KayakDIY–Builds, Reviews &DIY Boat Projects

Builds · Reviews · Rigging

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Review: Modular Pedal Fishing Kayak

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review
🌐 Read in your language:

Pedal Kayaks · Fishing

No roof rack? No truck?

Affiliate disclosure: KayakDIY may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this article, at no extra cost to you.


No roof rack? No truck? No problem. The ReelYaks 10ft Radar splits into two pieces that fit in the trunk or back seat of most SUVs and hatchbacks. Once assembled, it is a full-size 10-foot pedal fishing kayak with a 430-pound usable capacity and a fin drive for hands free fishing.

If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review

Each section weighs about 32 to 36 pounds, so one person can carry and load it solo. Assembly takes under five minutes once you have done it once, with latches top and bottom and no tools needed.

Who the Radar Is For

The Radar is for anglers who live in apartments, drive small cars, or just hate dealing with roof racks and trailers. If your storage space is a closet and your launch spot is across town, this boat removes every excuse not to fish. It suits ponds, small lakes, calm bays, and slow rivers. If you fish big open water in heavy chop, a longer one-piece hull tracks better.

Stability and Standing

ReelYaks built the Radar on a 33-inch-wide hull with a flat W shape designed for stand-up fishing. Most anglers up to about 230 pounds can stand and fish comfortably in calm water. It is not as rock solid as a 35-inch tournament barge, so in strong current or boat wake, stay seated. For a boat that fits in a trunk, the stability is honestly impressive.

Comfort and Seat

The Radar ships with a padded stadium style seat that is decent for shorter trips. It is not a premium frame seat, and on all-day outings you will notice the difference after a few hours. The good news: the seat is upgradeable, with raised and swivel options available. The foot pedals for the fin drive adjust to different leg lengths without much fuss.

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 2

Storage and Rigging

For a compact boat, the Radar is well equipped: two flush-mount rod holders, a 360-degree rod holder, two accessory rail tracks, a forward hatch, an 8-inch cockpit hatch, and a transducer recess in the hull for fish finder installs with no drilling. The stern has a cargo area for a small crate or dry bag. You will not fit a giant tournament crate back there, so pack smart.

Fin Drive Performance

The fin drive uses two paddle-like flaps that sweep side to side as you pedal. It is nearly silent, which matters when you are sneaking up on bedding fish, and it sheds weeds instead of wrapping them like a prop drive can. That makes it excellent in shallow flats, around docks, and in vegetation. The tradeoff is no instant reverse like a prop drive, and it is a bit slower in open water. You also get a paddle in the box for skinny water or tight launches.

Honest Drawbacks

The two-piece design is the selling point and the compromise. You have to roll the boat on its side once to latch the underside, which is a little awkward the first time. The seam adds a small amount of flex compared to a one-piece hull, and the 85-pound assembled weight is light for carrying in pieces but average once joined. Also, some anglers report the stock seat gets uncomfortable on long days, so budget for the seat upgrade if you fish marathons.

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 3

Quick Specs

Spec Detail
Length 9.9 ft
Width 33″
Weight 85 lbs assembled (sections about 32 and 36 lbs)
Capacity 430 lbs usable (515 lbs total)
Drive type Fin pedal drive (paddle included)

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak FAQ

Does the ReelYaks Radar really fit in a car trunk?

Yes. It splits into two sections about 58 inches long each, which fit in the trunk or back seat of most SUVs, hatchbacks, and many sedans. No roof rack needed.

How long does assembly take?

Under five minutes once you have done it. The halves interlock and latch with no tools; you roll the boat on its side once to reach the underside latches.

Can you stand in the ReelYaks Radar?

Yes, in calm water. The 33-inch W-shaped hull supports standing for most anglers up to about 230 pounds. Sit down in heavy boat wake or strong current.

Fin drive or propeller drive?

The Radar’s fin drive is quieter and better in weeds and shallows. ReelYaks also makes the Recon with a propeller drive if you want instant reverse and more open-water speed.

ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak KayakDIY Review 4

Where to Buy

If the ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:

Check Current Price

For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official ReelYaks website for the ReelYaks 10ft Radar Modular Fin Drive Pedal. Also check out our reviews of the Native Watercraft Slayer Propel Max 10 Fishing Kayak, Old Town Sportsman PDL 120 Fishing Kayak, Bonafide P127 Pedal Fishing Kayak, Feelfree Moken 10 PDL Fishing Kayak, and Old Town Sportsman BigWater PDL 132 Fishing Kayak.