Best Pedal Kayak for the Money in 2020. Tried, tested & reviewed

Image	Name	Top Choices	Latest Pricing
	1. Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot	Our Favorite	Amazon
	2. Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal	Premium Pick	Amazon
	3. Wilderness Systems Radar 115	Great Value	Amazon
	4. Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10		Amazon
	5. BKC PK14 Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak		Amazon

Pricing of these Pedal Kayaks Range Between $1,590-$2,500

Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot Review

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The Pescador Pilot is a pedal-driven kayak by Perception Kayaks. It is 12 feet and 5 inches long and is 33.75 inches wide. There are four different colors available, 3 of which are a variety of camo while the other is a sunset gradient. No matter the color, this kayak weighs approximately 85 pounds but has a maximum load capacity of 475 pounds. Although it is most popular for recreational use in lakes and ponds, it was specifically designed to handle not only calm coastal waters but the open ocean as well.

This sit-on-top kayak boasts a pedal that effortlessly propels the kayak, leaving you with two hands to fish, take photos, or enjoy a beverage. Its rudder can be controlled with one hand and can easily give you a 360-degree turn. Should you ever prefer a paddle, its Pilot Drive pedal system can be removed. 

The Perception Kayaks Pescador Pilot comes with a comfortable mesh chair with backrest. It is not only adjustable but removable as well. The kayak has storage areas both in the front and back, so there’s more than enough room for all of your fishing gear, personal effects, and even a cooler. Additionally, it comes with tracks that allow you to add all sorts of equipment easily. It also has four molded-in rod holders for hands-free fishing.

Pros

• Pedal-driven
• 12’5″ x 33.75″
• 4 colors available
• Weighs 85 lbs.
• 475 lbs. max capacity
• Safe for use in open ocean
• Sit-on-top design
• One-handed rudder control 
• 360-degree turning radius
• Removable pedal system
• Comes with comfortable, adjustable, removable mesh chair
• Ample storage
• Built-in tracks for accessories
• Four molded-in rod holders

Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal Review

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The Malibu Pedal by Ocean Kayak is a sit-on-top pedal kayak that is 12 feet long and 34.5 inches wide. It weighs 100 pounds and can carry a load of up to 450 pounds. Among other popular pedal kayaks, it boasts ample leg room of 48 inches. It is made of tough, single layer polyethylene and comes in 4 bright colors including Ahi, Envy, Seaglass, and Sunrise.

One of the most important features that sets the Malibu Pedal apart is Ocean Kayak’s PDL drive system, which propels you almost effortlessly. It also comes with the renowned Element Beach Seat (EBS), which promises to keep you comfortable even after long hours in the water. 

The Ocean Kayak Malibu Pedal has carrying handles on both the bow and the stern. Tank wells for storage are also available on both sides. The tank well on the bow is large enough to accommodate a pet, in case you’d like to take your dog along with you on your adventure. Under the seat, there is a click-seal hatch for personal effects that require protection from the water. Additionally, the kayak has built-in cup holders and tracks for any accessories you might need.

Pros

• Sit-on-top design
• 12′ x 34.5″
• Weighs 100 lbs.
• 450 lbs. max capacity
• Tough, single layer polyethylene construction
• 4 colors available
• PDL drive system
• Element Beach Seat (EBS)
• Carrying handles on both ends
• Tank wells on bow and stern
• Can accommodate pet on stern
• Click-seal hatch
• Built-in cup holders
• Includes tracks for accessories

Wilderness Systems Radar 115 Review

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The Radar 115 is a sit-on-top pedal kayak by Wilderness Systems. It is 11 feet and 8 inches long and 34.5 inches wide. In total, it weighs 85 pounds but can carry a load of up to 450 pounds. It comes in 5 different colors, although the most popular choice seems to be the Midnight variant, which is a black-and-blue gradient.

The Radar 115 features Wilderness Systems’ S.M.A.R.T Hull Technology, which stands for Stability, Maneuverability, Acceleration, Responsiveness, and Tracking. It was explicitly designed to perform excellently in all these five aspects on both steady and moving waters. Additionally, it comes with the brand’s trademark Helix PD Pedal Drive, which is an incredibly efficient pedal system with easy-to-control steering. This pedal drive can also be removed in case you’d prefer to paddle, or if you’d like to upgrade to one of Wilderness Systems’ compatible motors.

Apart from multiple scupper options to accommodate the pedal drive, a motor, or even specialized electronics, the Wilderness Systems Radar 115 comes with plenty of space for storage. It also has built-in SlideTrax Rails for all sorts of accessories. This pedal kayak makes for a great fishing kayak for any angler.

Pros

• Sit-on-top design
• 11’8″ x 34.5″
• Weighs 85 lbs.
• 450 lbs. max capacity
• 5 colors available
• Features S.M.A.R.T Hull Technology
• Boasts Helix PD Pedal Drive
• Can be used for trolling motors
• Multiple scupper options
• Plenty of storage space
• Built-in SlideTrax Rails

Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 Review

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The Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 is a pedal kayak that’s 10 feet and 9 inches long and 37.5 inches wide. It is notably lightweight at 36.7 pounds and has a maximum load capacity of 400 pounds. It comes in 4 different colors, including Blue Lagoon, Copperhead, Hidden Oak, and Lizard Lick.

The Slayer Propel 10 comes with Native Watercraft’s remarkable Propel Pedal Drive System, which doesn’t just quickly accelerate forward with little effort but also has the capacity to move forward and backward. It comes with a seat with backrest that should keep you comfortable over long hours in the water. Additionally, the hull is incredibly stable, allowing you to stand without fear of falling into the water. This is thanks to the modified tunnel design applied to its hull. Its sharp bow entry and rudder protective keel also gives it its excellent tracking performance.

Apart from ample space in the rear storage well, the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel 10 comes with a 5-inch dry storage hatch that’s perfect for your valuable electronics. It also has built-in cup holders and rails for rod holders and other accessories, including a camera to capture your triumphs.Simply throw this kayak up on your kayak roof rack and hit the water!

Pros

• 10’9″ x 37.5″
• Lightweight at 36.7 lbs.
• 400 lbs. max capacity
• 4 colors available
• Propel Pedal Drive System
• Pedals forwards and backward
• Includes seat with backrest
• Stable with excellent tracking
• Ample storage
• Includes dry storage hatch
• Built-in cup holders
• Well-placed rails for accessories

BKC PK14 Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak Review

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The PK14 Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak by Brooklyn Kayak Co. is one of the best ways to enjoy kayaking with a companion. It is 14 feet long and 34 inches wide. When empty, it weighs 99 pounds, which is remarkably light for a kayak of this length. Also, it has a maximum capacity of 600 pounds. That’s enough to carry two adults along with ample gear and personal effects. 

The BKC PK14 Tandem Sit-on-Top Kayak comes with two pedal drives and features a responsive rudder for steering. With both riders pedaling, you can enjoy fast acceleration over open waters. Should you prefer to paddle, the kayak also comes with two collapsible aluminum paddles that are held in place by built-in holders. It also comes with two adjustable seats with backrests. 

This tandem kayak features an ergonomic hull made of tough high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that offers excellent tracking thanks to its deep grooves. It has 3 hatches for water-tight storage and also has 3 flush mount rod holders. It also has handles on both the stern and bow, as well as on both sides, so it’s easy to handle both on and off the water.

Pros

• Accommodates 2 adults + gear
• 14′ x 34″
• Lightweight 99 lbs.
• 600 lbs. max capacity
• Comes with two pedal drives
• Responsive rudder
• Includes 2 collapsible aluminum paddles
• Includes 2 adjustable seats with backrests
• Tough HDPE construction
• Excellent tracking
• 3 hatches for water-tight storage
• 3 flush mount rod holders
• Handles on all 4 sides