Saturn FPK365 vs Hobie iTrek: $800 vs $3000 Pedal Kayak

/ Kayaks, Product Reviews / By

$800 vs $3000 Pedal Kayak: Saturn FPK365 vs Hobie iTrek Showdown

Can an $800 inflatable pedal kayak really compete with a $3000 premium pedal kayak? In this head-to-head test we put the Saturn FPK365 inflatable pedal kayak up against a popular Hobie iTrek pedal kayak to see how much performance you actually give up (or don’t) when you go budget.

The goal here isn’t hype – it’s an honest real-world comparison with family on board, rough Florida weather, and plenty of on-the-water testing.

Table of Contents

saturn-fpk365-inflatable-pedal-kayak-rigged-for-fishing.jpg

The Contenders: Budget vs Premium Pedal Kayak

The Budget Challenger: Saturn FPK365 Inflatable Pedal Kayak

The Saturn FPK365 is a fin-drive inflatable pedal kayak designed to be ultra portable and affordable. It rolls up to fit in the trunk of a car, uses a fin-style pedal drive similar in concept to Hobie’s MirageDrive, and comes in at around $800–$850 depending on current pricing.

The Gold Standard: Hobie iTrek Pedal Kayak

On the other side is a Hobie iTrek pedal kayak in the roughly $3000 price range. Hobie’s MirageDrive fin system and refined hull design have long been considered the benchmark for pedal kayaks, especially for anglers who spend a lot of time on the water.

This review asks a simple question: can the Saturn FPK365 deliver enough performance and durability that the average paddler or angler can save over $2000 and still be happy long term?

Saturn FPK365 Unboxing & What’s Included

The video starts with an unboxing session and some help from the kids. Inside the box you’ll find:

  • The Saturn FPK365 inflatable pedhttps://alnk.to/6xMWuhKal kayak hull
  • Fin-style pedal drive that works similarly to a Hobie fin drive
  • Rudder kit with a thick, wide blade
  • Manual pump for inflating the tubes and floor
  • Four-piece paddle that breaks down for storage
  • D-rings positioned so you can strap on a seat or even a small motor
  • Repair kit and a small dry bag

One important detail: the Saturn FPK365 does not include a framed seat. The idea is to keep the price low and let you use a beach chair or generic kayak seat strapped to the D-rings. In the test, a simple beach chair is used to stay in line with the budget-friendly theme.

Setup, Rudder System & Inflation

The rudder system on this latest version of the Saturn FPK365 is much improved over earlier attempts. A sturdy frame on the stern holds the rudder, and the wide blade gives the kayak solid tracking and turning control once everything is connected to the track-mount hardware.

Inflation is straightforward. Recommended pressures in the video are around:

  • 3.6 PSI in the side tubes
  • Up to 10 PSI in the inflatable floor

For faster setup, an inexpensive electric inflatable pump from Amazon (around $40) is used, powered by a small portable power station. It plugs into a 12V outlet and makes getting to full pressure far easier than using the included manual pump.

Once inflated, the kayak is light enough to lift with one hand, which is a huge plus for solo launch and car-top or trunk-based storage.

Saturn FPK365 inflatable pedal kayak being paddled on a residential canal during an on-water test.

On-Water Performance: Speed & Steering

On the water, the fin-style pedal drive of the Saturn feels very familiar if you’ve used Hobie-style fins before. The drive drops in quickly, and the kayak gets up to speed without a lot of effort.

In terms of raw speed, the Saturn FPK365 lands surprisingly close to the Hobie iTrek. Steering is not quite at Hobie level but still very respectable: it’s roughly described as an 8 out of 10, compared to a 10 out of 10 for the Hobie.

The improved rudder system makes a big difference here. Turns are sharper than earlier versions and general maneuvering around docks, seawalls and oyster beds feels confident.

Stability, Durability & Standing Test

One of the big questions with inflatable pedal kayaks is whether they are stable and durable enough for real fishing use. In the video, the Saturn FPK365 passes some simple but telling tests:

  • Kids walk and jump on the tubes and deck to see how it flexes
  • The kayak is bumped into a seawall and oyster-covered areas to test the reinforced nose cone
  • Movement around the deck feels secure once everything is fully inflated

Like all inflatables, heat and over-inflation are potential issues. The recommendation is not to leave the kayak fully inflated, out of the water, in direct sun for long periods – a good practice with any PVC inflatable.

Portability & Storage

Portability is where the Saturn FPK365 really shines compared to many hard-shell pedal kayaks. Deflated, it rolls up and fits in the trunk of a car. Inflated, it’s light enough to carry easily from the house to the water.

The included four-piece paddle breaks down for storage and serves as a backup in case you want to paddle instead of pedal or need to maneuver in shallow water. Even with a basic budget paddle, the FPK365 still paddles better than expected.

Price, Value & Who Each Kayak Is For

With an estimated price around $800–$850, the Saturn FPK365 comes in at a fraction of the cost of a $3000 Hobie iTrek. The question isn’t whether the Hobie is better – it clearly has more refined steering and a long track record – but whether the extra performance justifies the extra $2000+ for you.

The verdict from on-the-water testing:

  • Saturn FPK365 – amazing value for paddlers who want pedal power, easy storage, and a versatile platform without spending several thousand dollars.
  • Hobie iTrek – still the choice if you want the most refined steering, top-tier fit and finish, and are comfortable with the premium price tag.

Both brands have supported the channel in the past, but the review is positioned to help viewers decide which setup actually makes sense for their budget and style of paddling.

Saturn FPK365 inflatable pedal kayak being assembled on the grass beside a waterfront dock.

Saturn FPK365 Inflatable Pedal Kayak: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Huge savings compared to premium pedal kayaks
  • Inflatable, lightweight and portable – easy to store and transport
  • Fin-style drive feels familiar to Hobie users
  • Improved rudder system with wide blade for better tracking
  • Includes pump, paddle, rudder and hardware out of the box
  • D-rings allow mounting a beach chair or kayak seat and even a small motor

Cons

  • No included framed seat – you must provide your own
  • Steering isn’t quite as refined as Hobie’s higher-end system
  • Requires inflatable care: avoid leaving it fully pumped in hot sun out of the water
  • Budget paddle is fine as a backup, but many paddlers will want an upgrade

Gear & Products Mentioned

Check the YouTube video description for current pricing, discount codes and any updated links before you buy.

Saturn vs Hobie Pedal Kayak FAQ

How much does the Saturn FPK365 cost?

In this review the Saturn FPK365 inflatable pedal kayak comes in around $800–$850, putting it in true budget territory compared to many other pedal kayaks.

Which is faster, the Saturn FPK365 or the Hobie iTrek?

On the water, the Saturn’s speed is described as pretty close to the Hobie iTrek. Steering and refinement still favor the Hobie, but outright speed is surprisingly competitive for an inflatable.

Is the Saturn FPK365 stable enough to stand on?

The inflatable platform feels solid underfoot once properly inflated, and walking and jumping tests on the tubes suggest good stability for typical use. As always, practice in calm water first if you plan to stand and fish.

Does the Saturn FPK365 include a seat?

No. The FPK365 is sold without a framed seat to keep costs down. Instead, you strap on a beach chair or aftermarket kayak seat using the integrated D-rings.

Who should choose the Hobie iTrek instead?

If you want the most refined steering, premium construction, and don’t mind paying around $3000 for a pedal kayak, the Hobie iTrek is still the benchmark choice. Hardcore anglers and heavy users will appreciate the extra polish.

Related Posts