The inside of your PDL and how it FAILS (Topwater, Predator, Sportsman)

[@robaalvarez]

Man, these PDL vids are invaluable. Thanks, for sharing!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Rob.

[@aarongreenlee7867]

Nick, after watching some of your videos earlier this summer I bought a 2020 Predator and haven't looked back! I have some of your mod parts and they are awesome! I have my hand written thank you card you included with my order. You are a class act and your videos gave me the confidence to spend the money on my yak. Many many thanks! I'm spreading the word about your channel all over NH waters.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for the kind words, Aaron

[@Arcturian1111]

Great Stuff Brother. I always enjoy watching your DIY fixes, etc. Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@RobertSmith-dj3qw]

My Old Town Sportsman 120PDL is top of the line. Bought it last year and find it to be un-flippable. Your vids help with many questions. Thanks for being the guru of Old Town PDLs. Kudos bro!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching the videos, Robert.

[@Mars-77]

Un flippable?, ya right..😂

[@RobertSmith-dj3qw]

Ok, no kayak is unflappable, but I've had this bad boy in some rough sea and never felt like I was gonna flip. Then again I know how to hit the waves. Tight lines

[@nickp8373]

Thanks for opening up your brand new drive for our sake. Love your channel man

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Nick. Lots of questions about the inside of the drive so I figured it would be cool for everyone to see it.

[@badgrandpa3050]

Mine failed this afternoon on my predator. Can’t tell you how thankful I was to find this. I’m about to get inside it.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Super easy fix! Thanks for watching.

[@badgrandpa3050]

Tore it down and the ring gear was intact. There is some kind of friction going on between the shaft bar rod top and bottom. Mainly when I spin it backwards. Amazing how dried out the gears were.. thanks again.

[@badgrandpa3050]

Looks like it's the top bearing for the drive rod. The single hardest part to get to on the unit. Then I dont even know if I can match it up. Wish me luck.

[@FaithNFishing]

Got my first PDL in finally!! So thankful for the education I get on the BigWater/Predator on your channel.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching!

[@mastermouaable]

Finally, got myself the Sportsman PDL 106. Can’t wait to get it on the water.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You’re going to enjoy it.

[@spiltmilt]

I enjoy these videos just for the sake of having a better understanding of how the drive system works.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Super simple system. Ideally it helps someone salvage a drive down the road.

[@mariosalgado7592]

great video… nice to see some metal inside de drive… i hated so much the plastic drive of the hobies

[@bgt1666]

Just another reason for me to qualify getting a pulse TIG welding machine. This design was just as I suspected with the ring & pinion. I am surprised they didn't use some type of crush-sleeve with a specific pinion backlash, which as a gear-head and in my humble opinion might keep some of the periodic adjustments to a minimum. Then again, with your guide service you're probably giving these rigs a hefty workout.

[@brianwathen5285]

My drive is great, but this is awesome information to have in my memory bank, just in case. Thanks Nick‼️

[@kjfishman547]

Great info. Nice Dakota in your driveway.

[@Wirenutby]

Great video Nick. Definitely hitting the button to save it to my Favorites for future.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Awesome, thank you! Its a great video to be able to look back on.

[@ikashibimauler]

Im glad I bought a Predator PDL. I have been ever since I got it. After seeing how robust and simple this system is, I am even more pleased to have it. If it ever breaks, most of the stuff would be easy to replace (seals, bearings etc...). This sort of pinion/ring gear setup is beyond proven. I mean look at the design of any differential on a rear wheel drive vehicle!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Exactly!

[@jakewkayakfishing8457]

Great info, thanks. It is nice to see how simple and serviceable they are.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

It’s good information to know. Simple to fix if anything ever happens.

[@peterlenhardt235]

Great video. You always make the job look easy. Thanks.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Easy stuff! Even easier if you use the proper tools.

[@FlatEric-c3k]

Which grease/lube do you recommend for the drive internals?

[@joerico5918]

Great video. Would you happen to know the size specs of the o-ring gasket that goes in the top crank cover. I'd like to have a spare on hand in case it breaks when I take mine apart. Thanks

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Unfortunately, I do not.

[@joerico5918]

Ok thanks anyways

[@Charactermatters650]

You are the man! This completes it for me....nice...

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks for watching, Jim.

[@larrydeyoung8896]

Thanks Nick, just finished taking my drive apart after watching your video, couldn’t have done it without you! I’m bringing the parts to the shop now. What type of grease should I use when I put it back together?

[@knightclan4]

Are pedal drives specific for each brand of kayaks?

[@DanielGutierrez-rh5vu]

Where can I get the o-rings or packings for the upper and lower drive assy that I may need it upon disassembly? Thank you.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Try reaching out to Old Town. Ideally they have them available.

[@rickys6955]

Thank you for thos who as this system

[@CapeCodCanalFishing]

Love this channel 🤙🏼

[@craigbarnard8721]

Fantastic info , thanks .

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’m glad it was helpful, Craig.

[@trevorjanke4416]

Great video. Question, what size is that gasket or o-ring that was broken and what size is the gasket or o-ring in the lower leg that you showed in your previous video? And where would I start looking for one to buy? Always good to have one or two on hand just in case. Thx!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I purchase mine directly from Old Town. I would start with them.

[@cz875]

I know this video is a little old, but I am hoping you see this question. What size are the Gaskets for the upper and lower pinion areas? I watched both videos and you had mentioned you could get them at a hardware store. I was just hoping you possible had links to them, or the sizes. I want to open it up for maintenance, but don't want to until I have spare gaskets (Just in case). I love all your videos and your products (Actually putting in another order today or tomorrow). Keep up the great work.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I do not have the sizes - ideally you never damage them. I was able to source the larger washer from Old Town once.

[@BasicFishingNZ]

have u had internal issues before with this brand? i've asked some old town owners if they've ever served their own pedal drives b4 but none have so far and had no issues

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

If you put a ton of hours on it you’ll have problems eventually. The drive has 5 year warranty if you buy it new. This video was made years ago for people he bought used ones and ran into problems.

[@RonaldHall-p6i]

Where can I buy repair parts for the pedal drive unit for old town

[@eddiekeeler9955]

I have fishing reels that are more complicated than that. Thank you for sharing.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Super simple system!

[@tjtewshews5531]

Hey my drive has a subtle grinding sound. Should I add more grease or what? If so, what kind? Not sure if that sound is normal or not. It also seems like it may be a little hard to pedal, not sure if that's normal either.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

TJ, it sounds like you may have a corroded bearing. If its under warranty I would contact Old Town and go through the steps to get it replaced.

[@redfishkilla547]

Can you tell me what kind of metal the gear is? I have a weld failure!

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’m not exactly sure. I took it to a buddy who is a welder. He didn’t even hesitate so it can’t be anything to complex.

[@TTangOutdoors]

Hey man thanks for the video! I just subscribed. I bought a new pedal drive kayak and took it out on the water for the first time yesterday. The first hour was fine and smooth like riding a bike. (I'm a newbie in pedal drive kayaking)Then foot pedal started to click or knock once per cycle, then it started to be 3 times per cycle at different spots of a rotation. Then it started to get worse like 6 times... and the knocking sound was loud. I stopped fishing and called it a day. I believe the sound is coming from the foot pedal gear area. I did free spin the propeller and it smoothly spins the pedal. Could please enlighten me what's the issue? Thanks very much! The analogy is like those hex shaft inserted style handle on a spinning fishing reel not engaging well with the main gear and strips.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

This video should explain what the likely cause is - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp-bZ52oeLhrnKc

[@valley3621]

Great video. That initial weld is so tiny. Looks like you went beefcake on the second.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Not breaking this time!

[@KeepBodyAndSoulTogether]

What would cause the weld to break? Just wear and tear or faulty welds?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’m sure it’s a combination of both. The welds super tiny.

[@jsmith7790]

Thanks for the demonstration! Get the bicycle crank tool, hitting your crank with a hammer does not look like a good idea.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I’ve shown videos on how to do it using both methods. Not everyone has the crank till laying around.

[@JBPILEGGI]

Hey Nick. My drive seems to get stuck from time to time when peddling. Any idea what's the cause? Thx

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Does it have any kind of knocking noise?

[@JBPILEGGI]

@@NavarreKayakFishing no knocking noise. I took apart the top section and inspected the gears. All clean and no missing teeth or broken welds. I've yet to take apart the bottom all the way. Stripped two screws so I need to go out and purchase an extractor.

[@gingin7849]

I've had a Predator since April 2017. Never had any problems, these things are bullit proof. Was wondering if the pedal console on the newer models interchange with older ones. I'd like to change it out. The old one leaks. I emailed Johnson Outdoors a while back & never heard back.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

The newer model is interchangeable with older models. The rectangular hatch is a nice upgrade!

[@ikashibimauler]

You can order just the gray storage/flotation pod portion with the rectangular hatch. You dont have to buy a whole PDL unit. Call up the customer service department. They can give you the part number and the price. I think its like $100.

[@rickconcha790]

Thank you so much so interesting

[@matthedge2511]

What kind of grease do you recommend

[@pelochas1029]

I bought a used predator. The pdl drive is grinding, almost sure its the bearings. Where can i buy those?

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You can reach out to Old Town and give it a shot but I’m not sure if they sell them.

[@pelochas1029]

s@@NavarreKayakFishing i took my drive apart. the bearings by the pinion gear are good, smooth. the botter prop gear, those bearings are bad.

[@jmmart4]

Does anybody sell a rebuild kit for the drive system. I bought a used one and the previous owner never took care of the system and the haul. The drive gets stuck going reverse and it’s not smooth going forward. It looks like it has been opened before as well.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I don't believe a rebuild kit currently exist.

[@RodneyMarquezFishingChannel]

thanks!

[@matthewaustin2578]

Hey Nick, FYI - your 'favorite kayak' link seems to be broken or not working right now.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Thanks, sir. Old Town discontinued the Predator PDL and replaced it with the BigWater PDL. It’s currently not available on Amazon.

[@rottenrottie1515]

What happen to right tool for the right job

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

I didn’t want to use the proper tools. The goal was to show people they could do it at home.

[@dcd2060]

My pedals are locked up, any reason why this happends and how can I fix it? Thanks

[@RonaldHall-p6i]

Mine was locked up do to the bearings in the lower end,water got in and rusted them

[@dcd2060]

@@RonaldHall-p6i did you get a new bearing or new pedals?

[@RonaldHall-p6i]

@@dcd2060 I need to get new bearings ones for mine, I'm trying to find them

[@kjfishman547]

You could probably take your drive to a bike shop and they would pop the crank arms off for free or very little cost.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Very true. If you have a bike shop around.

[@tmcwilliam01]

So much simpler than the mirage drive.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

You should hit the Mirage drive with a hammer and see what happens lol

[@Daniel_Tucker]

✌🏻

[@msgemoules]

is that how you worked on the jets? lol

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Hahaha! We always had the proper tools and we always wore proper PPE.

[@Charactermatters650]

ha ha - it’s all ball bearings these days....Fletch

[@nathanherbert520]

And followed the T.O. step by step with no short cuts.

[@NavarreKayakFishing]

Exaclty! Zero short cuts.