new paddlers he quickly fell in love with kayaking and time for on the water adventures became a constant priority. Over the course of his first few outings fisherman’s luck got the better of him; but he didn’t return empty handed. Instead he grabbed some of the trash that he found scattered around pylons and sand bars. Little did he know that cleaning up the river would soon morph from part-time conservation into a long term restoration.

Trash Fish Cleaning Up

Fishermen are familiar with trash fish. They’re the rogue species that steal your bait and clog your line. You won’t find trash fish on any restaurant menus, and they’re generally regarded with disdain. But these throwback species play an incredibly important role in maritime ecosystems. They’re prey for sports fish higher up on the food chain and can serve as critical protein sources in less affluent communities.

After his first few trips reeling in rubbish Eddie decided to formalize his clean-up and adopted the name Trash Fish Cleveland. Just like throw away-species his efforts were critical to the health of the Cuyahoga ecosystem and served the community at large.

Since his maiden voyage six years ago Eddie has dedicated his life to the Trash Fish and the mission of cleaning up the Cuyahoga. Without fail he’s been out on the water between 4 and 7 times a week all year long, rain, snow, or shine. Armed with a grabber, some rope, and bags he’s hauled out beer cans, sex toys, and even towed back industrial sized tires. He used to weigh his catch and in the first year brought in over 10,000 lbs., all by himself. Over the last 6 years Eddie and Trash Fish volunteers have removed an estimated 100,000 lbs, or over 50 tons, of debris.

Making a Difference

It didn’t take long for other paddlers to take notice of Eddie’s efforts. Over the years Trash Fish membership has exploded. It’s not uncommon to see between 5 and 10 kayakers armed with trash bags and grabbers patrolling the river each day. In 2021 over 400 volunteers have joined Eddie to help clean up and there’s no sign of growth slowing down.

While volunteer numbers are swelling unfortunately so too is the amount of plastic debris flowing into the river. By far the most common debris pulled out of the river are single use plastics such as water bottles, food containers, and bags. A far more egregious offense is the abundance of zero-use plastics; raw materials that haven’t had the chance to be molded into something useful. Plastic pellets, also known as “Nurdles” in industry, are commonly lost during transit and transfer processes.

How to Help

If you’ve spent any amount of time out on the water, any body of water, you’ve undoubtedly seen fishing line tangled in branches or beer bottles crashed near the shore. It’s saddening and disheartening to see so the after-effects of poor choices and environmental neglect, but it’s also an easy problem to address. We’re not asking that you give up fishing. But try to grab one piece of trash each time you go out and bring it back to shore.

For all you landlubber’s there’s one simple action you can take that will have a profound impact. Stop using single use plastic. Buy a water bottle. Use Tupperware. Avoid purchasing single-use items as much as possible. These products are rarely recycled and more often than not end up in the ocean.

Get Involved with Trash Fish

Eddie’s efforts have grown exponentially and the future of Trash Fish is just beginning. If you’re in the Cleveland area, or interested in joining the Trash Fish network, there are a few easy ways to help. First – talk to Eddie. His experience with organizing community cleanups and coordinating with municipalities is critical for making a big difference quickly. Trash Fish is always happy to accept new volunteers.

If you’re a little farther away but still want to contribute then consider donating an old kayak to the Trash Fish fleet. You can also consider grabbing a 100% plastic free Trash Fish shirt, or simply donating whatever you can afford to support their mission. Lastly be sure to check out the Trash Fish Instagram to stay up to date on upcoming events and the latest “catch”.

The post Trash Fish Cleveland | Cleaning up the Cuyahoga appeared first on Yak Logic.

There are a lot of different kayak models out there. Just in the fishing kayak market there are over 250 different models that range from 9′ kid boats to 17′ pro fishing tandems. Every kayak, even the hybrids, can be broken down into two different categories: Sit-On-Top Kayaks (SOT) and Sit-Inside (SIS) kayaks. These classifications describe the paddler’s position relative to the water and have a massive influence on the vessel’s hydrodynamics and performance.

There are pros and cons to each type as well as some practical safety considerations worth taking into account. At the end of this article you should be well versed on the difference between these two kayak types and better prepared for the next time you peruse the classifieds for a new boat.

Sit-Inside Kayaks

Sit-inside kayaks are the old school progenitor to all modern kayaks. Before there were sit on tops, paddleboards, or hybrid canoe/kayaks, there were sit-inside kayaks. Inuit hunters originally designed the sit inside to be a lightweight and fast vessel to hunt seals. And, beside the seal clubbing part, that’s largely the niche they fill today.

Sit-Inside Kayaks are easily recognized, as well as defined, by the paddler’s seat orientation. The paddler sit’s inside the kayak with their waist even with the waterline. The hull encapsulates the paddler around the seat to form a cockpit. Sit Inside’s are typically long and narrow. The skinny beam allows paddlers to stroke the water at a steeper angle which yields more thrust and better handling. This powerful stroke mechanism, combined with a narrow body, grants paddlers more speed, control, and endurance on the water.

Superior handling and endurance makes sit-inside kayaks great for a multitude of applications. They’re nimble enough to navigate whitewater rapids. And efficient enough for endurance treks and touring. Sharp-entry mono hulls and a slim beam permit sea-kayaks to slice through the waves to overcome rougher waters.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks

If sit-inside kayaks are sports cars then sit-on-top kayaks are like a Soccer-Mom’s minivan. These fat bottom boats trade speed and agility for comfort and stability. Paddlers in sit-on-top kayaks sit well above the waterline. Depending on seat style and position a paddlers waist can be between just a few inches to almost two feet above the water. This higher position is great for extra comfort and visibility, but raises the center of gravity, which in turn makes the boat inherently unstable.

To compensate most sit-on-top kayaks feature a wider beam and a catamaran or trimaran style hull. These hulls feature multiple chines that provide lateral stability; meaning you’re far less likely to tip over the side. Extra stability also makes it much easier to stand up, which is a huge plus for fishermen, or anybody wanting to stretch their legs.

Since the paddler is no longer enclosed by the walls of the kayak extra material is needed to form the upper deck. The inner sealed cavity provides additional buoyancy and optional storage in most cases. But it also translates into a lot of extra weight. For this reason sit-on-top kayaks tend to be heavier, more durable, and less prone to sinking. The interior cavity conveniently doubles as built-in buoyancy. These aren’t the type of boats you want to portage without a sturdy set of wheels, or a capable friend.

Pros and Cons

Both SIS and SOT kayaks have their own strengths and weaknesses. And these depend heavily on an individual craft’s unique characteristics. Manufacturers are constantly blurring lines with innovative designs and hybrid approaches. There are sit-inside kayaks you can stand in and sit-on-top kayaks that can easily outpace their mono-hull brethren. The following considerations are broadly applicable, but may not be necessarily true for every boat. Just something to keep in mind.

Launch

Getting into a kayak and onto the water gracefully can be a bit of a challenge, doubly so if you’re no spring chicken. Sit-inside kayaks tend to be much easier to roll due to their mono-hull structure and low center of gravity. The wider beam and flatter shape of SOT kayaks benefits them greatly during on-boarding. They’re much less prone to rolling and extra stability makes it possible, with some craft, to simply step aboard.

Seating position plays a critical factor here as well. Getting “on and in” to a boat is a lot more complicated than just getting “on”. So if you’re overly concerned about embarkation than consider opting for a sit-on-top.

Recovery

If you kayak long enough eventually you’re going to flip your boat. It’s simply a truth of kayaking. When that happens the first thing to do is get back in the boat; which often times is easier said than done. SIS kayaks are notoriously difficult to re-enter on the water. It is possible to do it unassisted – but that’s a skill that requires a fair amount of athleticism, skill, and talent. With a friend holding the sit-inside kayak in place it’s far easier to clamber aboard, but still takes a lot of effort to get re-situated.

Sit-on-top kayaks still aren’t a walk in the park to get back on. But it’s a lot easier than a sit-in. Edge buoyancy on wider trimaran hull style kayaks is much higher than on a mono-hull. Pushing down on the edge causes the edge to push back against you, instead of just going straight into the water. It’ll never be as easy as getting out of a pool, but SOT kayaks tend to be more forgiving than SIS.

Lastly sit-inside kayaks are much easier to sink. SOT kayaks generally have a sealed (or semi sealed) interior hull that is great at trapping air and providing buoyancy. SIS kayaks have a big cockpit hole in the middle – which makes for easy sinking. Bilge pumps and spray skirts work great to keep water out. But if you don’t recover a capsize quickly there’s a fair chance you’ll be looking for a new boat.

Speed

The fastest kayaks in the world are insanely skinny, lightweight, and streamlined. The boats used in the Olympic Canoe Sprint look like a arrow slashing through the water. As you may have guessed the winner in this category is the sit-inside kayak. When it comes to speed sit-on-top kayaks can’t hold a candle to their streamlined cousins. As a general rule of thumb sit-inside kayaks will always be faster.

For this reason touring kayaks are almost always sit-inside. If you’re trying to cover a lot of ground each day it’s far easier to do so with a with a mono-hull, lightweight kayak, rather than a stocky wide-bodied boat.

Control

Successfully navigating any body of water is an acquired skill. But, there’s a pretty big difference between paddling across a lake and running class 5 rapids. Sit Inside Kayaks lower center of gravity and form fitting cockpits connect the paddler to the kayak; almost making it an extension of the body rather than a separate vessel. Thighs braced against the hull and hips locked against the sidewall offer far superior connection and feel than any sort of SOT chair can offer.

Simply put no SOT kayak will ever offer the level of control that a SIS kayak can. Turning on a dime isn’t a big deal for most paddlers. But if you’re keen on running down rivers or romping in the surf then a SIS kayak is the way to go. Superior control and feel make sit-inside kayaks the obvious choice for whitewater applications. Specialized whitewater kayaks can quickly turn out of a jam for rapid recovery. Something mostly impossible to do in a sit-on-top.

Comfort

While SIS kayaks offer unparalleled levels of control; it comes at a cost. Paddling in a Sit Inside can be relaxing, but it’s a much more active experience than what a lot of SOT’s can offer. Strapping into a SIS can be a lot like sitting coach in an airplane. It’s bearable, but not something you want to do for more than a few hours. Higher end sit-inside kayak models address this issue with strategically placed foam and ergonomic seats. Still not business class though.

Sit On Tops superior stability and extra space are huge advantages for a comfy ride. With a lawn-chair style seat and an open cockpit it’s easy to stretch out and move around. And in a lot of sit-on-top yaks it’s possible to stand up, which is hugely important. Being able to stand up and flex your legs is a monster benefit for long term treks. There are some SIS kayaks that permit standing, but they’re few and far between.

Price

One of the key determinants in the price of any good is the amount of material used in production. Sit-on-top kayaks require a lot more plastic since there’s an encapsulating top deck. And as such they’re usually more expensive. On top of extra material SOT kayaks can be (and usually are) outfitted with extra luxuries. Lawn-chair style seating, center consoles, gear track, and more all require substantially more labor and parts, driving up cost.

Sit Inside kayaks are typically simpler machines and usually more affordable than their SOT brethren. Specialized models made for long distance touring or running whitewater can add a few cents to the sticker. But for the most part a plastic sit-inside kayak will be cheaper than a plastic sit on top.

Overview on Sit-Inside vs. Sit-on-top Kayaks

If you’re still on the fence about which type of kayak to go for ask yourself one simple question? Are you going kayaking for the sake of kayaking? Or are you using a kayak as a means to another end (i.e. fishing, birding etc.). If you answered yes to the first question; than a sit-inside kayak is probably the best for you. Yes to question 2, and grab yourself a sit-on-top. Regardless of your choice be sure to have fun and be safe!

The post Sit-on-Top vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks | All the In’s and Out’s appeared first on Yak Logic.

Designing new kayaks is hard. And unfortunately, not all of them survive the cut. Waning sales, high production costs, and extraneous business decisions can all lead to a discontinued kayak. Since we’re in the business of talking about kayaks we thought it would be useful to keep a list of all the discontinued kayaks. We update this list periodically as new models come and go. Models here won’t be found on our other kayak databases. We’ve only been keeping track of kayaks since 2019. So this is by no means a comprehensive list. There are tons of models no longer in production that aren’t found below.

A Kayak’s after-life is a bit nebulous. In some cases when a brand folds the entire line and accompanying molds can be sold off to a competitor. But when a single model is retired it usually goes the way of the DoDo. The last thing any manufacturer wants is to see a non-branded version of the same boat sailing next to theirs.

Discontinued Kayak Models

We’ve slimmed down the fields we normally display here, since, you won’t be buying these first-hand any time soon (if ever). There are currently 24 discontinued kayak models. And notably, none of them are pedal kayaks.

Discontinued Kayak Models and Brands

Hobie Changes Hands

The Hobie Kayak company was quietly sold to a private equity group in January of 2021. New management began working alongside old management and one of the first appreciable changes was the consolidation of the production line. Product line consolidation is generally a smart business decision. Broad product offerings requires extra parts, tools, and processes that can be streamlined with a slimmer portfolio. And while it’s regrettable some of these models were retired early, it opens up both budget and R&D for new and innovative products, like the Hobie Lynx and their new line of inflatables.

Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T

The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T was one of the most expensive tandem fishing kayaks ever produced. It measured 17′ long with a width of 43.5″ and weighed in at a colossal 244 lbs.

The PA 17T had some worthy innovations that negated issues plaguing other tandem fishing kayaks. The long length allowed both parties to fish without tangling each other up. A 900 lb capacity easily accommodated a small cache of fishing munitions. Finally the PA 17T had three drive wells to allow different seating configurations. You could sit in a traditional manner for serious pedaling. Or you can flip a seat around and sit face to face for a more social experience.

At a price of $6,599 the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 17T was the most expensive single hull tandem fishing kayak out there. The PA17 was an awesome boat, but just barely qualified as an actual kayak. It’s oversized features were great for extended river-cruises. But handling it out of the water must have been an absolute bear.

Hobie Revolution 16

Hobie’s Revolution line of kayaks were largely aimed at paddlers looking for speed in big water. The Revolution 16 featured a slim beam and streamlined monohull design built for speed. At 16′ long and weighing just 92 lbs the revolution sliced through the water with the mirage pedal drive. Given what we know about kayak hull speed it’s a safe bet that this was one of the fastest fishing kayaks ever made, if not the fastest.

Luckily the Revolution line lives on. And the Hobie Revolution 13′ is still being produced today. We expect the 16′ model was discontinued since it filled a very small niche and lacked sufficient demand. A 16′ long boat isn’t a peach to store or transport. If you live near a beach and run across a 16′ Revo for sale don’t hesitate to snatch it up. This boat was a thing of beauty.

Hobie Mirage 14T

The Hobie Mirage I4T was aCadillac of inflatable fishing kayaks. Premium lawn chair style seats, two 180 mirage pedal drives, built in rudder, and a drop stitch floor put the I14T in the same league as plastic yaks. It measured 14′ long and weighed. 67.1 lbs. And the I14T could fold up into a rolling case 4′ long, 2′ wide, and 1′ thick.

The I14T retailed for $4,089 and included two paddles with a two year warranty for 2019 and newer models. We expect it was retired to make room for the new Hobie Mirage Itrek 14 Duo.

The Shutdown in Muskegon

Hemisphere Design Works was formed in the merger of KL Outdoors and Quebec based GSC Technologies under the private equity firm New Water Capital in April of 2017. At the time of the merger Hemisphere Design Works was the largest kayak producer in the world. They manufactured multiple models under kayak brands including Evoke, Future Beach, and Sun Dolphin. These brands were primarily known for their low price point and wide availability in big box stores. They were all manufactured close to the firm’s headquarters in Muskegon, Michigan.

Unfortunately, for reasons that aren’t well known, the company shut down in late 2019 due to “challenging business circumstances“. Which is about as clear as mud underneath an even larger more opaque layer of mud. There were rumors that manufacturing was going to resume. But as of Summer 2021 there’s scant evidence this is true. Time will tell if any of these brands or models resurface, but don’t hold your breath.

Overview on Discontinued Kayaks

Although it can be bittersweet to see a kayak sail off into the horizon it’s ultimately a good thing. We’d all rather have a model leave than an entire brand; and that’s exactly what model retirement enables. On a positive note discontinued kayaks pave the way for new models to make their debut. Such is the kayak circle of life.

If you know of any models that should be on this list and aren’t. Or models that shouldn’t be on this list and are; please let us know.

The post The Kayak Graveyard | Discontinued Kayak Models appeared first on Yak Logic.

The yak’s loaded in the truck. Rods are packed, gas tank has enough, and your coffee is still hot. Just before you roll out to your favorite fishing grounds a passing though furrows your brow “What about the safety flag?”. Without a second thought you say “eff it” and 50 miles later Smokey nabs you with a ticket. That’s a crappy situation, but it’s one that’s easily avoidable with a little knowledge about kayak flag laws.

We put this together to help you navigate the differences in projecting load marking laws across state lines. Getting a ticket for a failure to flag is pretty annoying, especially because it’s so easily avoidable. But fines can be sizable – in some cases costing north of $500. That’s a lot of clams that could go have gone to more important purchases – like another fishing rod (or two). Before we go on it’s important to note that nothing below constitutes legal advice, nor should be construed as such.

Federal Overhang Definition

In the United States the US Department of Transportation establishes the standards that all 50 states follow. Overhang is defined as any load that projects 3′ beyond the front of a vehicle, or 4′ beyond the rear (source). The intent of these laws is pretty straightforward – the government want to make sure the dolt behind you doesn’t rear-end your boat. And arguably one of the better ways to do that is to put a large red flag or light on your yak to catch their attention (probably from their phone). If your kayak or canoe extends beyond these limits, then you’re required to mark it. How you mark it varies by state; most notably in the size of the flag and the number of lights.

Kayak Safety Flags and Lights

Any projecting load greater than 4′ from the rear of your vehicle requires a marking. During the daytime a simple red flag or marking usually does the trick. Most of us have tied a piece of red plastic ribbon on the end of a 2×4 at Home Depot. But surprisingly that sliver of red isn’t even compliant. States have specific dimensions for the size of marking flags, listed in the table below.

All 50 states require some sort of lighted marking at night for projecting loads. Requirements vary in terms of brightness. In general a marking light should be visible from at least 500′ from the side & 1,000′ from the rear, red, and hung at least one half hour before dusk and after dawn.

Kayak Flag and Light Requirements

The below table lists the minimum flag dimensions and number of lights needed at night.

*Reflectors/Reflective tape required in addition to lights.

Compliance and Common Sense

During one of our kayak trips out to West Virginia a good Samaritan donated a red cloth to tie onto our boat and warned us that Smokey as patrolling. Odds are that rag didn’t measure exactly 12″ x 12″, but it still served as an effective visual cue to anybody behind us that “Hey, there’s something sticking out of this truck!”. We seriously doubt that most law enforcement is waiting to pull over somebody just to measure their marking flag.

If it’s readily apparent that you made an effort to mark your overhang than in all likelihood you’ll be ok. Officers have bigger fish to fry than the humble fisherman. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to tie on most big box stores carry smaller (technically non-compliant) kayak flags that will get the job done. Otherwise there are plenty of tailor made kayak flags that are a smidge easier to tie on to the bow handle. Pro Tip: consider using a stroller carabiner to attach the flag to your boat. It’s the perfect size to clip on and off most kayak handles.

Adding a light at night time is easily done by tying a red glowstick to your boat. It’s cheap, effective, and visible. Red LED sticks are a more permanent option – but you might find yourself short on batteries at the wrong time. Glowsticks are pretty foolproof and usually have a 2-3 year shelf-time.

Overview on Kayak Flag Laws

Regardless of whether your travelling 5 miles down the road or 500 miles away it’s always important to practice proper road safety. Kayak Flag Laws exist in an effort to protect both you and the people around you on the road. Hanging a flag might be a minor nuisance. But it’s a heck of a lot better than getting a ticket. And miles better than having somebody rear end your prized fishing kayak. So stay abreast of the kayak flag laws in your state and keep those flags waving.

The post Kayak Flag Laws | Rules of the Road in All 50 States appeared first on Yak Logic.

Summer 2021 is official as of June 20th, which coincidentally, is Fathers Day. Conspiracy? Probably. During a hair-raising 2020 kayak manufacturers were busy dealing with sold out inventories and supply shortages. But in between the chaos they were able to finalize production of this year’s new models. And they’ve done a bang up job on developing some awesome new fishing kayaks for 2021.

If there’s a theme for 2021 it’s getting back to normal; which for kayaks means dropping the Corona 15. This year’s lineup is leaner and lighter. All your grunts and groans hauling mini-freight barges up the boat ramp were heard. New models like the Crescent CK-1 Venture, Hobie Lynx, and Vibe Sea Ghost have been streamlined for performance both off and on the water.

There’s limited details on most of the models listed below. However we expect a lot more will be coming out this July during the industries landmark trade show, ICAST. It’s schedule to resume in person in Orlando this year. So expect to see a lot more about pricing, specs, and trim levels in the coming months. Without further adieu below are the new boats to drool over for 2021.

Riot Mako 9 Air

The Riot Mako has been the least expensive pedal kayak for a long time. So how about an inflatable version? The Mako 9 Air is a pontoon style inflatable biyak. A rigid platform bridges the two pontoons and holds all the necessaries such as the seat, impulse drive, and rudder. Hand control steering and pedal power are welcome additions to this inflatable yak that’s bound to give Hobie some welcome competition in the inflatable pedal yak category. The Riot Mako 9 Air is available for $1,799.

Riot Mako 14

Sometimes pleasure boating or day sailing is great. But other times you’re gonna need a bigger boat. And the Riot Mako 14 is the bigger boat. With a tip to tail length of 14’3″ and a weight of 121 lbs the Riot Mako 14 is the largest in Riot’s fleet. Gratuitous front and rear tankwells, square-back stern, hand steering and the Riot Impulse drive make the Mako 14 a compelling option at just $1,999. Available in 14 colors the Mako 14 is a great option for sharkin’, even if you got city hands.

Crescent CK1 Venture

We’ve covered the CK1 Venture before and it’s one of the best new additions in 2021. For purist paddlers looking for a straightforward but excellently executed kayak you can’t do much better than the Venture. Designed with paddling as a priority this boat moves through the water more elegantly and responsively than most of its bulkier and wider competitors. Billed as a “Platform” the Venture provides flexibility in outfitting and style to accommodate every type of water, fishing, and adventure. For just $899 the Venture is an incredible steal that’s sure to dot the lake all through the summer.

Hobie Mirage Lynx

We’re not sure what a small carnivorous feline has to do with paddling, but hey who cares. The Lynx is a super-light thermoformed SUP/Kayak barebones hybrid. A new highback seat, improved steering, and 180 Mirage drive deliver the essentials in a zippy 61 lb package (fully rigged). It’s officially the lightest pedal kayak available and comes with Hobie’s trademark quality construction and design. And since it’s a Hobie you knew it wouldn’t be cheap. A $2,699 MSRP will grab you a brand new Ivory Dune or Papaya Orange Hobie Lynx. Meow baby.

Pedayak

Our friends in France have developed the first wholly integrated commercially available electric paddle assist kayak (EPAK). Modular, stable, and slick as all get out the Pedayak is a neck-cranking head turner and for good reason. The base package starts at €2,000 and ramps based on outriggers, sails, and accessories.

RTM Hiro Impulse

Europeans have been fishing for a lot longer than the Yankees, but they’ve taken a while to catchup on the kayak fishing scene. More recently the gap has closed and multiple European kayak manufacturers are starting to give American producers a run for their money. The RTM Hiro features well though out handles, in hull storage, and a slew of modern features in addition to its prop driven pedal drive. At ~ $2,500 it’s competitively priced against American made 12′ pedal yaks.

Native Slayer Max 10

Native debuted the Slayer Propel Max 12 in 2019 as an upgrade to one of their most well known yaks, the Slayer, and it’s an absolute stud of a boat. This year they managed to take all the best features of the Max 12 and cram it into a package 2′ shorter. The Native Slayer Propel Max 10 is one of the best value pedal kayaks out there and is sure to be a common sight on the water with an attractive price of just $2,499.

Stealth Fusion 480

Stealth kayaks caters almost exclusively to offshore fisherman targeting large pelagic fish in deep water. The Stealth Fusion 480 is their first foray into rotomolded kayaks; all other models are painstakingly hand-crafted out of fiberglass. 4.8m long and weighing around 30 kg the Fusion cuts through waves quickly and with little fanfare. A built in live tankwell and fish locker provide storage for both bait and prey. The Fusion 480 features the same great lines and designs as its brethren at a much more affordable price of around $1,750.

3 Waters Big Fish 103

3 Waters pedal yaks are renown for their distinctive cathedral style hulls, 8 ball shift-stick steering, and perhaps most importantly – their great value. The Big Fish 103 continues the trend with its big brother the Big Fish 108, albeit in a smaller package at just 10’6″ long and 110 lbs unrigged. The 3 Waters pedal drive is also unique in that it’s a sealed chain driven system. This design offers a cycling feel more comparable to a bicycle than rod and pinion driven systems.

NuCanoe Unlimited

We did a double take when we first saw the NuCanoe Unlimited; largely because it’s so similar to the current NuCanoe Frontier 12. Running 6″ longer than the Frontier at 12’6″ the Unlimited features some significant quality of life improvements that more than justify the additional $100 over the Frontier. While there are too many to list here the standouts are the seriously improved rear handle, new runoff routing, flush mount rod holders, and molded in tackle trays.

Along with an abundance of gear-track and some stylish color options the Unlimited exemplifies the best of NuCanoe’s open deck design philosophy. Given the totally reasonable price of just $1,599 we’re hard pressed to think of who would opt for the older Frontier over the Unlimited. Keep your eye out for Frontier 12 sales because it may soon be headed to the kayak graveyard.

VanHunks Mahi Mahi

Fun Fact; not only is Mahi Mahi delicious, it’s also the fastest growing fish in the world. While VanHunk’s Mahi Mahi won’t outrun it’s namesake it’ll definitely make for a fun and affordable day out. At 11′ long the Mahi Mahi offers the speed of longer boats with most of the convenience of 10′ models, and is fair strike between performance and weight. Speaking of convenience this is a convertible kayak which can fit either a prop or fin driven drive. At $1,499 with fin drive the Mahi Mahi is one of the most affordable pedal-yaks out there.

Wilderness Systems Recon 120

The designers at WS pulled out all the stops on the Recon 120. Long awaited and debuting with a splash the Recon is finally available. Dual horizontal rod troughs, in hull rod storage, a novel drive retraction system – the Recon’s got it all. The design is especially striking and reminiscent of a battle cruiser spearing through the water. Best of all this is a convertible kayak, meaning you can buy now for just $1,199 (without drive) and upgrade later (+$1.149).

Overview on New Fishing Kayaks

The new fishing kayaks in 2021 are drool-worthy for sure. But unfortunately supply chain issues mean grabbing a new fishing kayak can be a hassle. If you’re keen on rocking one of the above models be prepared to act fast. Kayaks are in high demand and supply interruptions are likely to persist into 2022. If you’re in the market for a new yak but still need to do some research consider using our searchable databases. It makes filtering down your options a lot easier. Finally we’ll be updating this list after ICAST 2021; so be sure to check back for more details.

The post The Coolest New Fishing Kayaks of 2021….So Far appeared first on Yak Logic.

Designing a new kayak isn’t an easy proposition. Aside from the high costs of R&D, and investment in production, there’s the risk of unknown demand. Kayaks are a crowded market with manufacturer’s constantly pushing the envelope in terms of performance and value. These challenges are further compounded when designing an all-around kayak. Meeting the needs of anglers, offshore paddlers, campers, and more requires calculated trade-offs and fine-tuned balancing. Add in the varying demands of different marine environments like rivers, oceans, and lakes present and making a single vessel that excels in all of them is a sizable challenge.

Crescent Kayaks hasn’t just figured out the formula to adaptable kayaks, they’ve practically perfected it. They’ve garnered a reputation for producing incredibly well designed kayaks that are both multi-functional and a joy to paddle. The latest addition to the Crescent lineup, the CK1 Venture, is an all-around kayak that will set the bar for years to come.

Kayak as a Platform

The CK1 Venture was designed as a multi-functional platform to accommodate all types of paddlers. With just a little bit of outfitting it can easily transition from a recreational river romper to tournament-ready fishing rig. Feel like adding a motor? No problem – just add a trolling motor on the square stern transom. Feel like camping and have a ton of gear? Again, no problem. The Venture has a weight capacity of 400 lbs and primary stability actually increases when it’s loaded down.

Best of all the Venture has been able to achieve these feats without adding a bunch of plastic. At just 60 lbs the CK-1 is an easy to handle throw and go that can be easily car-topped. Gear track adorns the gunwales of the cockpit and capable stern tankwell for modular outfitting. Two Yak Attack Mighty Mounts are seated aft of the seat for single accessory positioning; perfect for rod holders or camera sticks. Up front the open bow hatch provides a great spot for clothing or tackle and is secured by an accommodating stretch top.

Together these features provide the foundation for a versatile platform that’s perfect for any type of over water activity. Whether you’re hunting ducks in the marshes or breaking past the surf the Venture can fit your style with ease .

An Incredible Paddling Experience

Among the plethora of kayaks that can be pedaled, sailed, or motored it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that kayaks are paddle craft first. While these vessels all have their advantages it often comes at the cost of a less than ideal paddling experience. Paddling a boat that’s truly designed to be paddled first is like driving a sports car. Driving a sports car isn’t just fun because of the looks you get (keep mirin’). It’s because you’re totally in tune with the vehicle – you’re connected to the car and can feel it moving through space. Paddling a Crescent Kayak is a similar experience- you’re connected to the water and boat, rather than being a passenger.

The CK1 Venture accomplishes Crescent’s trademark paddleability through a few different design features. Foremost the Venture was designed with a heavy bias towards enhanced secondary stability. Secondary stability is a kayak’s ability to right itself at a hard tilt, whereas primary stability is a kayak’s ability to stay steady on lesser angles. Stronger secondary stability permits paddlers to lean further into the stroke by tipping towards the water and reinforces the connection between pilot and craft. On craft without strong secondary stability a hard lean over the gunwale usually results in a dip; whereas the Venture actually pushes back to keep the boat righted.

Rocker Me Amadeus

At first glance one of the standout feature’s of the Venture is the aggressive curve from bow to stern. An exaggerated rocker is a rare sight on fishing kayaks. Higher rocker angles offer greater maneuverability. It’s for this reason most whitewater kayaks have big rockers – it allows paddlers to rapidly change direction in a dynamic environment.

The Venture’s high rocker hull plays a key part in both its adaptability and functionality. In river and tidal waters Venture is able to ride over waves and rapids, rather than plowing through them, making for a dryer ride. Combined with Crescent’s signature keel the CK-1’s hull offers paddlers smooth-glide tracking along with responsive handling and accessibility to any body of water you can find.

A Commitment to Quality

There aren’t too many goods out there that are built to last. Planned obsolescence is, for better or worse, here to stay. And it’s a constant source of frustration for modern consumers. Luckily, American made kayaks are one of the few products to buck the trend. Most kayaks made domestically fall into the “buy once cry once” category. But Crescent has amped it up to 11 and the Venture falls squarely in the Buy it for Life category.

The CK1 Venture is made with Crescent’s proprietary HDPE blend that primarily relies on AquaTuf Resin. This resin is specifically designed for maritime applications and is more rigid and durable than other mixtures. The extra rigidity, along with Crescent’s designs, provides a firm standing platform in the cockpit that doesn’t flex or “squish” like others might. The added durability also helps Crescent offer a limited lifetime warranty on the hull and other critical components.

Better than Ever

Hand in hand with quality is design; and this is one area where the Crescent team’s experience and industry knowledge really comes to the forefront. As consummate paddlers themselves they know what features add true value and which are window-dressing. One of the biggest changes with the Venture is the improved bow storage. A deep pocket is covered by a stretchy fabric covering made with material from Sunmaster – the same folks who make bimini top fabrics. It’s perfect for storing loose gear or

Not immediately noticeable, but still critically impactful, are the tiny flourishes brushed into the Venture. Deeper stash pockets, bilateral paddle parks, tapered rod catches, and most importantly…cup holders. Along with a litany of other improvements the Venture debuts some 3 brand new colors to the Crescent portfolio. NorEaster Blue, Blended Camo, and Dart green are sure to turn heads at the docks for their eye-catching aesthetic.

Overview of the CK1 Venture

Of the new kayaks to debut in 2021 the CK1 Venture is the one we’re most excited about. Every kayak has it’s place, but the emphasis on keeping the Venture lightweight while maximizing versatility is a trend we hope other manufacturers start to follow. And to top it all off the price is unbeatable. At $899 the CK1 is positioned as the premier mid-market option. It’s perfect for paddlers looking to take the next step into kayaking of any sort without committing to the big prices seen on more specialized craft. We expect the Venture will be a common sight around the shores and surf this Summer. And we’re looking forward to seeing what Crescent thinks up next.

The post New Kayak Spotlight | Crescent Kayaks CK1 Venture appeared first on Yak Logic.

We love sharing cool stuff, and the Pedayak Electric Kayak is one of the coolest yak’s we’ve found in a while. Electric kayaks aren’t a new concept. Innovative kayak companies and homebrew paddlers have been toying around with integrated electric motors for years. However most of these designs incorporate trolling motors and electric thrusters as add-on’s or modifications. After all kayak molds represent a significant capital investment – and adding a new model takes a ton of R&D and marketing. So an electric kayak built from the ground up around a hybrid pedal motor – that caught our attention.

L’Aquaphile is a French naval engineering firm based out of Lyon that specializes in both recreational and industrial vessels including submarines and tidal turbine systems. Recently L’Aquaphile introduced an electric hybrid kayak that’s unlike anything else out there: the Pedayak.

The Pedayak

L’Aquaphile’s Pedayak is an electric kayak aimed at providing recreational paddlers all the bells and whistles commonly found on high end fishing models. The recreational kayak market is huge. Design has traditionally been value oriented as manufacturer’s have eschewed new features and tech in pursuit of more competitive pricing. Recreational paddlers have had to rely on DIY savvy and aftermarket components to add extra functionality. L’Aquaphile has integrated the best of these high end features into a ready to paddle (or pedal) offering.

At its core the Pedayak is a prop driven kayak that can be powered by either muscle-power or a battery. This concept isn’t exactly novel; Jackson, FeelFree, Wilderness Systems and others all have pedal drives that can also take a battery. However the Pedayak has taken the concept and added some truly unique design features that set it apart from the competition. All of these features are aimed at removing the most unruly challenges in kayaking to maximize the paddling experience.

Deep Keels and A Protected Prop

The first thing most people intermediately notice looking at the Pedayak are the twin keel fins jutting from the hull stern of midship. These two protrusions may look out of place but they provide several key advantages.

The extra large keel fins create a protected cavity in the middle of the hull that’s perfect for prop placement. This feature allows the propeller to be placed closer to the stern via a longer shaft. In addition the rudder assembly sits directly behind the prop; so both steering and power systems are safe from damage.

Moving the prop to the stern of a vessel results in a more efficient propulsion system and better maneuverability. It’s more efficient because the propeller is pushing water that’s already moving, whereas props closer to the bow are moving water that isn’t moving, at least according to MIT. Placing the prop in the back enhances steering as well; it’s basically the difference between driving a rear wheel drive car vs front wheel drive.

Easy Beaching

Anybody who’s used a pedal kayak is familiar with the delicacy of launching and landing. The last thing you want to do is run aground a concrete boat ramp with your prop down; it’s a surefire way to ruin your propeller and mood. Landing with the Pedayak is a breeze comparatively. Since the propeller and rudder are protected the Pedayak can coast straight into shore without fear of any more than a few scuffs on the keel.

In addition to providing protection these extended keels also serve to enhance primary stability. The extra buoyancy below the waterline acts similar to chines in a hull. Standing up to make a cast or stretch your legs will be no problem. The trade-off with a deeper keel is a larger draft. With a draft of 35 cm or ~14″ the Pedayak isn’t suitable for skinny water or shallow rivers. This electric kayak is made for lakes, bays, and big water. This compromise won’t be an issue for the majority of recreational paddlers looking for a fun day out on the water, but could be a concern for anglers who frequent marshes or flats.

Power and Pedal

The Pedayak features a built-in pedal system with a pinion and rod transmission. The gear ratio is 1:6; that is one pedal revolution turns the propeller 6 times. This gearing, along with a hydrodynamic hull design, enables the Pedayak to reach an approximate top speed of 10 km/hr (~6.2 mph). When you’re tired of pedaling you can quickly switch on the power assist or take a rest and cruise under full power.

The removable 15ah lithium ion battery sits inside a waterproof cavity built into the hump supporting the cockpit seat. Access to this 420 liter (~110 gal) storage space is secured by a circular hatch that’s normally hidden under the seat pad. This cavernous space is a great option for storing valuables and electronics. Its placement in the cockpit provides immediate accessibility on the water as opposed to bow and stern hatches on fishing/touring kayaks. Wildlife photographers will find this space immensely useful for storing lenses and other photo gear safely.

Stowed out of the way and protected from the elements the battery connects to the motor by internal cabling. Speed is controlled via a bluetooth remote that can be strapped onto the accessory rail or your wrist. When engaged in pedal assist mode the battery can keep you rockin’ and rollin’ for 7 hours. Without pedaling the battery will last around 3 hours at average speeds, and 90 minutes with the afterburners on (i.e. max speed). Built in logic within the receiver ensures automatic shutoff if you happen to fall overboard – as long as you’ve got the controller on your person.

Modularity

L’Aquaphile founder David Adrian knows a thing or two about vessel design and adaptability. As a former member of the French Navy’s Special Forces he’s intimately familiar with how to operate efficiently in marine environments. And he’s incorporated those lessons learned into the Pedayak by providing a complete and thorough ecosystem of electric kayak accessories for added versatility.

There are over 20 different accessories for the Pedayak available at launch – an impressive feat to say the least. Among the ensemble is some unique kit that we haven’t seen on kayaks before. The sailing rig, for example, mounts directly to a mast receiver built into the hull for added strength and rigidity. The outrigger kit connects an ama via beefy aluminum tubes strong enough to support an extra passenger lounging on the hammock. Or if you’re feeling adventurous you can even connect two Pedayaks to form a hybrid catamaran.

More common accessories like rod holders, fish finder mounts, carts and bags are available as well. Most of these add-ons fit to twin aluminum rails that run along the gunwales in the cockpit. There’s no pod or through hull access – so if you’re keen on mounting a fish finder you’ll need to consider side hull solutions, which are conveniently offered by Aquaphile.

Steering and Storage

Steering the Pedayak works a little differently than most kayaks. Rather than relying on a series of pulleys and cables the Pedayak uses a flexible shaft as a tiller. The tail end of the shaft connects to the rudder in a small exposed recess directly behind the cockpit. Turning is accomplished by pushing and pulling the shaft linearly over a 12″ motion. This mechanism is inherently simpler than most existing hand steering systems on kayaks and permits easier maintenance. The exposed tiller-well occupies valuable real estate that could be used for storage, but there’s still plenty of space in the tank-wells.

Comparable to most fishing kayaks the Pedayak has an accommodating rear tankwell. Twin scupper holes provide drainage and a storage point for the scupper mounted kayak cart. But it can also double as space for extra gear and can fit a small fishing crate. The bow tank-well is slightly larger and features a sloped backing that transitions into the pedal housing. The generous size and back support offer a comfortable seating option for extra passengers, along with a great view.

Twin aluminum rails run along the gunwales in the cockpit and offer mounting points for rod holders, cup holders, and other accessories. There’s no pod or through hull access – so if you’re keen on mounting a fish finder you’ll need to consider side hull solutions.

Overview and Availability

We like to think of the Pedayak as the Tesla Model X of kayaks. It’s a slick ride that’s streamlined for easy adoption, broad appeal, and an amazing paddling experience. And you’ll definitely catch your friends mirin’ if you’ve got one. At the same time we doubt you’ll ever see a Tesla going off-road or entering rock climbing competitions. And comparably, the Pedayak probably won’t pique the interest of hardcore kayak fisherman.

The Pedayak offers new paddlers a totally integrated turnkey offering to awesome overwater adventures. Recreational paddlers looking to enjoy a day out on the water with friends and families should put this boat at the top of their list. L’Aquaphile just launched the Pedayak in the spring of 2021 and is shipping units throughout Europe. Models are sold directly by L’Aquaphile and ship worldwide. They’re on the lookout for US distributors, so we’re hopeful that we’ll see the Pedayak cruising stateside waters more frequently in the near future. Be sure to check out the Pedayak and while you’re there take a peek at some of their other recreational watercraft as well.

The post Electric Kayak of the Future | The Pedayak appeared first on Yak Logic.

Paddlers are constantly tweaking their ride to make the most of their over-water adventures. But what do you do when fine-tuning isn’t cutting the mustard? You’ve got two options; trade up, or start from scratch. It takes real gumption and dedication, along with a boatload of skill and patience, to build your own kayak. And then it takes all that and then some to try and build a DIY pedal kayak.

We’re proud to present one of the best builds we’ve come across in recent times for both its ingenuity and execution. At first glance the CHK 3.6 looks like a tricked out Pro Angler. Only after a second look do you realize that it’s actually a custom built fishing machine. Read on below to learn more about the one of a kind CHK 3.6.

Meet the Builder

Arniel Consolacion hails from the Phillipines but has called Perth, Australia home for the last 15 years. As a professional shipwright and metal fabricator with over thirty years of experience he knows a thing or two about building boats. Fed up with the poor performance and heavy weight of his fishing rig Arniel opted to craft a lightweight and stable kayak for angling in the Indian Ocean. A few months later and the Custom Homemade Kayak, or CHK, was ready for the champagne bottle. We had the opportunity to chat with this jeproks kayak angler and learn more about his process throughout the build.

Around how much did The Project Cost?

The total cost was around $400 AUD. Glassing materials and plywood made up the bulk of the BOM. I was able to save by recycling several components from other boats and builds. It also helps to be creative. For example I used aluminum broom handles as the accessory rails on the gunwales. They’re strong, light, and roughly the same dimension as Hobie H Rails; so clamp-mount accessories attach no problem.

What Inspired You to Build the CHK 3.6?

I owned a 2.7m long rotomolded kayak with a padded seat that wasn’t very comfortable. On long treks out my legs would be cramp and there was really no way to stretch out. It was also very difficult to cast perpendicular to the boat; and water would constantly splash over leaving me wet and chilled. I wanted a higher seat and more stable hull to solve these issues but wasn’t thrilled about the high price of commercially available options. So I decided to try and put my skills to the test with a scratch built diy pedal kayak.

Is The CHK 3.6 Your First Build?

Actually the CHK is my fourth build, and the third made out of plywood. I used XPS foam for my first build and then graduated to plywood and glass for the subsequent three. The lessons I learned from those first projects were invaluable; and I was able to incorporate a lot of those refinements into the CHK.

How Long Did The Project Take?

To be honest I didn’t keep track of the total man hours. I mostly worked on it on nights and weekends over the Summer. My best guess is around 100 hours spread out over 2-3 months. The hardest part was the glassing – there are long dry times between layers and it’s just a pain in the butt to work with. Painting and adding accessories was probably the fastest part of the process.

So, How does the CHK Perform?

I had high expectations going into this project, but I was still surprised at how well it performed on the water. It tracks straight with a smooth glide and is incredibly responsive to the pedal drive thanks to the light weight. I can hit 5 mph with moderate effort and turning is easy with the drop down rudder. Stability is also awesome. Thanks to the wide beam and trimaran design I can stand on one side of the deck without wetting the rails. My first time out I caught a day’s limit of squid in half an hour; so I’ve been pretty happy with it so far.

What Advice Can You Offer Future Builders?

Haha that’s easy – have a plan. Seriously though take your time and really map out all of the features you want from your build, then work backwards from there. I’ve learned over my several builds that it’s a lot easier to adjust a project when it’s still on paper rather than trying to jerry-rig a solution half way through.

Other than that be sure to ask for help when you need it. I’ve had the benefit of working as a boat builder for most of my professional career. So I’ve got a better sense of hydrodynamics and how things fit together than a first time builder probably does. All that’s to say that if you don’t have those skills don’t try and wing it – it’s a lot easier to fix a mistake before its happened.

Learn More

If you’re interested in seeing more of Arniel’s build in detail then be sure to check out his youtube channel: Kustom DIY. Arniel has documented every step of the CHK 3.6 and these videos are an excellent resource if you’re considering your own diy pedal kayak build. He’s already got the next project on the rotary jig – the CHK V2 with an updated deck profile. Finally if you’ve got any questions about your own build feel free to reach out to Arniel on Facebook or Instagram.

The post Project Spotlight | The DIY Pedal Kayak CHK 3.6 appeared first on Yak Logic.

Italy’s known for making some of the most luxurious and high quality products in the world. Fine cars, food, wine, and fashion are just a few of the hallmarks of a people who figured out la dolce vita is the only way to live. Now there’s another product proud to be Italian made. The world’s first Italian made pedal kayak, the Big Mama Triken.

Just a mere 45 minutes from the coasts of the Tyrrhenian Sea in the heart of Frosinone, Italy sits one of Europe’s premier kayak manufacturers; Big Mama Kayaks. Named after the legendary surf brake in Nazare, Big Mama has been producing high quality recreational and fishing kayaks for Italian pescatori and European anglers alike. In 2020 Big Mama set a new milestone in the world of fishing kayaks with the debut of the Big Mama Triken 405, the world’s first pedal kayak designed and made in Italy.

Veni

There’s an old Italian saying;

Chi Dorme Non Piglia Pesci

which literally means you won’t catch a fish if you sleep; but more colloquially means, you snooze, you lose. Luigi Bottini, the founder of Big Mama Kayaks, certainly wasn’t snoozing when he decided to undertake the Triken project in May of 2019. Luigi and his partner and chief designer Claudio Campioni decided to develop a kayak fitting for Bel Paese (the Beautiful Country of Italy) after witnessing the burgeoning popularity of kayak fishing around Sicily, Rome, and Sardinia.

Less than a year later Luigi and Claudio debuted the Triken; named by Luigi’s wife after it’s striking hull design (similar to Italian Trimarano’s). The Triken measures 405 cm long, or roughly 13’3″ long with a beam of 89cm or 35″. One of the standout features (literally) is the Triken’s ultra-stable hull design. The Trimaran style hull enables seamless sit-to-stand transitions and rock-solid stability for stand-up casting and sight fishing. The sharp entry bow allows the Triken to cut through chop for speedy human powered voyages on the coasts of Italy.

Vidi

The Triken’s propeller pedal drive is built with a 2 pinion shaft and 1:10 gearing. Meaning one rotation of the pedals will turn the prop 10 times. In front of the drive is a 16.5 liter hatch with a bungee secured lid. The front hatch was designed with Italian fishermen in mind. And can be configured as a live-well with the addition of a small air pump. While the livewell does limit in-hull storage for gear and rods it’s perfect for keeping bait fresh for target species such as branzino (sea bass) or dusky grouper (cernia).

On the stern side of the Triken is a voluminous rear tankwell accompanied by a separate built in container perfect for tackle storage. Hand controls on the left hand side steers the rudder. And on both sides of the seat are molded in storage cavities for tools, tackle, and the occasional biscotti. Hand controls on the left side of the cockpit control the rudder for seamless steering while underway. The lawn chair style seat adjusts trims forward and back to compensate for varying paddler heights, but lacks any sort of vertical adjustment. The low set seat provides a great angle for pedaling and maintaining balance; but could prove challenging for larger paddlers.

Angler’s on the Triken won’t be wanting when it comes to rod storage. Two flush mount rod holders positioned behind the seat are angled out for easy trolling. And two Railblaza mounts on each gunwale up front provide adjustable and removable rod holders for added flexibility. Transportation over-land is a breeze with a gratuitous amount of handles, two aft, two mid, and one at the bow. Reinforced scupper plugs behind the cockpit are perfect for plug in carts.

Vici

One of the most impressive aspects of Big Mama’s Triken is its price point. 1,790 euros puts the Triken well within reach of the average kayak angler. And its price competitive with many US made pedal yaks. Over the last 20 years the Euro to USD exchange rate has ranged from .9 to 1.47. At the time of this article is 1.19, which puts the Triken at around $2,100 before taxes. This price is well below the average price of many American made pedal kayaks. It also puts the Triken on par with most 10′ pedal yaks and a few of the mid-range 12′ pedal yaks like the Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 or Old Town Topwater 120 PDL.

Triken Overview

Luigi and Claudio knew they had something special when they designed the Triken. And they bet big with 5 molds to produce plenty of boats for eager Italian fishermen. The response has been incredible to say the least. Anglers flocked to the Triken and supplies were quickly exhausted. At the time of this article Big Mama is taking reservations for delivery at the beginning of 2021.

The Triken landed with a splash in Italy and is making waves across Europe. While it’s not available in the US right now we wouldn’t be surprised to see it gracing American coasts in the near future. The Triken is currently available in a colorful array of designs. If it ever does make it to the US we’ve got our fingers crossed for a green-white-red variant. Till then be sure to check out Big Mama Kayak‘s full lineup and buona pesca!

Be sure to check out Big Mama’s full fishing lineup and other awesome boats made outside the US at our guide to foreign kayaks.

The post The Ferrari of Kayaks | Big Mama Triken appeared first on Yak Logic.