FeelFree Overdrive Impressions, Tips, Lessons Learned - Small Craft Outfitters

[@scssarge4409]

Mate you did a top job in showing the drive retro fit pod system. Thumbs up to your practicality commentary though felt you were nervous so keep it up. 10 out of 10.

[@joeaguilar-teacherofthewor4166]

I really appreciate your detailed videos. I just bought my Feelfree Lure 11.5 , and this really gives me insight on what to do. Thanks.

[@MARINVIEW]

I watched most of your videos and I am so thankful for sharing your knowledge very very helpful. Take care

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Happy to! Glad they help and thank you for the feedback!

[@everettsheldon3187]

Hello Matt, I'm strongly considering the purchase of the FeelFree Lure 11.5 V2 with peddle overdrive and after reviewing your video which was very detailed and very beneficial in my decision. Very well presented to the viewers who are interested. Thanks for supplying this to everyone enjoyed how you presented each concerning topic.

[@stevetatarczuk2087]

Hi Tyler, Love your video. Love my Lure 11.5 with Overdrive. Will be hard pressed to ever go back to a Paddle while fishing. I just had mine out in 45 degrees in New Hampshire cold waters and my prop felt like it was slipping. I did whack a rock and thought I really damaged the system. the faster I peddled the slower I went.I ordered some shear pins, but after watching this, i simply tightened the setscrews on the prop shaft and now it is turning the prop strongly. Thank you. I hear people complain about the "rear cupholders" being useless. I flyfish out of mine and those semi -circular holders and perfect to insert your fly rod reel in when not using. Coffee cup, NO! I do think that was the intent for those. Absolutely love it

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Thanks for the feedback Steve! Glad it helped! Yeah I found out about the bolts myself in 20 degree air temp and 34 degree water here in Wisconsin 😂. Tight lines!

[@jasonwhitehead5134]

Perfect. Thanks for answering my question about removing the Overdrive for shallow water.

[@vernselectraglide3018]

Very informative video. My wife just bought me the Overdrive for my 13.5 Lure V2. Put it in last night and can’t wait to get on the lake! 🍻

[@johnkendall6558]

going to pick mine up tomorrow

[@tobyt7163]

Can you explain the shear pin conversion? Do you just drill out the shear pin hole to a larger bore? Thank you.

[@markwelch7125]

Great video content,very informative.

[@davelips]

Just picked up a 11.5 lure overdrive new from the factory. Having a really difficult time getting the prop fin to clear the back of hull opening while deploying and lifting the unit. Any suggestions on how to get it to clear properly.. really frustrating, I don't want to take any plastic off the hull either for clearance. Thanks!

[@jonathanvelazquez5042]

do you know if the moken 12.5 v2 can use the overdrive pedals?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

No - they will fit in the pod hole but the seat isn't adjustable so it won't work - pedals are super close to you. I tried.

[@martingrunenberg5174]

Thanks Tyler for the Video....!!!

[@jamessilverman4887]

Great review. Seriouly thinking of buying a feelfree with OD

[@randycarter6296]

Great video Thanks Tyler!!

[@BK-xh4ys]

I'm digging my FF Lure v2 with pedal. I've been on the water around 8 times so far. The pedaling has gotten better, but i've noticed a rapid clicking noise as i pedal. I haven't investigated yet but wonder if you've got any ideas of what it might be. Thanks.

[@marcvillodre2461]

Très bien expliqué merci a toi pour tous les conseils

[@robertoribay5550]

Hi Matt, nice video. I just got my lure 2 tandem and have the overdrive installed. The problem I am having is that the C hook that secures the unit keep popping of the latch even if I have it tight. Any suggestion on how to fix this? I am thinking of using a J hook to keep it it place.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

I had that issue as well. You may try calling Feelfree because they have a J hook for the Dorado that works nicely on the tandem.

[@robertoribay5550]

@@SmallCraftFisherman thank you. i called Feel Free and they will be sending me the new designed hook free of charge .

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Awesome! Top notch customer service is one of the reasons we use and sell their kayaks!

[@Billster1955]

Great video. Looking at getting a pedal kayak next year. Leaning towards the Feel Free Overdrive 11.5 or 13.5 Lure. Do you have a preference about the 11.5 or 13.5?

[@javierl.xaviman8086]

Thanks for share, in the future, if can disarm and arm step by step the Overdrive

[@ZampostOk]

I wonder if this would fit Jonny bass 100 . Since Jonny bass 100 is basically feel free. So it might fit... what do you think????

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

It will not, very different opening in the Jonny.

[@renah7779]

I just bought the 11.5 and took it on the lake for the first time today. Couple questions.... I am a 5'4 120 lb female. I found it hard to peddle. My legs were exhausted after going a short distance. Is there an adjustment for this? Also my rudder won't stay straight unless I put consistant tension on it. Is this normal or am I missing something? Any input would be great :)

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

You should have test driven a Hobie Mirage Drive before purchasing your boat. The "pedal arc" and pedal tension is much less than a circular pedal pattern. This is especially hard for shorter individuals. You can pedal the Mirage Drive in smaller pedal patterns using the "sweet spot" that your legs want to apply pressure. Just like professional bikes, the Mirage Drive allows you to not only push the pedal but to pull it up to you with the opposite foot. All in all, you will find that the Mirage Drive is just easier to pedal for the same speed. They have a lot more experience than all the new-comers on the market.

[@johnstrand2247]

@@SilverShadow2LWB My wife is under 5 feet and still can peddle her Native Slayer for miles. They peddle with ease.

[@martinlarkin9624]

Tyler, do you ship to Canada. The reason I am asking is that I'm having a hard time obtaining shear pins for the overdrive system. Please let me know. Thanks Much appreciated. I will try on-line, but they may not ship to Canada seeing they have stores here and I'm not a business. I will try though. Thanks for your insight.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Unfortunately not. Though we are only about 5 hours from the border :-D. Do you guys have a supplier like Fastenal there? They are roll pins and can be purchased from them.

[@martinlarkin9624]

@@SmallCraftFisherman Yes we do have a Fastenal, but they only sell to businesses. Most places I have called do not have this size of pin. I guess I'm out of luck for now. Much appreciated getting back to me. Be safe and have a great day.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Yeah but I bought personally from Fastenal. I just ordered online and picked up in the store. They won't turn down the business especially if you order online :-)

[@cookinitmax]

Is everything stainless on this drive.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Stainless or cast aluminum. It is salt water rated but you do need to rinse it off good after salt use.

[@jameyavery7772]

Can you do a video on your pod mod? I have wanted to add a hing to my pod but have not figure it out.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

+Jamey Avery sure!

[@francisgagnon4611]

What if you want to use the over drive and your sonar ? Where do you install your transducer ?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

You can mount the screen on the rail and the transducer through the scupper hole.

[@nickels-fishing]

Do you already have a simple solution, for removing the seat, with the installed seat adjuster? I dont want to transport my Yak with the seat on the roof of my car. Greetz from Germany

[@neonoir-o7v]

You can put it down there.

[@fishtacoguy]

I'm looking at this for my 11.5. Any update on the Overdrive? How is it holding up after a few years of use?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Great! Only blew two shear pins after several years. I have a video on tips to maintain them to help with that.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for making the vid. I think I would personally wait for the Dorado to be released rather than retro a Lure. Any thoughts on that?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

+Out West with Chris Well, it really depends on what/when you want it for. I am happy with the Lure retro and it gets me into a pedal drive right away. My plan is to also get a Dorado for bigger water. The Lure I'll use for rivers. I'm interested to see how the Dorado paddles/pedals. There is a pretty good chance it'll be my main boat for everything. That said, you'll be able to get a Dorado without the pedals. So if you already have a Lure and retrofit now, you can move them to the Dorado when the time comes.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Ok I gotchya man, I didn't realize that people could get the Dorado without Pedals. Thanks again for the vid!

[@SMF89]

Are those gear tracks yak attack ready?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

No, you need the YakAttack adapters for Feelfree tracks, or the Feelfree track adapter.

[@rotaryracing1982]

How do you like the garmin? I’m 50/50 on that unit based on reviews. And I think $300 for the helix is too much for a kayak.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Love it! I have since upgraded to an Echomap Plus 73sv. Wish I kept the 4 though. The 7 is great for my Lure Tandem and Dorado (aging eyes struggling to see a 4 from that distance) but a 4 was perfect for the other kayaks. Small, inexpensive, and worked very well. Now the Striker 4 Plus has built in QuickDraw mapping functions which was another reason I upgraded to the Echomap. Nice they offer that in the Striker line now.

[@jxffishing]

When the overdrive is in, does that take up the space for a transducer? Or is there still room somehow?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

It does take up that space. I'm planning on either thru hull, scupper, or arm mounting my ducer.

[@eryman17]

Hey I’d really appreciate a reply because I’ve been trying to find info on this everywhere, where do you get the gasket for the overdrive and the shims? I’m trying to setup my gfs feel free lure 2 tandem.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Check with your FeelFree dealer. The shims come with the pedals.

[@eryman17]

Small Craft Fisherman yeah they didn’t come with it, and I’m assuming the gasket was suppose to come with it as well?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

What gasket are you referring to? There isn't one I'm aware of.

[@mattroberts9569]

The bolt with the plastic knob that holds the overdrive down in place. Have you had the drive come up while peddling? This happened to me several times. Thinking maybe that u-bolt that holds it's down was mounted to far back from the manufacturer. Anyone else have this problem?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

I haven't had that happen. There are different latches for different models though. Some have a slightly different hook bend to prevent that.

[@mattroberts9569]

@@SmallCraftFisherman That makes sense. I tried bending it but I would need a heavy duty vice to hold that piece in place.

[@mattroberts9569]

@@SmallCraftFisherman hey you were right. I had a problem with the drive and took it back. They replaced the whole unit. The latch was different from the original. The new one has more of a right angle. Just wanted to let you know 😀

[@scottmann61]

Great tips !

[@Isoeso]

Where did your order your overdrive from I can't find a reputable company that's selling them online

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

+Kreara Rs I'm a dealer so I got it directly from FeelFree. If you look on FeelFrees website you can use their locator to find a dealer near you.

[@Isoeso]

Small Craft Fisherman I seen that but I live in Idaho so I have to have it shipped all the dealers are down south do you know I usually order from Austin canoe and kayak but they don't have them in stock

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

+Kreara Rs ah ok.

[@commercialelectrician133]

where did you get the gasket that gos inside the unit mine didnt come with one

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

There should have been one that came on the square part of the lower unit of the pedal drive. It should come installed on it.

[@isaiahhoffer9507]

My feelfree lure peddle drive has gotten louder over the years . It roars now maybe she needs some grease

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Yes that will absolutely help.

[@buckwheat12n]

Has the Overdrive system held up for you over time? Have you had any issues with it?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Still solid, no issues other than having to grease it!

[@chesterholbert7268]

How to lube overdrive system

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

That'll be our next video!

[@jamesberna6099]

Does feelfree sell a different cooler lid that allows the pedal drive to install properly on the lure 13.5?

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Apologies for the delayed reply, catching up on things. Yes, you can buy a lid that has a notch in it for the OD to fit in the up position.

[@lestergarabito608]

Hi there , do you what the gear ratio is on the overdrive system ? There’s really nothing on the feelfree site that mentions anything about it! Thanks

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

Sure! It is 1:12.

[@lestergarabito608]

Small Craft Fisherman wow ok that’s actually pretty good , I was doing a comparison to the predator PDL and I think they’re about the same as far as gear ratio goes so I’m still not quite sure which of the two systems is the better one lol. Thank you for the quick response.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

You're welcome! Yeah it seems to be a common ratio among pedal drives. Good luck on your decision!

[@SilverShadow2LWB]

@@SmallCraftFisherman The gear ratio as a comparison means little unless the different boats have the same propeller diameter and blade pitch. He seems to be struggling just to maintain the cruising speed.

[@glenn6820]

I'm having 13.5 buyers remorse. I have yet to see a 13.5 get this installed. I've heard it requires more hardware because the cutting board lid is in the way and the bracket was designed to mount on the bulk head of an 11.5. For the longest time Feel Free had page that showed how the drive system and steering would work that never required the removal of the pedals. That page has now been scrubbed from their website. I fish off the coast which requires paddling through surf, and on a 13.5 requires the use of foot controlled pedals to steer the bow into the waves. If I buy one of these, which I doubt now, would require paddling out until I was deep enough to deploy it without the worry of being pushed back in to shallow water. The overdrive is a big disappointment, and so is my 13.5 purchase.

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

+Glenn no worries. My main boat is a 13.5. several have installed OD on the FeelFree owners group on Facebook. The only addition is a new lid for the cooler. I hear they will be out in the next week or two so you'll be good! I will probably move this to my 13.5 after show season is done. I prefer the space on the 13.5.

[@whsl824]

Glenn Sorry to hear that you are disappointed in your 13.5. Would you consider selling?

[@michaelwchristen]

Have a question. Find me on ig. Mwc0420. Getting an overdrive but person I am getting it from needs the hardware to put back the dry pod. The one that is were the overdrive bracket is now. And then the one were the pod clips in 9n the front

[@SmallCraftFisherman]

You can actually leave the OD hardware in and the pod will fit in fine under it. Otherwise you need to patch the 4 holes the bracket uses and get the original "button" from Feelfree or your dealer.

[@toddolatheks.1328]

Thanks 🙏

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

30 miles out sub

[@onyxxxyno]

problem with that is NO Livewell ...