Great video! i'm considering getting a pilot as a recommendation from one of my co workers who owns one and says it's a great first timer pedal kayak! I like all the tips for alterations that you made :)
I don't stand up in this kayak. As a big fella, it's hard enough to get in and out of it because it's so low to the water. I weigh 265 and maybe if I was 200 and 25 years-old, I'd be more comfortable standing up in it. Watch the RU-vid videos of guys purposely tipping it over--it's stable, but it's still a kayak not a boat. :) I still think this is the best set up fishing kayak out there with the two covered storage compartments and places to store a crate/cooler or drybag up front not to mention the gear tracks. Good luck in your purchase!
@@gingernaut2550 the biggest issues are the raising and lowering of the rudder and the steering tightness. When you get your yak I would definitely recommend following my modifications to make it more user friendly.
@@stellfam I definitely will! Ive been watching all the reviews I can find and it seems like a great bang for the buck! Your video is of the few to point out actual flaws besides the kinda shitty rod holder design. But thanks for showing the simple fixes too.
Nice job & video! I purchased a Pescador Pilot 2 yr ago and, by and large, like it. But, Perception could have done a better job designing the rudder system - both raising/lowering and the directional mechanism. I like your work-arounds. Tight lines and safe pedaling!
I used a stainless steel screw that was the same size as the screw I took out just longer and put a washer on each side with a stainless locking nylon insert nut. . I don’t remember the exact size but I think it was #10.
The rudder fix was something I did as well and something I think every pescador pilot owner should do ASAP. I had my screw come out and I lost my cams in the water. Replacement cams cost me $60 because they had to be custom made.
Thanks for supporting the thru bolt modification. Too bad you lost the rudder pulley before you were able to realize the design flaw. Maybe Perception Kayaks will see this post and make a change to their rudder pulley. It would be an easy fix and would give customers confidence in the pescador kayaks.
My biggest issue with this before fixing the tight ass steering was the lift/lower tension on the rudder. Would you mind letting me know what sized drill bit you used to go through it and add a bolt to control the the tension? I broke the bungee part of the lift/lower rope out of frustration and my new one will be here in a day or two. This is my first yak with a rudder so i was hesitant about drilling since i dont know what might be going on inside like springs or what not so i wasnt anxious to possibly destroy it after i looked up how much a replacement costs.
I can’t remember the exact drill bit size but it was the same size as the threaded screw I took out. I used a stainless screw and washers with a locking nut (plastic insert type) I was careful not to make the hole too big.
Best mod ive found was $25 and its on etsy. Upgraded steering handle and its a game changer (www.etsy.com/listing/678618248/rudder-control-handle-for-steering?ref=hp_rv-1&bes=1) they make forward and rear facing. It bolts right on. Also did the washer thing but also added some bike chain graphite between the layers and now its like BUTTER!
@@stellfam i havent recieved mine yet but should be here tomorrow. Ill post again if its as awesome as it looks. I stumbled across it looking for fixes for how tight the factory setup is. I currently fixed mine using washers to separate the center plate from the base plate and used bicycle chain graphite waterproof lube between all 3 plates and its effortless to steer now. However that handle would be nice cause i can just steer with my palm, instead of trying to poke my finger into that slot on the factory steering knob, and the leverage makes it that much smoother. I know i said i tried it, but i jimmied up a rig using some hardware a box end wrench and a steering wheel suicide handle i borrowed off my semi truck to simulate the handle i posted and see if its worth it. Longer handle means you can be more precise with your movement too so long as you tighten up the steering cables which will stretch over time. I just replaced mine with coated 1.3 mm cable i found on amazon for 8 bucks for 30 feet. Its actually sold as cable to use for fishing leaders but works great to replace the steering cable and make it flow smoother through the plastic conduit. Next thing is to find a way to lube that plastic conduit to reduce friction so the cables wont stretch. (maybe using a length of cable with a pipe cleaner on the end soaked in graphite and just feed it through a couple of times?)
you said sound? You mean puget sound? Lets fish bud! Good group on facebook very helpful called "kayak fishing addicts NW" and they post when fishing and where for some kayak fishing.
Great review and mods! I took my pilot 12 out today for fishing. Did about 7.2 miles trolling. Ocean. I like your pvc mod. One thing I'm curious on, when the rudder is too smooth, it tends to lift up while peddling forward thus making turns horrible. I tie my rope so it won't lift up. Hope that makes sense
@@liftmys10 I haven't had an issue with my rudder lifting. Tying your rudder cord makes sense, but sounds a bit cumbersome if you need to lift your rudder. If you do my thru-bolt modification, you can easily tighten the lock nut to get the right amount of tension on the pulley that lifts/lowers the rudder. With the thru bolt I put a stainless washer on both sides of the pulley. This would add a little friction to keep your rudder from rising. I can imagine a rudder rising would be frustrating. It sounds like fun trolling in the ocean--I'm excited to try mine in the saltwater as well when the season opens up for salmon. Happy fishing!
