Last updated at 15/07/2026 03:07:04
APEX Pedal Drive + Rudder System
Free delivery
APEX Pedal Drive Rudder System Made for Compatible Kayaks Lono & SUPs Rackham Aero Gatorshell Inflatable Paddle Board for Fishing Hunting Adults Kids
Delivery between 21–24 July $29
BOTE LONO 12'6 Aero Inflatable Kayak - Native Aqua 126iLN22NA
Free delivery
originally posted on boteboard.com
I own a 2022 bote lono aero fully equipped kayak i bought second hand on facebook marketplace. After reading countless reviews and problems people faced with the system overall, i only noticed one or two people complain that they never received screws for the rudder system or rudder system had to be modified for better fitment. I unfortunately ran into both these issues and had them resolved, however, i would recommend to bote to redesign the fitment and construction of the rudder system to avoid damage and further complications with the current install process and overall design of the rudder system. I am pretty sure almost everyone who either contacts customer support or tries to install the rudder system themselves runs into the problem of not tightening the ... MoreI own a 2022 bote lono aero fully equipped kayak i bought second hand on facebook marketplace. After reading countless reviews and problems people faced with the system overall, i only noticed one or two people complain that they never received screws for the rudder system or rudder system had to be modified for better fitment. I unfortunately ran into both these issues and had them resolved, however, i would recommend to bote to redesign the fitment and construction of the rudder system to avoid damage and further complications with the current install process and overall design of the rudder system. I am pretty sure almost everyone who either contacts customer support or tries to install the rudder system themselves runs into the problem of not tightening the screws down properly per bote’s tutorial that states, “ screws must be tightened by hand with the provided allen key set till they cannot be tightened any further… over tightening may result in damage to base of kayak.” The so called torque specifications of these screws is not specified and is not tight enough to keep the rudder system from falling off. Therefore, customers are forced to buy and modify the installation process( longer screws, existing screws with washers,etc) all in which bote doesn’t recommend but makes the rudder fit better. The rudder system should be either redesigned or attached differently that doesn’t require hardware or the mounting plate should be beefed up to accommodate for the modifications to ensure better fitment. Both the adhesion of the mounting plate and the kayak itself should be reinforced in that area to avoid punctures if longer screws are needed. Bote support is inadequate in understanding the severity of an issue with their product and the course of action needed to resolve the issue. When i had contacted support recently, because of inadequate service, they offered to give me a 20% discount on a new kayak. I was discouraged by this offer and tried to stake my claim telling them my kayak with all the options it has costs nearly $3,000. That didn’t seem to be understood by the agent. Finally, this matter should be addressed by bote in order to keep customer acquisition and maintaining a good quality product. I honestly love my lono, but i would enjoy it more if it wasn’t built like intex and last not as long as predicted based on durability. I take care of my kayak and this doesn’t stem from improper storage and proper maintenance. This stems from a poor design in a well liked system that bote seems not to address.
originally posted on boteboard.com
On numerous occasions, i have reached out to bote support and had great support given. This one time recently, they seemed to not understand the severity of my issue with my kayak. The issue was from a poor design in the rudder system. Bote has not changed the design of the mounting bracket and the install of the rudder system. In many reviews i have read, people had not received the proper mounting hardware or believed the proper hardware would not ensure the rudder to be secure. This hinged on certain modifications needed to be made by the customer to ensure better fitment. However, bote doesn’t recommend these modifications and specifies that the screws need to be tightened but not over tightened because of damage. Experiencing this first hand was very upsetting. ... MoreOn numerous occasions, i have reached out to bote support and had great support given. This one time recently, they seemed to not understand the severity of my issue with my kayak. The issue was from a poor design in the rudder system. Bote has not changed the design of the mounting bracket and the install of the rudder system. In many reviews i have read, people had not received the proper mounting hardware or believed the proper hardware would not ensure the rudder to be secure. This hinged on certain modifications needed to be made by the customer to ensure better fitment. However, bote doesn’t recommend these modifications and specifies that the screws need to be tightened but not over tightened because of damage. Experiencing this first hand was very upsetting. The only thing customer support told me they could do was give me 20% off a new one. That was discouraging. I would have expected better service from a company with such great quality. Therefore, this system needs to be redesigned or perfected in it installation. This current installation process isn’t working. Bote needs to know about this. If they are reading this review, rules will have to bent to keep customers happy. I being one of them. My first review seems to have been taken down, so i am writing a new one.
originally posted on boteboard.com
When I unpacked my Apex pedal drive the first thing that struck me was how well built the system is. The pedal drive has a top quality feel about it. The quality runs through all parts of the system including the crank arms which are supplied by FSA (high end bicycle parts). Properly maintained I have no doubt that the pedal drive will last a very long time. Setting up the system, including the rudder, on my Lono kayak was extremely easy. Four screws and a couple of velcro hold downs are all that's required to install the rudder. Adjusting the rudder cables is a cinch. Once out on the water I was even more impressed with the pedal drive system. This thing is fast! As fast as you have the legs for! An easy going effort will still have you outpacing most paddlers. ... MoreWhen I unpacked my Apex pedal drive the first thing that struck me was how well built the system is. The pedal drive has a top quality feel about it. The quality runs through all parts of the system including the crank arms which are supplied by FSA (high end bicycle parts). Properly maintained I have no doubt that the pedal drive will last a very long time. Setting up the system, including the rudder, on my Lono kayak was extremely easy. Four screws and a couple of velcro hold downs are all that's required to install the rudder. Adjusting the rudder cables is a cinch. Once out on the water I was even more impressed with the pedal drive system. This thing is fast! As fast as you have the legs for! An easy going effort will still have you outpacing most paddlers. What stood out equally was how quiet this drive system is (when not pedaling like the devil). I found that the rudder is very effective and worked better than I expected. The Lono is very maneuverable with this system. I especially liked the ease with which one can reverse. I am extremely pleased with my purchase, of both the Lono and the Apex pedal drive. The pedal drive definitely brings out the best in the Lono kayak. The Apex certainly is not inexpensive but, I feel, is well worth the price.
| APPROX WEIGHT (KG) | 6.8 |
| RUDDER STEERING SYSTEM WEIGHT (KG) | 2.2 |
| TOOLS WEIGHT (KG) | 0.5 |
| REMOVABLE AERO CENTER FIN WEIGHT (KG) | 0.09 |
APEX Pedal Drive + Rudder System
Free delivery
APEX Pedal Drive Rudder System Made for Compatible Kayaks Lono & SUPs Rackham Aero Gatorshell Inflatable Paddle Board for Fishing Hunting Adults Kids
Delivery between 21–24 July $29
BOTE LONO 12'6 Aero Inflatable Kayak - Native Aqua 126iLN22NA
Free delivery
I own a 2022 bote lono aero fully equipped kayak i bought second hand on facebook marketplace. After reading countless reviews and problems people faced with the system overall, i only noticed one or two people complain that they never received screws for the rudder system or rudder system had to be modified for better fitment. I unfortunately ran into both these issues and had them resolved, however, i would recommend to bote to redesign the fitment and construction of the rudder system to avoid damage and further complications with the current install process and overall design of the rudder system. I am pretty sure almost everyone who either contacts customer support or tries to install the rudder system themselves runs into the problem of not tightening the ... MoreI own a 2022 bote lono aero fully equipped kayak i bought second hand on facebook marketplace. After reading countless reviews and problems people faced with the system overall, i only noticed one or two people complain that they never received screws for the rudder system or rudder system had to be modified for better fitment. I unfortunately ran into both these issues and had them resolved, however, i would recommend to bote to redesign the fitment and construction of the rudder system to avoid damage and further complications with the current install process and overall design of the rudder system. I am pretty sure almost everyone who either contacts customer support or tries to install the rudder system themselves runs into the problem of not tightening the screws down properly per bote’s tutorial that states, “ screws must be tightened by hand with the provided allen key set till they cannot be tightened any further… over tightening may result in damage to base of kayak.” The so called torque specifications of these screws is not specified and is not tight enough to keep the rudder system from falling off. Therefore, customers are forced to buy and modify the installation process( longer screws, existing screws with washers,etc) all in which bote doesn’t recommend but makes the rudder fit better. The rudder system should be either redesigned or attached differently that doesn’t require hardware or the mounting plate should be beefed up to accommodate for the modifications to ensure better fitment. Both the adhesion of the mounting plate and the kayak itself should be reinforced in that area to avoid punctures if longer screws are needed. Bote support is inadequate in understanding the severity of an issue with their product and the course of action needed to resolve the issue. When i had contacted support recently, because of inadequate service, they offered to give me a 20% discount on a new kayak. I was discouraged by this offer and tried to stake my claim telling them my kayak with all the options it has costs nearly $3,000. That didn’t seem to be understood by the agent. Finally, this matter should be addressed by bote in order to keep customer acquisition and maintaining a good quality product. I honestly love my lono, but i would enjoy it more if it wasn’t built like intex and last not as long as predicted based on durability. I take care of my kayak and this doesn’t stem from improper storage and proper maintenance. This stems from a poor design in a well liked system that bote seems not to address.
On numerous occasions, i have reached out to bote support and had great support given. This one time recently, they seemed to not understand the severity of my issue with my kayak. The issue was from a poor design in the rudder system. Bote has not changed the design of the mounting bracket and the install of the rudder system. In many reviews i have read, people had not received the proper mounting hardware or believed the proper hardware would not ensure the rudder to be secure. This hinged on certain modifications needed to be made by the customer to ensure better fitment. However, bote doesn’t recommend these modifications and specifies that the screws need to be tightened but not over tightened because of damage. Experiencing this first hand was very upsetting. ... MoreOn numerous occasions, i have reached out to bote support and had great support given. This one time recently, they seemed to not understand the severity of my issue with my kayak. The issue was from a poor design in the rudder system. Bote has not changed the design of the mounting bracket and the install of the rudder system. In many reviews i have read, people had not received the proper mounting hardware or believed the proper hardware would not ensure the rudder to be secure. This hinged on certain modifications needed to be made by the customer to ensure better fitment. However, bote doesn’t recommend these modifications and specifies that the screws need to be tightened but not over tightened because of damage. Experiencing this first hand was very upsetting. The only thing customer support told me they could do was give me 20% off a new one. That was discouraging. I would have expected better service from a company with such great quality. Therefore, this system needs to be redesigned or perfected in it installation. This current installation process isn’t working. Bote needs to know about this. If they are reading this review, rules will have to bent to keep customers happy. I being one of them. My first review seems to have been taken down, so i am writing a new one.
When I unpacked my Apex pedal drive the first thing that struck me was how well built the system is. The pedal drive has a top quality feel about it. The quality runs through all parts of the system including the crank arms which are supplied by FSA (high end bicycle parts). Properly maintained I have no doubt that the pedal drive will last a very long time. Setting up the system, including the rudder, on my Lono kayak was extremely easy. Four screws and a couple of velcro hold downs are all that's required to install the rudder. Adjusting the rudder cables is a cinch. Once out on the water I was even more impressed with the pedal drive system. This thing is fast! As fast as you have the legs for! An easy going effort will still have you outpacing most paddlers. ... MoreWhen I unpacked my Apex pedal drive the first thing that struck me was how well built the system is. The pedal drive has a top quality feel about it. The quality runs through all parts of the system including the crank arms which are supplied by FSA (high end bicycle parts). Properly maintained I have no doubt that the pedal drive will last a very long time. Setting up the system, including the rudder, on my Lono kayak was extremely easy. Four screws and a couple of velcro hold downs are all that's required to install the rudder. Adjusting the rudder cables is a cinch. Once out on the water I was even more impressed with the pedal drive system. This thing is fast! As fast as you have the legs for! An easy going effort will still have you outpacing most paddlers. What stood out equally was how quiet this drive system is (when not pedaling like the devil). I found that the rudder is very effective and worked better than I expected. The Lono is very maneuverable with this system. I especially liked the ease with which one can reverse. I am extremely pleased with my purchase, of both the Lono and the Apex pedal drive. The pedal drive definitely brings out the best in the Lono kayak. The Apex certainly is not inexpensive but, I feel, is well worth the price.
Excellent product! Pedals are high quality and durable. Looks great. very stable and how the propeller works is just amazing. The pedals made very similar to those on a bike. Very smooth operation. If you guys added a travel bag to make them portable in the near future, that would be awesome.
I like the pedal drive, but there are a few ways it could be improved. First, the assembly isn’t super tight so you get some movement when you pedal. The plastic pieces that hold the assembly down come loose really often and require constant tightening. The pedals are really not comfortable on bare feet. Would suggest some sort of high density foam to make them more comfortable. The inflatable seat is not the greatest. You have to adjust it to a really uncomfortable point in order for it to stay upright once you start pedaling because the straps will loosen as you’re going along. It’s also not very easy to adjust when you’re sitting in the seat. Would recommend using a similar apparatus that cargo straps do where you can easily crank to tighten and push a button to ... MoreI like the pedal drive, but there are a few ways it could be improved. First, the assembly isn’t super tight so you get some movement when you pedal. The plastic pieces that hold the assembly down come loose really often and require constant tightening. The pedals are really not comfortable on bare feet. Would suggest some sort of high density foam to make them more comfortable. The inflatable seat is not the greatest. You have to adjust it to a really uncomfortable point in order for it to stay upright once you start pedaling because the straps will loosen as you’re going along. It’s also not very easy to adjust when you’re sitting in the seat. Would recommend using a similar apparatus that cargo straps do where you can easily crank to tighten and push a button to release. Would also help the straps stay tight, unlike the plastic pieces currently being used.
Love the idea of pedal drive and while using it in the water it's a game changer. Gets you were you want to go quickly and easily. Frees hands for other things, most obviously fishing. Problem is execution. Quickly lifting the system up to avoid debris, grass or shallow water is virtually impossible. Maybe it's me, but every time I try the unit takes a lot of effort to lift up. It's tricky and requires pre-planning to get the drive unit up in time to avoid damage or the prop getting tangled with grass, etc.Last is storage. The pedal drive is extremely awkward to store without taking it apart. Needs a special protective bag or box to be designed to help with safely storing it. I'd buy something if made available as an add on.The negatives do not outway the ... MoreLove the idea of pedal drive and while using it in the water it's a game changer. Gets you were you want to go quickly and easily. Frees hands for other things, most obviously fishing. Problem is execution. Quickly lifting the system up to avoid debris, grass or shallow water is virtually impossible. Maybe it's me, but every time I try the unit takes a lot of effort to lift up. It's tricky and requires pre-planning to get the drive unit up in time to avoid damage or the prop getting tangled with grass, etc.Last is storage. The pedal drive is extremely awkward to store without taking it apart. Needs a special protective bag or box to be designed to help with safely storing it. I'd buy something if made available as an add on.The negatives do not outway the positives, because it's just what's available. But watch for something better to come along, seems inevitable.
Surprisingly sturdy and strong. I also have an old town sportsman pdl...the apex is pretty good given its paired with an inflatable system. It's "fast" and smooth. Highly recommended. Rating a 4 star because I wish the rudder could slide on and lock like the fin, needs four screws to secure to the bote. I don't feel comfortable rolling up the rudder or disassembling the rudder to roll the bote back into the bag, so I remove it. Buying some extra screws as I'm sure we'll lose some along the way. Will also keep a dedicated screwdriver with the rudder/pdl drive. Cheers.
Desperate for the ability to stand unassisted after a long 3-4 hour scenic relaxing paddle, I thought I would give the Apex a try. This has been a game changer. I have knee issues and the pedaling is helping to strengthen my legs to support my knees as well as toning them up! My first experience was an eye opener as I went out in some pretty strong current and winds. It was a challenge for me due to being out of shape. I was expecting an experience like riding a bike on pavement not taking into consideration the drag on the propeller. It was manageable- I was just out of shape. Yet, I felt so much better after that workout. I've been out over a dozen times and love this Bote and Apex more each time! My strength has developed and also the experience is enjoyable. The ... MoreDesperate for the ability to stand unassisted after a long 3-4 hour scenic relaxing paddle, I thought I would give the Apex a try. This has been a game changer. I have knee issues and the pedaling is helping to strengthen my legs to support my knees as well as toning them up! My first experience was an eye opener as I went out in some pretty strong current and winds. It was a challenge for me due to being out of shape. I was expecting an experience like riding a bike on pavement not taking into consideration the drag on the propeller. It was manageable- I was just out of shape. Yet, I felt so much better after that workout. I've been out over a dozen times and love this Bote and Apex more each time! My strength has developed and also the experience is enjoyable. The best part is no matter how long I'm out on the water, I can stand right up and step out painlessly.
We really like the pedal drive on our Rackham Aero, but there are a couple features that could be improved. There is no good place to hold onto or pull with your hands to really take advantage of the aggressive gearing and the seat isn't sturdy enough to push off of. Kinda like riding a bike with no hands which gets hard on the back after a while. It really does cruise but you'll have to be in pretty good shape to maintain pace for extended periods.My wife and son have a hard time pulling up the drive to remove weeds. I am 6'4" tall with long legs and the seat is plenty adjustable, but the back is held upright by a couple straps that loosen when pushing back on the seat. The rudder works fine, would be nice if it could be locked in the center position for switching ... MoreWe really like the pedal drive on our Rackham Aero, but there are a couple features that could be improved. There is no good place to hold onto or pull with your hands to really take advantage of the aggressive gearing and the seat isn't sturdy enough to push off of. Kinda like riding a bike with no hands which gets hard on the back after a while. It really does cruise but you'll have to be in pretty good shape to maintain pace for extended periods.My wife and son have a hard time pulling up the drive to remove weeds. I am 6'4" tall with long legs and the seat is plenty adjustable, but the back is held upright by a couple straps that loosen when pushing back on the seat. The rudder works fine, would be nice if it could be locked in the center position for switching back and forth between pedaling and paddling. I do need to slide my size 12 feet pretty deep into the pedal straps to keep my heels from rubbing on the board, straps themselves are well made and the mechanism seems pretty sturdy.
This was a gift for someone. When he connected it to the kayak the pin did not fit when they were not the same size. Either the pin or the kayak slot was manufactured incorrectly and the store does not believe this and the online representative did not believe this although I had a problem with my rover that was resolved immediately as the wheels holes where manufactured incorrectly. This needs to be remedied.
| APPROX WEIGHT (KG) | 6.8 |
| RUDDER STEERING SYSTEM WEIGHT (KG) | 2.2 |
| TOOLS WEIGHT (KG) | 0.5 |
| REMOVABLE AERO CENTER FIN WEIGHT (KG) | 0.09 |
Bote Kayak Apex Pedal Drive Kit
The APEX Pedal Drive is a hands-free, pedal powered system for getting your BOTE moving. It can be installed in minutes and makes movement easy. When you want to move forward, just pedal in a natural forward motion. To reverse, just pedal backwards. The 10:1 gear ratio that makes pedalling smooth and efficient, and the comfortable foot support makes for all-day comfort. The APEX uses a compact, spring-loaded kick-up rudder system. If it grazes the ground or debris, it kicks up, stopping it from getting stuck or damaged. The clear viewing window at the base lets you see into the water underneath you. The kit comes with the APEX Pedal Drive, Steering Rudder System, 3'' removable Aero Centre Fin, and a toolkit for easy installation. All in a convenient storage bag.
The APEX Pedal Drive is a hands-free, pedal powered system for getting your BOTE moving. It can be installed in minutes and makes movement easy. When you want to move forward, just pedal in a natural forward motion. To reverse, just pedal backwards. The 10:1 gear ratio that makes pedalling smooth and efficient, and the comfortable foot support makes for all-day comfort. The APEX uses a compact, spring-loaded kick-up rudder system. If it grazes the ground or debris, it kicks up, stopping it from getting stuck or damaged. The clear viewing window at the base lets you see into the water underneath you. The kit comes with the APEX Pedal Drive, Steering Rudder System, 3'' removable Aero Centre Fin, and a toolkit for easy installation. All in a convenient storage bag.
The APEX Pedal Drive is a hands-free, pedal powered system for getting your BOTE moving. It can be installed in minutes and makes movement easy. When you want to move forward, just pedal in a natural forward motion. To reverse, just pedal backwards. The 10:1 gear ratio that makes pedalling smooth and efficient, and the comfortable foot support makes for all-day comfort. The APEX uses a compact, spring-loaded kick-up rudder system. If it grazes the ground or debris, it kicks up, stopping it from getting stuck or damaged. The clear viewing window at the base lets you see into the water underneath you. The kit comes with the APEX Pedal Drive, Steering Rudder System, 3'' removable Aero Centre Fin, and a toolkit for easy installation. All in a convenient storage bag.
The APEX Pedal Drive is a hands-free, pedal powered system for getting your BOTE moving. It can be installed in minutes and makes movement easy. When you want to move forward, just pedal in a natural forward motion. To reverse, just pedal backwards. The 10:1 gear ratio that makes pedalling smooth and efficient, and the comfortable foot support makes for all-day comfort. The APEX uses a compact, spring-loaded kick-up rudder system. If it grazes the ground or debris, it kicks up, stopping it from getting stuck or damaged. The clear viewing window at the base lets you see into the water underneath you. The kit comes with the APEX Pedal Drive, Steering Rudder System, 3'' removable Aero Centre Fin, and a toolkit for easy installation. All in a convenient storage bag.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Bote Kayak Apex Pedal Drive Kit right now is $999.00 at boteboard.com.au, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $399.20 on 6 July 2025 — today's price is 150% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 15 July 2026.
