What Is A Pedal Boat
A pedal boat uses a mechanical pedal system, driven by the feet, to power the boat through the water. The driver of the boat will sit back and pedal with their feet while steering the boat with a simple handle. The pedals will move a wheel underneath the boat to accelerate it forward. The steering handle will move the rudder.
Pedal boats come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles. These are not the fastest boats and theyre not well-suited for fast-moving waters. This makes pedal boats ideal for lazy cruising, fishing, and exploring still water areas.
Pedal boats usually come with a set of two pedals, so that more than one person can power the boat. Often, these boats are large enough to hold a few passengers.
Free Hands For Fishing
One of the age old issues with kayak fishing has always been swapping back and forth from your paddle to your fishing rod in a seemingly endless cycle of arriving at a good spot, putting the paddle down in a secure fashion and switching to your fishing rod, only to do the same thing every single time you go to a new location.
Being able to propel your kayak using a pedal system means youll keep more of your focus on the area youre fishing. Sometimes it can be more productive to simply make a few casts as you pass through an area in an attempt to cover a larger swath of water than having to stop, switch from paddle to rod and throw a few casts. Pedal kayaks have proven to be a real game changer that allows anglers to make more casts in one fishing trip than they would in using a paddle kayak.
Buying Guide For The Best Paddle Boat
Most paddle boats dont come cheap, so you want to be deliberate about choosing one. Before you place a purchase order, make sure that the boat has all the features that are useful to you. Most importantly, you want to be sure that the boat is constructed with materials that will last for several years.
Here are the important things to keep in mind when shopping for the best paddle boat.
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Pelican Monaco Deluxe Pedal Boat White/blue
This is a product that has been made with plastic materials that are long-lasting. To make it good for riders, it has been designed with 2-branch canopy.
The adjustable backrest is also fitted with the best seats. You can enjoy your seating position when you are in the water riding. Carry along with your drink and beverages and the drink holders will take care of them in the boat.
Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 130t
The Yellowfin 130T is a 3-person sit-on-top kayak that is perfect for fishing, travel, and recreational activities. It comes with a 500-pound weight capacity to fit two-three 13-foot 80-pound users. The kayak does not come with a skid plate so you may need to be careful when paddling through shallow water.
Design
Vibe Kayaks Yellowfin 130T is a tandem-style kayak that is built from a single piece of roto-molded polyethylene. It is rigid and sleek so it wont flex when taking on fairly large swells. It comes with two storage hatches and a moderately large cargo deck for your essentials. It also includes bungee cords to make sure your cooler does not slip into the water during rough water conditions.
The kayak provides plenty of cockpit space for two persons to ride comfortably. It also has two adjustable seats that can be placed in any position. You can even set up the seat in the middle for solo kayaking. At 12-feet-2-inches in length and 33-inches-wide, the Yellowfin 130T is stable enough to handle choppy waters with ease. It also includes four easy grip carrying handles, two built-in cup holders, and adjustable foot braces.
Special Features
The kayak also features four tackle tray holders that can fit a PLANO 3600 tackle tray to organize, protect, and transport your fishing accessories with unbeatable efficiency. Moreover, it has several mounting points for your Scotty®, RAM®, and Vibe® mount accessories and other optional gear tracks.
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Pedal Boats Have Multiple Uses
How you intend to use your pedal boat can also determine which model you purchase. Some pedal boat owners simply want the relaxation and exercise of calmly streaming the waters. Others want to take family and friends for tours around a lake or river. Some pedal boat owners plan to fish. The boats overall design and features are important considerations to ensure a fun, safe time on the water.
Here Are Some Great Pedal Boat Models Worth Considering:
1. Sun Dolphin Sun Slider 5 Seat Pedal Boat with Canopy
This boat from Sun Dolphin is one of the best, coming from the best paddle boat brand. This particular model is a favorite among boat lovers. Its a 5-seater boat that can contain 3 adults and 2 kids, or 2 adults and three kids. It has an adjustable seating to make any sized person fit. The boat is made of a rugged, UV-stabilized, Fortiflex high-density polyethylene deck and hull making it sturdy and reliable.
This paddle boat offers pedal positions for 1, 2 or 3 people, with two sets of three pedal cranks. It comes with a built-in cooler and storage area with beverage holders for a chill ride. The cooling storage is a great feature. This boat also comes with a built-in, foldable canopy that can be put up or down and is easy to adjust. It also comes with rod holders for fishing. It is available in two different colors: cream/teal and blue.
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2. Sun Dolphin 5 Seat Pedal Boat with Canopy
With five seats and a canopy, this paddle boat is a sure bet for family fun. This boat offers an adjustable/reclining seating for three adults and two children . There are pedal positions for one, two and three people, and you can pedal in reverse. This allows you to operate the boat without getting tired too fast. This boat can handle weight up to 545 lbs.
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3. Pelican Rainbow E-Deluxe Pedal Boat
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4. Sun Dolphin 5 Seat Pedal Boat
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5. Sun Dolphin Sun Slider Adjustable 5 Seat Pedal Boat
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Additional Items You Should Be Familiar With
Besides the above features, there are a number of ancillary terms and items you need to familiarize yourself with before embarking on your first outing.
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Hand bilge pump: This handy tool is used to evacuate accumulated water in your pedal boat.
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Anchor bag with buoy: Sometimes you just want to stay where you’re at. This lightweight alternative to a metal anchor is perfect for your pedal boat needs. Just fill it with rocks or other heavy material and toss it over the side. An attached buoy makes it easy to see where your anchor bag is resting.
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PFD: A PFD is a personal floatation device that will keep you above water in the event of a mishap. Every person on a pedal boat should be wearing a Coast Guard-approved PFD on every outing.
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Whistle and/or air horn: The Coast Guard requires all boaters to have some way to notify other boats of their presence. A whistle or air horn will work just fine. If the whistle is attached to your PFD, that’s even better.
- Distress flag: A distress flag or any other kind of signaling device lets others know you are in trouble. Not only is it important to have one, but you need to learn to recognize distress signals so you can help other boaters in need.
Old Town Sportsman Pdl 106 Kayak
If youre on the quest for a hands-free vessel that delivers optimum performance on the water, then the 2020 Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Kayak is your best bet. With award-winning PDL Drive and instant reverse and forward, you get good value for your money.
Offering a maximum capacity of 450 pounds and 10.6 feet in length, the Old Town Sportsman PDL 106 Kayak is seawater-ready. And, it has a universal transducer mount that provides a snug fit for your fish finders and other on-board essentials.
For optimum pedaling comfort, the kayak has an adjustable seat. The built-in 18-inch tracks make accessory mounting a walk in the park. Youll also find a custom tackle box and non-slip padded EVA foam deck for comfortable stand-up fishing.
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Best Pedal Boat For Teenagers
Sun Dolphin Sun SliderTeenage kids are often reluctant to join their parent in most activities, but Sun Dolphin Sun Slider will change their minds. Perfect for teenagers who want to go out on the water and enjoy with friends, its also very safe and reliable. It fits 5 people, but with fully adjustable seats with backrest, it can be converted into a perfect sunbathing lounge for two. With a cooling storage, you can pack food, drinks or other refreshments for their trip.If your kids are like most teenagers, Sun Dolphin Sun Slider will be a great way for them to have some fun, spend some time with their friends on the water and enjoy summer.
Best Pedal Boats Buying Guide
Paddle boats come in different sizes, styles, designs and have different performances.
With so many features to consider in your purchase decision, finding the best pedal boat for your needs can feel challenging.
But it doesnt need to feel so.
Well share everything you need to know about making a pedal boat purchase decision in our buying guide below.
But before then, lets first look at the different types of pedal boats.
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Lifetime 2 Person Kayak With Padded Backrests
The Lifetime 2 Person kayak is a lightweight watercraft that can be used by a single person but has a maximum capacity of two. Its operational mechanism is greatly enhanced by efficient technological features, such as the portable inflator pumps and High and Dry seating. If you are looking for a safe and sturdy kayak, this boat has above-average customer reviews.
Design
The Lifetime has a 60-pound design with molded rear and front carrying handles for easy transport. It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds, which make it an excellent kayak for single or tandem use. It features a tunnel hull design that provides optimum stability and tracking. The boat is almost impossible to tip over so you can feel safe and secure throughout your trip.
Special Features
The Lifetime kayak comes with a High and Dry seating that keeps you off the kayak floor. It is backed by a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty to ensure quality. This water vessel has four-rod holders and clips to secure your paddles while you fish, making it ideal for anglers. It is also equipped with everything you need to get out of the water immediately. Moreover, it features self-bailing scupper holes to ensure that water drains properly.
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Considerations When Buying A Pedal Boat
Before you buy a pedal boat, be sure that it is going to serve the purpose for which you are buying it. Of course, all types will serve the purpose. However, you definitely want one you can spend less energy on. Do not forget to work within your budget and buy a good quality boat. High price does not always guarantee good quality.
1. Pedal Boat Material
Safety comes first. Most pedal boats are made of plastic. Nonetheless, there are different kinds of plastic. Find out which one is used on the deck and hull and how hard and stiff it is. Make sure it is hard to break and can sustain an intended weight. Fiberglass is an example of the best and most durable plastic that you should look for. Possible leakage from wear and tear should not occur. Remember, some materials corrode very easily when they are exposed to salty water. Find out which ones are resistant to both fresh and salt water. The material may also determine the maintenance costs of a pedal boat. Materials that corrode easily may need to be checked every time you use the boat.
2. Capacity
3.Additional Features
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Canopy Or Umbrella Mount
A canopy can make a huge difference in your boating experience. Paddling in a boat under the scorching sun is not as fun as having shade over your head. Besides ruining your fun, it can also have adverse effects on your skin.
Although not required, a canopy is an added advantage when you want to choose the best paddle boat. Select a canopy that wont easily cave in or get blown off by the wind. It should also be waterproof to offer protection during a downpour. Of course, choosing a paddle boat with a canopy will increase the cost of the boat, but it is a worthwhile investment if you have deep pockets.
Alternatively, you can choose a paddle boat with an umbrella mount. That way, you can attach an umbrella even if you cant afford a canopy.
Accessories To Include In A Pedal Boat Purchase
Along with the pedal boat features, its also crucial you consider investing in add-ons or extras that might come in handy during the whole boating experience.
Remember owning a high-end pedal boat doesnt always guarantee an enjoyable summer vacation. You need to foresee what can happen and spoil the experience.
Here are some of the extras you shouldnt miss
PFD
Its always a good idea to have a personal floatation device with you on your trip.
And not just any PDF, but it should be coast-guard approved for maximum protection.
Anchor Rope Bag
A bag is helpful when youre tired of paddling and want to remain in one location to take a break or fish.
It keeps your paddle boat calm without drifting.
Bilge Pump
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Special Features Of Best Paddle Boats
- Super tough paddle wheelA paddle wheel in a pedal boat serves as a propulsion for a boat. If the paddle wheel is tough, the paddle boat will run smoothly and steadily. But if the paddle wheel is easy to break, riders are also easy to be stuck in water. Paddlewheel in our paddle boats is super tough to make sure the good quality of the boat and riders have a good experience.
- Adhesive sealant between deck and hullThe deck and hull are two main parts of a pedal boat, and their coherence directly decides the quality of the paddle boats and the safety of the rider. We adopt adhesive sealant between deck and hull to ensure the quality of the boat and the safety of tourists.
- Color coordinated pedal, cranks, bushings, steering handle and rub railThe color of the pedal boat can be customized. You can choose the color you want, and we will be responsible for the color effect. We mix paint by computer and paint the beat pedal boat with advanced and mature skills to make sure the color is coordinated with pedal, cranks, bushings, steering handle and rub rail of the boat foot pedal.
- Paddle boat weight limitFor different sizes of boats you pedal, the weight limit is also different. If you want to know the specific weight limit of one paddle boat, please email us, and we will present you the most detailed information.
Factors To Consider When Selecting The Best Boats
Weve looked at the different types of pedal boats, and its time now to look at the factors you should always consider when buying a pedal boat.
Design/ Durable Construction Material
Generally, a majority of the pedal boats are made from plastic materials.
So, the big question is what type of plastic?
The best type of plastic should be durable enough to withstand salt, extreme temperatures and offer sun protection.
Fiberglas is a good option since it can withstand a lot of abuse and harm from elements.
But fiberglass is expensive, and if you feel its above your budget, you can settle for something more pocket-friendly such as sealed aluminum.
The only issue with sealed aluminum is that its a good conductor of electricity and lacks foam.
Price and Capacity
As with most pedal boat purchases, its a good idea to maximize the value for your money.
Now, most of the standard pedal boat prices range from $800 to $1,600.
Of course, the higher you go, the more features and extras you get.
Also, in general, the higher-priced vessels have greater durability and are more reliable.
But that doesnt mean the inexpensive vessels are flimsy either.
Depending on your needs, you can also find a worthy paddle boat for under $800 or less. Just be sure to check and read the specifications.
Consider how many adults and kids a boat can accommodate.
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Nauticraft Pedal Boats Pedal/electric Boat Electric Boat And Sailboat
Forget every paddle boat experience youve had and consider Nauticraft. Boats manufactured by Nauticraft Corporation of Muskegon, Michigan give a level of efficiency and comfort far surpassing ordinary peddle and small boats on the market today. The Nauticraft line of pedal boats, including a 4- person pedal boat with an electric motor option, offers sleek, well designed, hop-in-and-go models. These boats can literally travel circles around the traditional paddle wheel boat and let you experience the outdoors in a whole new way!
There are many reasons people are compelled by a Nauticraft boat. Some want to get out on the water and pedal around for exercise, then there are those who prefer to kick back and just cruise along with the electric motor. Others look for the freedom a non-gas powered boat will give them. And some are enchanted by the striking lines and good looks of the Nauticraft boat design.
We invite you to take a closer look at the uncommon benefits of Nauticraft Pedal Boats, Pedal/Electric Boat, Electric Boat and Sailboat.
