Re: Brand new PDL!
Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 2:05 pm
PDL just keeps impressing me more everyday I use it, especially when fishing side by side with the other pedal kayak brands that are out there. I've been out to test it in the bay in some rough water and 20-30mph winds, and it just wants more. I haven't found conditions yet that keep me at home, it's more of a challenge than anything at this point when the wind starts blowing. Stand up fishing stability is insane, and again haven't found chop big enough to keep me sitting down, even with 2-3' waves with boat wakes mixing it up. Been out with a few guys that thought I was crazy for standing, until they watched how easy it was to fish through it all.
Haven't had a single issue out of any parts of the kayak including the drive. I stand by what I said about the broken prop for sure. Went back to the 2 blade prop, and can feel more resistance than the single/broken blade prop. Went back again to the single and keep the other prop in the front hatch for a spare. The only thing I could complain about is trying to move through the thick hydrilla and pads on lake Seminole. The Ninja Grass Blade has worked well though and keeps me moving without getting bogged down by the grass. Been doing a lot of frogging in the pads, and push poling around in it is an easy way to move around. Shallow water can be an issue, but I don't often go shallower than 2' deep, and if I do I simply use a push pole.
Rudder control remains smooth and easy to use, and hasn't loosened up much so far. I've heard the cables may need to be adjusted eventually but it hasn't been a problem yet. Rudder has lost its color and has turned a whitish color, but no corrosion or anything. Rudder digs deep and turns the kayak in a circle that isnt much bigger than the length of the kayak.
I cartop my PDL and some people think I'm crazy for putting a 100lb kayak on my roof, but it couldn't be easier. I fish at least 5 days a week, and doesn't wear on me at all to load and unload. Simple upside down beach cart on the trunk, slide it off the rack onto the tires and roll it off. Not hard at all. My Yakima rack has been very strong, and used Malone Seawings to mount on it. Those Seawings fit the hull shape perfectly, and the PDL doesn't move at all while driving on the Interstate at 70mph+. Couldn't be happier with this system.
I'm very happy with my purchase of this kayak, and now see that they are definitely changing things when it comes to market share. A lot of people have been buying them down here, and all I've heard is great things! Definitely demo one if possible, it may be your new favorite kayak.
Haven't had a single issue out of any parts of the kayak including the drive. I stand by what I said about the broken prop for sure. Went back to the 2 blade prop, and can feel more resistance than the single/broken blade prop. Went back again to the single and keep the other prop in the front hatch for a spare. The only thing I could complain about is trying to move through the thick hydrilla and pads on lake Seminole. The Ninja Grass Blade has worked well though and keeps me moving without getting bogged down by the grass. Been doing a lot of frogging in the pads, and push poling around in it is an easy way to move around. Shallow water can be an issue, but I don't often go shallower than 2' deep, and if I do I simply use a push pole.
Rudder control remains smooth and easy to use, and hasn't loosened up much so far. I've heard the cables may need to be adjusted eventually but it hasn't been a problem yet. Rudder has lost its color and has turned a whitish color, but no corrosion or anything. Rudder digs deep and turns the kayak in a circle that isnt much bigger than the length of the kayak.
I cartop my PDL and some people think I'm crazy for putting a 100lb kayak on my roof, but it couldn't be easier. I fish at least 5 days a week, and doesn't wear on me at all to load and unload. Simple upside down beach cart on the trunk, slide it off the rack onto the tires and roll it off. Not hard at all. My Yakima rack has been very strong, and used Malone Seawings to mount on it. Those Seawings fit the hull shape perfectly, and the PDL doesn't move at all while driving on the Interstate at 70mph+. Couldn't be happier with this system.
I'm very happy with my purchase of this kayak, and now see that they are definitely changing things when it comes to market share. A lot of people have been buying them down here, and all I've heard is great things! Definitely demo one if possible, it may be your new favorite kayak.