Maintenance Tips for Pedal Kayaks

Old Town’s pedal kayaks, such as the Sportsman BigWater 132 and Sportsman PDL 120, have become known for their speed, stability, and durability. The sealed propeller-style PDL Drive is saltwater-ready and requires minimal upkeep to maintain optimum performance. There are, however, a few tips we can share to keep your PDL Drive and kayak hull running smoothly, especially when it comes to offseason storage.

OLD TOWN PDL DRIVE MAINTENANCE & STORAGE

In many parts of the world, kayakers are forced to tuck their fishing kayaks away for the cold winter months when ice and frigid temps keep move in. Before you pack it in for the winter, here are a few steps you can take to ensure your PDL Drive is in good shape when you pull it out in the spring:

OLD TOWN PDL DRIVE MAINTENANCE

1. Give it a thorough freshwater rinse. We recommend you do this after every use, but especially before a long period of non-use.
2. Remove the propeller. This allows you to check for buildup, remove any old vegetation or fishing line, and give the propeller shaft a good cleaning.
3. Inspect the powder coat for chips. One area to focus on is immediately behind the prop where impacts are more likely to occur. Small repairs can be made with an oil-based paint pen to keep water out and seal any open area.
4. Inspect the prop pin. These can corrode over time, especially in saltwater conditions. This is the perfect time to replace your pin if necessary and to order a few extras to keep in the kayak. Contact customer service at feedback@oldtowncanoe.com to order spare parts.
5. Check that everything is tight. This includes pedals, crank arms, and all hardware. If anything feels loose, the offseason is the best time to address it. If your pedals feel loose, re-tighten using a pedal wrench. Please note that the left pedal/crank is reverse threaded. 

OLD TOWN PDL DRIVE STORAGE

You’ll want to keep the PDL Drive dry and ice-free while it is being stored. It is okay to keep the PDL Drive installed in the kayak during the offseason, as the mounting shaft provides lateral support for the kayak hull. 

SIT-ON-TOP FISHING KAYAK MAINTENANCE & STORAGE 

1. Drain the hull. This seems straightforward but is often overlooked. Remove the drain cap and ensure there is no standing water in the hull. This can turn into ice and damage the hull if left unchecked. Leave the drain plug open during storage to allow the hull to vent properly with the changing temperatures.
2. Keep it out of the sun.  While we have some strong UV inhibitors in our plastic, UV rays can be a kayak's worst enemy. It’s okay to store your kayak outside, but it is best to find a mostly shady area or utilize a kayak cover. Indoor storage, even without climate control, is preferred.
3. Leave the seat on. If possible, leaving the seat on your PDL kayak acts as lateral support for the hull, reducing the likelihood of the hull losing its shape in the offseason. If you saved the wooden thwart that the kayak shipped with, this can also be used.
4. Avoid pressure points. If storing your kayak on a rack, sawhorses, or any other elevated platform, try to distribute the pressure as much as possible. Narrow bars can leave dents in the hull, but wrapping those bars in some padding can help to spread out the pressure. We recommend that the support arms be around 30% of the kayak's overall length from the bow and stern.
5. Check hardware and straps. Again, this is the perfect opportunity to identify loose or missing bolts, straps, or other various parts. You’ll have more time to replace them over the winter than a few days before your first trip of the season. Areas to focus on: rudder assembly, steering knob, seat, and skid plates.
6. Check the gaskets. These are located on your drive assembly, steering control knob, drain plug, and some storage hatches.
7. Clean it up! While not necessary, you can keep your kayak looking new by wiping it down with any standard household cleaner to get rid of any mud or muck.

Even if you live in a warmer climate where paddling (or pedaling) year-round is possible, we recommend going through this simple checklist at least twice a year to keep things in working order. For any spare parts or further advice, please reach out to our Maine-based customer service team at 800-343-1555 or feedback@oldtowncanoe.com. Tight Lines!