Pelican - Getaway 110 HDII Recreational Kayak- Sit-on-Top - Lightweight and Stable one Person Kayak Vapor Deep Blue-White- 11 ft

After using a traditional kayak for several years, I sometimes experienced hand and wrist issues that made me explore a pedal-powered alternative. I found only a few options available, some of which were far to expensive for my budget, but this Pelican model, which was one of the more modestly priced, really fit the bill and offered some advantages over competing versions. First, the pedals are a lever action, not circular like a bicycle. This enables me to keep a lower profile when operating the kayak, which improves stability and enables me to use my leg power more efficiently. But the biggest benefit is that my hands and arms are free to operate the rudder for easy steering, sip a beverage or even cast a fishing line if I'm so inclined. Also, I find I can move faster through the water than with a traditional kayak, so it's more convenient to zip around inland lakes and streams to explore and enjoy nature.Now that I've used this kayak for a few seasons, the only things I would change would be the length of the craft and perhaps a more adjustable seat. Because you don't need to steer by using the paddle, I believe the kayak could be a couple of feet shorter, which would enable me to fit it inside my SUV rather than have to hassle with the roof top carrier. A shorter craft could also make it a little lighter, which would also help in transporting it. As for the seat, I find it comfortable, but it only fits in one position and I find it's helpful to use an extra cushion on the seat to raise me up a bit more, which helps with the pedaling. The seat back is adjustable, so that's helpful. Because this is a sit on model, it's easy to get wet if you encounter waves or wake from power boats, so I tend to use mine only in warm weather when that isn't an issue. A couple of minor suggestions would be to add a small waterproof compartment for valuables and also a stiffer rudder control that would keep the rudder in position without needing to keep your hand on it. (I actually added a plastic washer to the mechanism to achieve this and it's a big improvement)The drive unit is pretty impressive and seems to be well made. It started to squeak annoyingly after the first few times I used it until I took it out and used some "wet" bike lubricant to get into some of the nooks and crannies of the mechanism, which made it operate quietly and with less resistance. And compared to other products that use a traditional round propeller, the Pelican's flipper-style paddles can hug the bottom of the hull when flexed, which can help if you're in shallow water. I always keep a paddle with me just in case I get into really shallow water and I either pop out the drive unit or flex it so it doesn't get damaged until I'm back in deeper water. Round propeller units would have to be removed because they don't have the ability to flatten against the hull like the Pelican drive unit.Overall, I am thrilled with this purchase and it's one of the most useful recreational pieces of equipment I have ever bought.

After carefully researching pedal-driven kayaks for years - and secretly lusting for a Hobie Mirage drive boat since they first became available - I am delighted with my choice of the Pelican incarnation of this excellent, reliable propulsion technology.The boat itself is a marvel of stability and comfort.As long as the drive unit is properly adjusted for leg length, and following the very good YouTube recommendations for tweaking the cable tightness in the drive itself (as well as some fine-tuning improvements to the pedal mounts for quiet and easy operation), the overall experience is one of easy hands-free quiet operation, stability, ease of launch and beaching - all the things I had hoped and waited for.And it's Very Fast - ! On one occasion, I spotted a wayward PFC floating in the middle of a 4-mile lake, sprinted over to it - tried to find the Owner, and lacking that I took it over to the dock and left it there... then resumed my tour of the lake. 10 minutes to be helpful and it was easy.It could be inflatable I suppose - but then I would wonder about puncture reliability far from the beach - so I personally prefer the guaranteed safety and performance of this product's rigid hull. After spending the entire Summer of 2023 on various lakes and rivers - many all-day trips far from the dock, loaded down with supplies - with no incidents.Speaking of the hull; The odd-looking hull design has it's benefits. With two long "outrigger" hull forms on either side, from the stern to the Pedal Well - and the center hull form under the Bow - this boat rides like no kayak I know of. Lateral stability and Tracking are very good, and so is control authority in turns, thanks to the ample rudder and solid control assembly.I did make some adjustments to the rudder control assembly, so now it "holds" at whatever rudder angle I set, but is also easily changed to a new heading.All in all - and also in the details - a fine human-powered boating experience. Great hands-free time on the water, in a very durable boat with negligible maintenance. :)