Pedal Kayaks · Fishing
The ReelYaks Rapido solves the problem that keeps a lot of people out of pedal kayaks: getting the boat to the water. This is a 10.8 foot pedal fishing kayak that splits into two pieces, each about 35 pounds, so you can load it into the trunk or back seat of a normal car.
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The ReelYaks Rapido solves the problem that keeps a lot of people out of pedal kayaks: getting the boat to the water. This is a 10.8 foot pedal fishing kayak that splits into two pieces, each about 35 pounds, so you can load it into the trunk or back seat of a normal car. No roof rack, no trailer, no second mortgage on a truck.
To haul your kayak, we recommend Malone kayak trailers. See them here.
If you want to skip the reading and see what it costs right now, check the current price here.
Reel Yaks publishes the key numbers: 10.8 feet long, 35 inches wide, 83 pounds assembled, and 440 pounds of usable capacity. The propeller drive gives you hands free pedaling with instant reverse.
Who the Rapido Is For
This kayak is for the angler with no roof rack and no garage space who still wants a pedal drive. Apartment dwellers, small car owners, and anyone who stores the boat in a closet will love the two piece design. It suits lake and river anglers who fish within a reasonable distance and value portability over top speed. If you already own a truck and a trailer, the modular design matters less to you.
Stability and Handling
The Rapido uses a wide “W” style hull at 35 inches across, and it is stable enough for stand up fishing in calm water. It is the longest solo kayak in the Reel Yaks lineup, and that extra length helps it track straighter and paddle more efficiently than their shorter models. The propeller drive’s instant reverse is handy for backing away from docks and holding position in current. Like all short wide boats, it will not cruise as fast as a 13 foot touring style hull, but it moves fine between spots.
Seat and Comfort
It comes with a stadium style seat that is simple and functional. It keeps you off the deck and gives decent back support for a few hours of fishing. It is not a high end frame seat, so on a full day you may want a cushion. The seat is removable and only weighs about 6 pounds, which helps when you are splitting the boat into pieces.
Storage and Rigging
For a modular kayak, the Rapido is well thought out. It has two track rails for mounting rod holders and accessories, a secure cockpit storage hatch, and rod holders including a 360 rod holder. There is a built in transducer recess in the hull, so you can drop in a standard puck transducer without drilling, and it works with Lowrance, Garmin, Humminbird, and other major brands. A motor can be mounted in the pedal drive recess, on a rear side bar, or by replacing the rudder, with a reinforced rear mount and deep battery box built in. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetoothit runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. Assembly takes about five minutes with no tools.
Pedal Drive Performance
The propeller drive is the control freak’s choice. Instant reverse without any lever flipping makes precise positioning easy, which is exactly what you want when you are working structure. Reel Yaks also sells a fin drive version of the same hull for anglers who want quieter, weed friendlier propulsion. The prop drive shines around docks, laydowns, and current. In thick grass or very shallow flats, the fin drive would be the better pick.
Honest Drawbacks
At 83 pounds assembled, it is not light once it is together, so you will still want a cart for the walk from the parking lot. The connection point between the two sections is a wear item you should inspect before each trip. A modular kayak will never feel quite as rigid as a one piece hull. And while the 440 pound usable capacity is generous, loading it near the max will hurt performance. This is also a newer brand without the decades long dealer network of the big names.
ReelYaks 10.8ft Rapido Modular Propeller Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak FAQ
How does the modular design work?
The kayak splits into two sections, front and back, each about 65 inches long and 35 pounds. They lock together in about five minutes with no tools.
Will it fit in my car?
Each piece fits in the trunk or back seat of most SUVs, hatchbacks, and many sedans with no roof rack. Measure your cargo space first to be sure.
Does it come with a paddle?
Yes. A paddle and the stadium seat are included along with the propeller drive.
Propeller drive or fin drive?
The prop drive gives instant reverse for precise control around structure. The fin drive is quieter and better in shallow, weedy water. Same hull, your call.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 10.8 ft |
| Width | 35 in |
| Weight | 83 lbs (assembled) |
| Capacity | 440 lbs |
| Drive type | Propeller pedal drive |
Where to Buy
If the ReelYaks 10.8ft Rapido Modular Propeller Drive Pedal Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
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.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official ReelYaks website for the ReelYaks 10.8ft Rapido Modular Propeller Drive Pedal.
