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Pedal boats are faster than traditional kayaks, with some sources claiming they can reach speeds of up to 5 mph. However, physics makes it difficult to increase the speed of a pedal boat dramatically. The efficiency of paddling and the physical ability of the person paddling also play a role in how fast a pedal boat can go.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 5 mph |
| Cruising speed | 3 mph |
| Speed compared to a sit-in boat | Twice as fast |
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What You'll Learn
Pedal kayaks are faster than conventional kayaks
Pedal kayaks are faster because they require very little technique and are therefore more efficient. They also use the legs, which are bigger muscles, meaning the speed can be sustained for longer.
However, it is worth noting that the speed of a kayak also depends on the efficiency of paddling and the physical ability of the kayaker. The hull speed of a kayak is another factor that affects its speed. The drag of the water increases with speed, and this increase is measured exponentially, meaning it takes a lot of power to increase speed dramatically.
One user on Reddit reported that they found their pedal kayak to be unstable, which may be due to too much body mass moving in a boat less than 20 inches wide.
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Pedal kayaks are more stable than conventional kayaks
While there are no sources that directly state how fast a pedal boat goes, one source states that they can go about 5 mph. Another source states that they can go 3 mph cruising and 5 mph at full speed.
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The speed of a pedal kayak depends on the physical ability of the kayaker
The physical ability of the kayaker is not the only factor that affects the speed of a pedal kayak. The design of the kayak itself also plays a role. For example, the user with the Hobie Compass noted that they chose that model because it offered a good compromise between stability, speed, and weight. If you want a faster kayak, you may have to sacrifice stability.
Additionally, physics plays a role in limiting the top speed of a pedal kayak. As one user explained, the drag of the water increases exponentially with speed, and it takes a lot of power to increase speed dramatically. This means that even a very fit kayaker is unlikely to be able to pedal their kayak much faster than the hull speed.
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The speed of a pedal kayak depends on the length of the kayak
However, it's important to note that the efficiency of paddling and the physical ability of the kayaker also play a role in determining the speed. A more efficient paddling technique and stronger physical ability can help the kayaker get closer to the kayak's maximum hull speed.
Additionally, the type of propulsion system used can also impact the speed. For example, a leg-based propulsion system, such as fins or propellers, can help the kayaker get closer to the hull speed, but physics makes it challenging to go significantly faster.
In terms of specific speeds, one person reported achieving 3 mph cruising and 5 mph at full speed on their Hobie Compass pedal kayak. Another person mentioned that they could paddle their sit-in kayak at 2-2.5 mph, but with a pedal kayak, they could go about twice as fast, reaching speeds of around 5 mph.
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The speed of a pedal kayak depends on the drag of the water
Pedal kayaks are faster than kayaks that are powered by paddles. One user on Reddit reported that they could go about twice as fast in a pedal kayak as in a sit-in kayak. They could paddle their sit-in kayak at 2-2.5 mph, but could pedal their kayak at 5 mph. Another user reported that they could get 3 mph cruising and 5 mph at full speed on their Hobie Compass.
The speed of a kayak also depends on its length. One user reported that their 15.5' boat was faster than their husband's 17.75' boat.
Pedal kayaks are also more stable than kayaks powered by paddles. This means that you can move your body more without the risk of capsizing.
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Frequently asked questions
A pedal boat can go up to 5 mph.
The speed of a pedal boat is affected by the hull speed, the drag of the water, and the power of the person pedalling.
Pedal boats can be twice as fast as regular kayaks, which typically have a speed of 2-2.5 mph.
