Reel Yaks 10.8ft Rapido Propeller Drive Kayak Assembly Guide

Welcome and Overview

Congratulations on your purchase of the Reel Yaks pedal kayak. For assembly videos, visit Reelyaks.com or YouTube. For assembly questions, contact Reel Yaks at info@reelyaks.com or call 855-202-5035.

Key Assembly Pieces:

• 2 x Kayak halves
• Pedal drive
• Rudder
• Stadium seat
• Paddle
• Fishing rod holder

Begin by unpacking the kayak. It arrives in one box with parts wrapped in bubble wrap and some in cardboard boxes (e.g., pedal drive). Please dispose of packaging materials safely, especially plastic.

Package Contents

Each package includes:

• 1 x kayak (in two sections)
• 1 x rudder
• 1 x rudder security (cotter) pin
• 1 x paddle (in two sections)
• 1 x propeller pedal drive unit
• 2 x pedals
• 1 x spare propeller blade
• 1 x stadium chair
• 1 x fishing rod holder
• 4 x accessory rail sliders
• 2 x waterproof bags to store the kayak halves

Larger items like the pedal drive unit, pedals, spare propeller, paddle, and stadium chair are secured in the main cockpit area. Other items, such as the fishing rod holder, are found inside the cockpit hatch.

Kayak Assembly

Ensure the two kayak halves face each other for assembly.

1. Step 1: Lift the rear section so its lip overlaps the front half lip.
2. Step 2: Push down firmly on both sides to ensure the kayak is evenly aligned.
3. Step 3: Close the two latches on either side. The latches should be correctly set; if force is needed, stop. Adjust the nut (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document) for a firm lock closure without forcing. If too loose, adjust accordingly. Forcing an overly tight latch can damage screws (indicated by a blue arrow in the original document) on the adjoining catch. Insert the safety pin into each latch.
4. Step 4: Roll the kayak onto its side and close the latches underneath.

Visual description: The assembly process involves aligning two kayak halves, then pushing them together. Latches on the sides are closed, and a nut is adjusted to ensure a secure fit. A safety pin is then inserted. Finally, the kayak is rolled to close underside latches. The latches have an open and closed state, with a mechanism that includes a nut for adjustment and screws for attachment.

Propeller Drive Assembly

Several pieces need to be assembled for the propeller drive. Begin by finding the two screws with black tops that secure the pedals to the drive. These screws thread counter/opposite to each other and only fit into one side each. Carefully check each screw to find its correct side to avoid stripping threads.

Visual description: A collection of propeller drive components including pedals, shafts, and screws. A detailed view of the drive unit with a threaded shaft for pedal attachment is shown.

Select the pedals, which are labeled 'L' for left and 'R' for right. Choose the 'R' (right) pedal and secure it to the right side with the propeller shaft pin pointing towards you. Repeat for the left pedal, ensuring the left pedal is at the top when the right pedal is at the bottom, creating opposite positions (indicated by orange arrows in the original document).

Visual description: Two orange arrows indicate the direction of pedal rotation on the drive unit, showing the left pedal in an upward position and the right pedal in a downward position, illustrating their opposite orientation.

Next, secure the propeller to the drive. Find the propeller shaft pin and push it into the propeller drive (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document). There are two marks on the pin to aid centering the shaft (indicated by blue arrows in the original document).

Visual description: Two views of the propeller drive shaft, with blue arrows pointing to marks on the pin for centering. An orange arrow points to the screw securing the propeller blade to the drive unit.

Once the pin is in place, gently rotate the propeller onto the drive until it drops and locks over the shaft pin. Test this by moving the pedals; the propeller should spin. Open the small plastic bag containing the screw and lock washer. Place the lock washer onto the screw and screw it into place to secure the propeller to the drive.

Grab the four long screws with nuts. Remove each of the four nuts and push them into the two plastic curved arms, blue side up. These arms have a hexagonal shape where the nuts sit. Push the nuts in with your thumb, then use a hammer to gently secure them.

Visual description: An orange arrow points to the hexagonal recess where a nut is inserted into a plastic arm. Blue arrows indicate the direction to screw the arms onto the drive shaft.

Secure the arms to the drive shaft with the curve pointing down towards the propeller (indicated by blue arrows in the original document) by screwing the four screws into the nuts through the drive shaft.

Depending on the kayak model, some larger kayaks (+10ft) may have additional locking brackets (indicated by green arrows in the original document) that push onto either side of the shaft. If these are fitted and the drive does not fit well into the recess, they can be removed, and the drive can be used without them.

Visual description: Green arrows point to additional locking brackets on the drive shaft, illustrating their position.

The drive is then locked into place. Ensure the propeller points towards the seating area. Screw the front and back knobs (indicated by red arrows in the original document) all the way up before inserting the drive. Drop the drive in and twist the locking handles on the left and right (indicated by green arrows in the original document). Gently and evenly twist the front and back knobs (indicated by red arrows in the original document) until they are firm and prevent the drive from rocking. Avoid overtightening.

Visual description: Red arrows point to the front and back knobs for securing the drive. Green arrows indicate the locking handles on the left and right. The drive is shown installed in the kayak, with splash guards being added.

Once the drive is secure with no side-to-side or forward-and-back motion, add the splash guards around the drive. Gently push them into place until they are flush with the deck.

Rudder Assembly

The rudder handle is found in the cockpit hatch. Use the supplied screw to secure it (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document). Ensure the handle is in the neutral position, parallel to the kayak's center line (indicated by a blue arrow in the original document).

Visual description: An orange arrow points to the screw securing the rudder handle. A blue arrow indicates the rudder handle in its neutral position, parallel to the kayak's center line.

Ensure the rudder is untangled and its lines run freely when removed from the cargo area. Insert the rudder pin through the rear hole in the kayak. Check that the rudder raises and lowers smoothly. Insert the rudder security pin through the hole at the bottom of the rudder pin. Use a knife, screwdriver, or pliers to open the security pin ends to prevent it from coming out.

Visual description: Images show the rudder being inserted into the kayak, the rudder security pin, and the rudder installed with screw points for a trolling motor indicated by a green arrow.

Note: The Rapido model has four screw points for adding a rear trolling motor later (indicated by a green arrow in the original document).

Unwind the butterfly nuts and pass them through the plastic holes on either side of the rudder, then retighten the butterfly nuts.

Visual description: Orange arrows point to butterfly nuts on the rudder steering cables. A green arrow indicates the rudder lowering/raising cable.

Hold the rudder steering handle on the left side of the kayak, near where the seat will be. Pull the handle fully left, then fully right, to ensure the rudder tracks correctly. Adjust the butterfly nuts (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document) as needed. Leave the rudder steering in the approximate center spot. The steering wires should have slight slack for ease of turning and to minimize wear where they enter the kayak.

In most cases, the rudder's lowering and raising cable is attached for transport (indicated by a green arrow in the original document). If not, thread the rudder rope through the center line of the rudder and attach it. Thread it through the main hole at the start of the rudder (indicated by a yellow arrow in the original document) and under the wheel clasp at the back of the rudder (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document).

Visual description: A green arrow points to the rudder lowering/raising cable. A yellow arrow indicates the main hole for threading the rudder rope. An orange arrow points to the wheel clasp at the back of the rudder.

Thread the line through the two holes in the actual rudder blade. The blade is in the up position. Thread the line first through the hole near the curve of the rudder blade (indicated by a green arrow in the original document), which is the hole at the back of the kayak if the rudder is down. Then thread it straight back to the hole (indicated by a yellow arrow in the original document) closest to the securing knob (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document). Once through the second hole, tie a knot (indicated by a yellow arrow in the original document). Test the raising and lowering cable from the cockpit for smooth operation.

Visual description: Green, yellow, and orange arrows indicate the path of the rudder rope through the rudder blade and securing knob. A red ball on the rope is shown.

The rope with the red ball (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document) on the right of your seat controls the raising and lowering of the rudder. To lock it in the up position, pull the rope backward to "cleat" it into place (indicated by a green arrow in the original document). To lower it, uncleat the rope and let it run free.

Stadium Chair Assembly

For stadium chair assembly, you will need two long screws, black seat brackets, and an allen wrench. Each seat rail has two slider receivers for securing the seat. Move one slider to the front of the kayak for each rail and screw the front knobs into each slider.

Visual description: Orange arrows point to the slider receivers on the seat rails where the chair is secured. The back of the chair rests on top of these rails.

The back of the chair sits on top of the rails.

Paddle Assembly

Paddle assembly is simple: depress the button and insert it into the desired hold (three locations available) to achieve the preferred blade orientation. Use the paddle stretch cord to secure it. Remember not to leave it attached this way when the kayak is traveling on a car or truck.

Visual description: The paddle is shown assembled and secured with a stretch cord on the kayak.

Fishing Rod Holder Assembly

The rod holder assembly requires the rod holder, the rod holder bracket (three pieces), two screws, and the allen wrench.

Visual description: Exploded view of the fishing rod holder components: a 3-piece bracket (bottom, middle, top) and the rod holder itself. An orange arrow points to the opening mechanism of the base, and a green arrow indicates the slider closing to lock the holder.

Combine the three black round pieces of the bracket (bottom, middle, and top) as indicated. Decide which rail in the cockpit to secure it to and move the slider receivers apart to the approximate width of the screw holes, then insert the screws.

Insert the fishing rod holder into the now secure base by 'opening' the base (indicated by an orange arrow in the original document). Close the slider to lock the fishing rod holder in place (indicated by a green arrow in the original document).

Ready for the Water & Accessories

The kayak is now ready for use. Remember to fill out the warranty form on the Reel Yaks website.

For questions or concerns regarding your Reel Yaks kayak, contact Reel Yaks at info@reelyaks.com or call 855-202-5035.

For accessories such as a trolling mount or bimini, visit REELYAKS.COM.

Available Kayak Accessories:

• Kayak Trolley Dolly
• Pedal Drive Cover
• Kayak UV Waterproof Cover
• Kayak Motor Mount Bar
• Kayak Stabilizer Pontoons
• Spare Pedal Drive Fins
• 6-pack Accessory Rail Slider Mounts
• Kayak Anchor Trolley Kit
• Kayak UV Shade Bimini
• Kayak Sail Kite
• Pedal drive & bar mounted trolling motors (24lbs - 86lbs thrust)
• 360 Fishing Rod Holder

Visual description: A grid displaying various kayak accessories including a trolley, covers, motor mounts, pontoons, fins, rail mounts, anchor kits, bimini, sail kites, trolling motors, and fishing rod holders.

Reel Yaks Apparel:

Reel Yaks also offers Kayak Fishing shirts with SPF50 Protection and other merchandise.

Visual description: A collection of Reel Yaks branded apparel, including hats, hoodies, and long-sleeve shirts in various colors, all featuring the Reel Yaks logo.