Advancements in peddle boats?

[matt167]

My wife and I were talking on our vacation and she said she wants a peddle boat for the local non power lake. Her parents have kayaks that we could use any time but she doesn’t like them much. Searching I found they are now $700 for a decent one new. I found a used older one for $200. Are there many advancements in peddle boats making newer ones better? This one is square looking. Not sure of the brand but it’s more my price range. I can buy new if it’s worth it

 

[cyclops222]

All square boats are very slow.

 

[flashback]

Hobie makes a peddle kayak that's pretty cool.

 

[matt167]

Hobie makes a peddle kayak that's pretty cool.

I’ve seen that. I think Pelican makes one now too. At least Marty Zoffinger showed a promo for them a couple years ago.

 

[matt167]

All square boats are very slow.

I don’t think it’s quite square below the waterline. I know all pedal boats are somewhat inefficient hull designs. The intended lake we have in mind is down the road from her parents, and the hiking trails around the lake might take an hour to hike. not sure how big it is, but it’s not very big and never has any chop.

 

[matt167]

The boat in question is an older Water Wheeler. I’m not sure how old, but I don’t know when they stopped making them

 

[flashback]

Most I've seen are two passenger with a paddle wheel in back and a bimini top. I hadn't realized there not made anymore.

 

[matt167]

Most I've seen are two passenger with a paddle wheel in back and a bimini top. I hadn't realized there not made anymore.

I’m not 100% sure they are out of production but I can’t find much info. This has a large bench seat and space for coolers and stuff behind. I’m not sure where the wheel is

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[airshot]

As a prior owner of a few paddle boats, let me say those plastic boats are worthless. Very inefficient !! If you want a decent one that works efficiently get one with aluminum pontoons. Much easier to peddle, doesn't catch rain water, easier to get in and out. No cheap plastic parts to maintain and fix all the time.

 

[cyclops222]

The pedal oldies were very tiring. You were completely in the control of wind direction & wind speed. You had to have stabile weather. AND a power boat to climb aboard as conditions went bad. 1 very tiring cruise was usually enough.

 

[matt167]

I wound up picking up the Water Wheeler. Gave them $160 for it. If I’m reading the HIN correctly, it’s a 1995 model and by the capacity plate is rated for an electric motor. Not sure where it would go but Water Wheeler did build electric models. It is a Water Wheeler junior

 

[cyclops222]

Just make VERY SURE you tell someone with a fast enough boat to remove you and tow the peddle boat back. BEFORE wind blows it into a very shallow MUDDY place. A helicopter might be needed to remove you from hip deep mud. Has happened.
Make sure there is a working anchor to let down to catch bottom before being stuck in the mud area.

 

[matt167]

Just make VERY SURE you tell someone with a fast enough boat to remove you and tow the peddle boat back. BEFORE wind blows it into a very shallow MUDDY place. A helicopter might be needed to remove you from hip deep mud. Has happened.
Make sure there is a working anchor to let down to catch bottom before being stuck in the mud area.

The local lake is non power only and about 10’ deep on average. It’s like 2 miles to walk around the entire lake. I will probably bring a paddle just in case which I could either paddle or shove bottom with if need be.

 

[YellowT]

Quite a few kayak manufacturers make pedal kayaks these day. I own two. They can be pedaled or paddled or both at the same time. Forward or reverse. If the pedal boat doesn’t work out, look into a pedal fishing kayak. They’re broad platform kayaks (you sit on the hull, not in it), and they’re very stable and easy to use.

 

[1985 Century Mustang]

Look into an Old Town PDL. I highly recommend them and I actually own one myself. However they are pricey at about $2500. But dam there sweet looking too.

https://oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/kayaks/fishing/sportsman-pdl-106?v=103511

 

[cyclops222]

Those boats CONSISTANTLY catch fish with shorter casts. I have no idea why.

 

[matt167]

Well our first trip with paddle boat was great. Just a nice pedal out and around.The lake is a rocky bottom, no mud at all so never got stuck. The seats are a little short for me, but not enough to bother. A more modern boat with adjustable seats might have been marginally more comfortable but $160 vs $1,000 it was an easy choice to live with it. I think the Water Wheelers were a commercial grade boat, like what a camp ground or small lake would rent/ provide vs a Sun Dolphin from TSC/ Bass pro

The crank bushings are a little worn and do let a small amount of water in under way but we enjoyed an hr and a half of paddling and drifting and we’re nowhere near an unsafe amount of water in the boat.The bushings are available so I’ll get a set. There $30