Sometimes, I like the speed and instant reverse of a propellor drive. Other times, I need the quick shallow water access of a fin drive. Until now, I would have to use a different kayak to meet each pedaling scenario. Now, Vibe offers the only kayaks designed to use either a prop drive or fin drive.
First Look: Dual X-Drive & Impulse Drive
Vibe’s open-water Shearwater, pocket-size Makana 100 and inflatable Uptown paddleboard are now available with a fin drive or prop drive. Some people prefer a fin drive while others are more comfortable with a propeller. Vibe makes it possible to have the drive I like in the boat I like without compromising.
Vibe’s X-Drive fin drive is based on the original Hobie MirageDrive with two flexible fins powered by a simple, open system of gears and cables. The pedals use a forward and back pumping action to move the fins like scissor blades. Many people find this motion more comfortable and less tiring.
Check The Weather
- Plan for changing weather conditions. Prepare for the worst case.
- Don’t forget to check tide, currents, or river levels.
My favorite advantage of a fin drive is instantly going into shallow-water mode. To enter shallow water, I simply push one pedal forward and the fins flatten against the bottom of the boat. However, the fin drive doesn’t have a reverse gear, so it is best for pedaling to the fishing grounds and then switching the paddle power.
The Impulse Drive uses bicycle-style pedals to turn a propeller. Many people find this motion more comfortable and less tiring than a fin drive. Turning the pedals forward moves the boat forward. To go into reverse, I simply turn the pedals backward. This makes it easier to maneuver the kayak while I’m fishing.
The biggest disadvantage is retracting the pedal drive to enter shallow water. The process takes a few seconds to complete and takes up space in the kayak cockpit.
At ICAST Demo Day, I tested the Uptown 100 inflatable SUP with the Impulse Drive and two Bixpy K-1 electric motors. One motor drive is attached to the kayak rudder and the other is attached to the kayak’s skeg. The advantage is more speed and control with less stress on the motors.
Vibe is working on a Bixpy attachment to add a motor to the Impulse Drive lower unit. Combined with K-1 motor with the pedal drive gave me the option to use the pedal drive to maneuver the boat in tight spaces while the Bixpy motor propelled me to and from the fishing grounds. Supplementing the motor drive with the pedals also saved on battery power adding to my range and allowing me to confidently fish all day.
Education: Get Some!
- Take a paddling safety course from the American Canoe Association (ACA), your local paddling shop or outfitter, or other reputable source.
- Take a boating safety course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons® or your own state’s boating agency.
- Take on-the-water skills training.
The Impulse and X-Drive each have advantages and disadvantages. Both pedal drives are reliable and efficient, so the choice comes down to personal preference. With Vibes Shearwater, Makana and Uptown, I can have my cake and eat it too.
Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff
