Description

The Helix PD Pedal Drive is Wilderness Systems’ advanced pedal-drive system, designed specifically for the Recon series of fishing kayaks. It offers hands-free propulsion, giving anglers the ability to fish, cast, or drift without needing to paddle constantly. The system is engineered to integrate with the Recon kayaks (especially Recon 120 and Recon HD models) and deliver efficient performance, multiple deployment modes, and optimized functionality.

Features & Functional Highlights

• Hands-Free Operation: Once installed, you can use foot pedals to propel the kayak, freeing your hands for fishing gear, rod handling, or casting.

• Multiple Positions: Three modes (fully deployed, zero draft, stowed) allow adaptability to different water depths. Fully deployed for optimal speed and thrust; zero draft for shallow water navigation; fully stowed for paddling or transporting.

• Efficiency & Propulsion: The 6:1 gear ratio paired with the 14×17 prop is tuned for good thrust with less effort, which is helpful for longer outings.

• Compatibility with Hull Design: Tuned for Wilderness Systems’ S.M.A.R.T. Hull Technology, which balances Stability, Maneuverability, Acceleration, Responsiveness, and Tracking (“SMART”). The Recon hull is designed to take advantage of the drive’s power without too much drag.

• Steering & Rudder Support: Comes with options for a rudder kit and steering kit to control direction effectively. This is especially useful paired with pedaling, since hands-free propulsion complicates steering by paddle.

• Noise Reduction: Includes baffles to reduce turbulence noise from the propeller, which helps reduce disturbance in the water (useful for fishing stealth).

Performance & User Experience

• Strengths:
  • Great for long fishing days since less physical fatigue from paddling.
  • Provides solid speed under pedal drive; especially useful when you need to get to spots without wind or current slowing you too much.
  • The “zero draft” option is very useful in shallow bays, flats, or rocky shorelines; reduces risk of prop damage.
  • When properly installed, switching between deployed, stowed, and zero draft positions is reasonably smooth and useful.

• Considerations / Limitations:
  • Adds weight (≈ 24.6 lb just for the drive), which can make transportation and lifting more difficult.
  • The system is more complex than a simple paddle; maintenance, occasional adjustments, and possible wear parts (prop, seals) are to be expected.
  • In very shallow water, debris or sediment may affect prop performance.
  • Cost is substantial — both the initial purchase and possibly add-ons (rudder kit, steering kit) add to the total investment.

Installation Notes & Compatibility

• Designed to bolt into Recon 120 hulls using supplied fittings; for Recon models without it factory-installed, you’ll need to follow Wilderness Systems’ instructions for retrofitting.

• Needs alignment for tripod support and steering lines; proper setup ensures optimal performance, less drag, and good input from the prop.

• Regular check of sealing around hull penetration points, especially for the prop mast and steering components, to prevent water intrusion.

• Warranty / Support: Provided by Wilderness Systems; for accessory, typically limited warranties cover defects. The exact terms (duration, coverage) should be confirmed with the dealer or manufacturer.

Summary

The Helix PD™ Pedal Drive for Recon is a top-tier pedal drive system offering anglers hands-free propulsion, multiple deployment modes, efficient gear ratio & prop choice, and integration with the Recon’s hull design to provide strong performance with good flexibility. It pairs well with those who fish in mixed conditions (shallow, deep, needing to paddle, wanting speed) and want to reduce fatigue over long days.