I have a cousin who does everything differently. He wears his hat backward, sits in a chair by straddling the seatback; I’ve even seen him eat dessert before dinner. Everyone in the family loves my cousin because of his idiosyncrasies.
Feelfree Kayaks reminds me of my cousin. They design kayaks differently and their family of owners love them. After testing the Lure 11.5 V2 with Overdrive, I’m in the clan.
FeelFree Lure 11.5 V2 Overdrive: A pedal kayak with all the bells & whistles
Feelfree Lure 11.5 V2 Overdrive Specs
Length: 11’6”
Width: 34”
Weight: 87 lbs
Capacity: 426 lbs
MSRP: $1,999 USD
feelfreeus.com
Fishy Features
Maybe it is because Feelfree Kayaks are designed on the other side of the Earth from the mainstream. Or maybe because the New Zealand-based company is run by kayakers, but Feelfree comes up with unique solutions for common challenges.
I first reviewed the 11.5 in the Early Summer 2014 issue. Adding the Overdrive pedal unit inspired me to do a deeper dive of this full-feature, all-around boat.
The first stop on the tour of fishy features is the bow hatch with three latches. The hatch is large enough to fit tackle trays, drybags and a spare paddle. The best part is three bright orange latches that securely close the hatch lid. The bright levers make it easy to visually verify the hatch is latched.
The folks at Feelfree know what it takes to target big fish in big water off the New Zealand coast. Nothing beats a flush mount rod holder for strength. And, as the name says, a flush mount doesn’t stick above the deck to get in the way. The Lure 11.5 includes two flush mounts behind the seat and space to add two more in the bow.
To add track-mounted rod holders, electronics and other accessories, gear tracks run down each side of the cockpit. Gear tracks in the tankwell secure tackle boxes, a livewell or gear crate.
One of my favorite features is the webbed handle and molded handle in the stern. When the Lure is rigged with a rudder, the webbed handle provides a more comfortable grip.
Another original feature the Feelfree family loves is the famous Wheel in the Keel. The Lure 11.5 has a plastic wheel tucked into the stern. The wheel makes it easy to drag the Lure short distances. No other kayak brand has this feature.
Rigging
With gear tracks and open spaces, the Lure 11.5 is ready to add accessories and storage. The boat is fully capable of accepting rod holders, mounts, coolers and crates from the best aftermarket providers. Or, Feelfree offers a line of rigging accessories from a standup bar and accessory bar to storage crates and fish coolers. Matching accessories fit seamlessly and look cool.
Without the Overdrive pedal system, the stock Lure comes with a gear pod in the pedal well. I’m a fan of gear pods to keep my tackle and tools in easy reach. And, I mount the fish finder display to the top of the pod, stick the battery inside and attach the transducer to the bottom of the pod. When I go fishing, I simply drop the pod into the deck well. At the end of the day, I pull out the pod and throw it in the back of the truck.
If I were king for a day, I would add the Feelfree Uni-Bar gear track across the cockpit to hold my fish finder and a rod holder. Behind the seat, I’d add a color-matched Feelfree Camo Crate Bag.
Combining the small boat with big-time accessories allows the Lure 11.5 to punch above its weight. I get the versatility of a full-size boat and the storage and transport options of a small boat.
Gravity Seat
Unlike frame seats covered in mesh webbing, Feelfree went a different direction with the Gravity Seat. The Gravity Seat looks like an office chair with a padded, quick-drying bottom and a separate lumbar-supporting backrest.
The seat is connected to the deck with a notched frame. To move forward or aft, lift the seat and slide it to the next notch. This is different than the infinite adjustability of a seat mounted on gear tracks, but I was able to dial a comfortable position for pedaling.
To adjust the height, pull a lever to lift and lower the seat to find the best position for pedaling or fishing.
The seat is not only comfortable and versatile, but the back of it can also be loosened and laid flat against the hull when transporting or storing the Lure.
On-Water Performance
Looking back at the development of fishing kayak hulls, I notice the Lure is one of the first boats using a tri-hull design to increase stability without decreasing performance.
Before its release, the Lure hull design was extensively researched and tested. After a decade on the water, the concept has been put through the wringer.
The outside pontoons increase stability while the central keel keeps the Lure moving in a straight line. The channels reduce water resistance.
The flared bow cuts through waves and current and the narrow stern cleanly releases water. Even under paddle power, the Lure moves smoothly through the water.
Solid stability and straight tracking sacrifice responsiveness, but the Lure’s rounded bow and stern improve rough water performance. One of the advantages of an 11-foot kayak is a shorter waterline making the Lure 11.5 easier to maneuver. With the ample Beaver Tail Rudder, the little boat turns on a dime.
For a full-size, full-featured kayak with stand-up stability, a high-low seat and 475 pounds of capacity, the Lure 11.5 V2 is easy to paddle, but the boat begs for a pedal system.
Overdrive
To add pedal power, Feelfree answered with an out-of-the-box pedal system that transforms into a motor drive.
The Overdrive pedal system uses bicycle pedals to turn a propeller. The metal frame and body look like Terminator without his skin. The drive is cast aluminum and coated for corrosion resistance.
Pedaling is smooth and the twin-blade propeller is designed to cut through weeds. To go into shallow water mode, pull two spring-loaded pins on each side of the base and the lower unit pops up.
The Overdrive motor is the size of a quart of milk and slides into the Overdrive pedal drive. Attach a 12-volt battery and electric power takes over.
Propulsion is only half the story, the Lure 11.5 V2 with Overdrive is matched to a responsive steering system. Start with the large rudder that is more than sufficient to turn the 11-foot kayak. Steel cables routed beneath the deck are tough and responsive.
Feelfree had fun adding a cool-looking 8-ball knob to the end of the rudder control. Pulling up on the handle turns the boat left and pushing down moves right. It takes a minute to get used to, but the solid system is reliable and responsive.
Who is the Lure 11.5 V2 Overdrive angler?
Feelfree offers the Lure V2 with Overdrive in 13.5, 11.5 and tandem models. With a shorter waterline, the 11.5 is easier to transport and store. It is also easier to maneuver in smaller waterways.
Unlike longer kayaks, I can transport the Lure 11.5 stern-first in my six-foot pickup truck bed. I don’t need a bed extender to protect the rudder from damage. Whether I’m using the Wheel in the Keel or my favorite kayak cart with bar saddles, the shorter boat is easier to move to the water. With the assistance of a kayak loadbar, I can lift the 11.5 on top of a car by myself.
The Lure 11.5 shines when exploring backwaters and it still has the chops to cover open water. Anglers looking for the rigability of a full-size kayak without the transportation and storage issues can have their cake and eat it too.
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Full-feature design in a pint-size package for a more convenient kayak. | Feature photo: Patrick “Buzz” Hayes
