Mahi Mahi Fin Drive Fishing Kayak

I see there is a rudder system, can I connect the pedals and the hand rudder at the same time?

Unfortunately, not. The rudder system is designed to work individually as if both were connected and if both paddlers try to operate the steering at the same time it could badly damage the rudder system. If you install one of the drive systems then having the hand rudder set up would be perfect and if you were just paddling then set up the foot pedals.

If I fall off, will I be able to get back on?

The side walls of the Mahi are nice and low, and the kayak is incredibly balanced so getting on is doable. Place one hand on the side handle nearest to you, kick up with your feet, grab the opposite side handle, and roll your legs up onto the deck. Remember to remain calm and breathe.

I don't have solid roof racks, so what can I do?

The Mahi is a lightweight kayak in comparison to a lot of other models so you can make use of temporary racks such as the Self Inflating racks or the Rubber racks. These are both perfect solutions but keep in mind that traveling faster than 100kms per hour or in high winds can affect the temporary racks' ability to secure the kayak so keep to the speed limit and they will work perfectly.

Can I easily transport the kayak?

The Mahi is not a difficult kayak to move as it only weighs 30kgs and measures 11ft in length, However, the Mahi is a wider kayak, and this may prove challenging to some to lift but there are applications like Dollys that can make your loading and offload much simpler. By installing the Kayak Load Roller on your rear window you can easily roll your Mahi up onto your roof racks as the roller action allows for the kayak to glide and by doing so takes some of the weight off the side you are lifting and therefore makes the kayak lighter and easier to lift

What are the Scupper plugs used for and do I need them on the kayak?

The plugs are in place to allow quick draining of water from the deck surface. Should water accumulate then simply pull out the plugs and the water will drain away as you paddle. If you are paddling in calm rivers and areas without wind chops or waves then you can keep them in but in the sea and in wavey water I would definitely remove them.

Can I beach launch with the Mahi?

That would depend entirely on the condition at the launch. If the swell is small and the water conditions are calm then a beach launch is entirely possible but larger swells and choppy conditions would greatly affect the Zambezi and make the launch uncomfortable. Please remember to remove your scupper plugs to allow easy water drainage on the launch or the boat could fill with water and make the launch very sluggish and uncomfortable.

Can I mount a motor on the back of the kayak?

Yes, you can, At the back of the Mahi, there are four brass inserts that are in place so you can mount a Rear Motor Mount. The Mahi would suit an Electric Motor between 36lbs Thrust to 44lbs thrust. A bigger heavier motor would create drag in the water and lighter motors are more than efficient enough.

I see there is a Fish finder compartment, how would you install it?

Under the kayak is a nylon slated protection plate that can be easily unscrewed. When you lift off the lid you will see four brass inserts, and these are used to mount your transducer to the kayak. Once you have mounted the transducer you can run your cables up through the fish finder scupper port and onto the deck. Close the protection plate as this will ensure the longevity of the transducer beam. You can then decide when you want to mount your LCD screen and place your small lithium battery pack. A great place for the LCD is a rail mounting on the accessory rail as it is out of the way should you want to remove the Toolbox and replace it with one of the Drive systems.

The kayak looks stable, would I be able to stand and fish on the Mahi?

Yes, the hull shape and design of the Mahi make it incredibly stable and balanced. When looking at the Mahi Mahi, you will immediately see that the bottom of the kayak is predominantly flat in shape, creating zero tilt, which is more evident with V-shaped hulls. The bottom of the hull also has deep channels which help to move water smoothly through the bottom of the deck and this ultimately creates less side-to-side water action, limiting the swaying of the kayak in moving water.

How fast is the kayak?

The average paddling speed is around 4.9 km an hour. Should you decide to add a Fin Drive or Propeller Drive this speed will increase to about 6.5km an hour.

I see there is a rudder system, can I connect the pedals and the hand rudder at the same time?

Unfortunately, not. The rudder system is designed to work individually as if both were connected and both paddlers try to operate the steering at the same time it could badly damage the rudder system set up inside of the kayak.

I don’t have solid roof racks, what can I do?

The Zambezi is a lightweight kayak in comparison to a lot of other models so you can make use of temporary racks such as the Self Inflating racks or the Rubber racks. These are both perfect solutions but keep in mind that traveling faster than 100kms per hour or in high winds can affect the temporary racks’ ability to secure the kayak so keep to the speed limit and they will work perfectly.

Can I easily transport the kayak?

The Zambezi is not a difficult kayak to move as it only weighs 28kgs and measures 10ft in length, however, the Zambezi has high walls and is quite wide which could add a little difficulty to the initial lift. There are however Dollys that can make your loading and offload much simpler. By installing the Kayak Load Roller on your rear window you can easily roll your Zambezi up onto your roof racks. The load roller is attached with two very strong suction cups to the rear window and once attached lift the nose of the kayak onto the roller and pick up the tail and slide the kayak onto your racks.

Should I take out or leave the scupper plugs in?

Due to its shape and the fact that it has high walls the scupper plug tubes are long and do not allow any water to return so taking them out would not be a problem at all. By removing the scuppers completely, you would guarantee quick drainage from the deck which would be a lot better than possible water damming.

Can I beach launch with the Zambezi?

That would depend entirely on the condition at the launch. If the swell is small and the water conditions calm then a beach launch is entirely possible but large swell and choppy conditions would greatly affect the Zambezi and make the launch uncomfortable.

Am I limited to where I can go on the Zambezi?

No not at all, The Zambezi works well in all waterways from Rivers to open seas.

Can I mount a motor on the back of the kayak?

The design of the Zambezi doesn’t allow for a rear-mounted motor but you can use set up a Side motor mount which allows for the motor to be attached behind you by using the pre-molded bar mounting or easier still you can remove the Toolbox and install an E-box which fits in perfectly and this attachment and allows for an electric motor to be mounted directly in front of you for easy control.

Should I want to at some point upgrade my Zambezi what drive option could I use?

Our drive box designs on the Fin Drive and the Prop Drive allow for both to fit perfectly into the Zambezi by simply unscrewing the toolbox clips and removing the toolbox. Then insert the drive you want to use and away you pedal. Please ensure that you fasten the drive box clips securely as if the clips and the box are not secure then this will greatly affect the performance of the drives.

Can I adjust the seating forward and back?

Yes, the seating is adjustable forward and back by unscrewing the seat slider clips and moving the seat into the required position, and then fastening the Slider clips to secure the seat into position.

I see there is a Fishfinder compartment, how would you install that?

Under the kayak, there is a nylon slated protection plate that can be easily unscrewed. When you lift off the lid you will see four brass inserts and these are used to mount your transducer to the kayak. Once you have mounted the transducer you can run your cables up through the fish finder scupper port and onto the deck. Close the protection plate as this will ensure the longevity of the transducer beam. You can then decide when you want to mount your LCD screen and place your small lithium battery pack. A great place for the LCD is a rail mounting on the accessory rail as it is out of the way should you want to remove the Toolbox and replace it with one of the drive systems.

Would I be able to stand and fish on the Zambezi?

The hull shape and design of the Zambezi allow for incredible balance so yes you can stand and fish. The wide shape of the kayak and deep channels under the kayak allows the water to flow easily through the kayak’s hull and this aids in creating added balance and stability.

How fast is the kayak?

The average paddling speed is around 4.2 km an hour. The design and shape of the kayak allow for the kayak to glide easily through the water which makes the Zambezi nice and nippy but due to its design being based around stability, the wider shape tends to slow the kayak slightly.