Riot Mako 12 Kayak | 1 Year Review | Pros and Cons | Steering Modification
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- In this video I walk through my one year review of the Riot Mako 12 Kayak and tell you about some of the pro's and cons.
So far, I love this kayak! Its a great budget minded kayak if you are looking for a pedal kayak. I have owned many brands of kayaks through the years. In fact, to my wife's dismay, I still own three :) This particular kayak has some pros and cons. The big feature that definitely needs attention is the steering mechanism. In one year, I have snapped three steering cables. The company has been very helpful in getting them replaced for me, but in this video I walk you through a modification that I did in order to alleviate the busting cables.
There is nothing like being miles from your launch and having your steering go out. Not fun! Luckily I always have my paddle with me when I go kayak fishing that I can use as a rudder. Smart idea to have it with you.
This modification was done with bicycle cables as well as a rerouting and moving of the exiting cables from the rear of the kayak eliminating the sharp bend causing a lot of the stress and ultimate failure.
In the video I mentioned that I would put a link to the cables I purchased, and here they are: amzn.to/2QV0lrQ
They run about $9.00, but seem to work perfectly. I keep these with me in case I need to pull to shore and do a quick fix to get me back home.
If you have a Riot Mako 12 Kayak and come across a steering issue, I hope this video gets you up and running again. As I mentioned, the company has been very accommodating and helpful in getting me back up and running.
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I just got the same mako 10 kayak and saw many videos on this subject. My solution was to raise the rudder half an inch up so that the plastic is on top of the metal mount and the top of the bolt head is on the plastic rudder. Now the cable is straight and doesn’t touch the hull. No drilling required! I think they should have printed instructions to mount it this way. Additionally I also removed five inches of the shrink wrap next to the steering handle which allows the white cable housing not to be bent as much. (Think about when you were a kid and had to replace the cables on bikes, you never wanted to bend the cables tight, same thing applies here.) Hope this helps people to avoid drilling holes. I’ve also noticed that you will find this same Mako riot 10 kayak is sold under different names at different stores which allows them to raise the price. I got mine for $999. at bi-mart. Sportsman is $1299. under a different name. This allows them to offer a sale to clear out stock. Additionally, you should also carry some thin cord with you so that if the cable does break, you can rig new lines from the rudder to your seat which will allow you to steer your kayak. Enjoy your time on the water.
So far so good?
I just used my mako 12 today. My brother had his hobie. The mako worked really great. Very stable, easy pedaling and overall had a good time. My brothers hobie seemed more effortless with the drive and steering. But, I didn't want to spend 4k on a kayak that I will only use a handful of times a year. The mako was perfect for what I wanted to spend.
Very cool Richard. They are nice little kayaks for sure.
Cables in the link don't seem to be the same any more. They are listed as 1800 mm, which is only long enough to reach the bolts on the rudder. They aren't long enough to wrap around to be secured. Look for 2m long cables.
I bought a used Mako12 with a broken cable. I bought cables off Amazon, too short🤦♂️. I ended up going to my local hardware store and bought cable by the foot of the same diameter. To terminates both ends I used cable crimps that are used for fishing high test line. Fix worked great. Instead of buying just a few crimps from the tackle shop for $$ I went through Amazon and got a kit with about 50 ea. size, multiple sizes for the same price as just a few locally. Hope this helps someone, it’s a very easy and cheap fix.
Good tips indeed.
Nothing like a good DIY fix.
The only reliable fix is a DIY fix.
great video thanks , same thing happened to my seat - they replaced it straight away...
I have a mako 10 I replaced the steel cables with rope that Hobie uses made it left steering only and took that Big bend out of it just drill a hole to make a straight run.also cut down a 4 inch lazy Susan modified the handle and now it rides on the bearing ..buttery smooth just got to apply some imagination
All good tips. I just received the “new and improved “ steering assembly from the factory. I’m interested to pop it open to see what changes they s risky made.
I purchased my first Hobie today I'm on cloud nine I just hope somebody buys my riot..good luck and stay safe with your adventures fellas
Unfortunately my Riot Mako 12's steering was out of whack from the factory. I took it out once and was very unsatisfied with its steering performance. It took the steering control apart and saw that the steering cables were binding up and about to break. It was literally hanging on by a single thread. I replaced the cables with a new set and hoped for the best. It was even worse, REALLY hard to turn the controls. Even with the uncoated cables. I go fishing almost every weekend, so this will not do!
I had to think outside the box, but I may have figured out a very simple and much more cost effective solution, but I won't post my results until I do further testing. I don't want to waste other's time and money. I will update or make a video if it all works out. If my modification works, then it would add a ton of value to the Mako, since it is already a great deal for a pedal drive!
Good to hear you may have found a solution. I finally gave up and sold mine.
Great video. I was looking for a less expensive pedal drive and this looks like it. I'm going to head over to Sportsmans Warehouse and check it out. It's a year later now so I'm hoping they have the cables re-engineered by now. If not, at least I'll know how to modify it.
They are certainly nice boats. The new steering system is very solid. In full disclosure, I went ahead and sold mine after the pedal system broke. Once that was fixed, it was a good boat. Good luck!
I have a mako 12 sitting in my garage with a hole in the hull. It's under warranty, and I have been waiting a year. I was fed up and purchased an old town salty pdl. The salty is a much better kayak. Easier seat adjustment, more seat settings for taller pedlars, the drive is more solid when engaged (very quiet), it is more agile, faster, and the build quality is much better. Take it from me, pay more and buy a better quality yak.
The newer Old Town boats are very nice.
Great Vid brother. I'm picking up my Mako 12 Tuesday here in Tampa Fl. Maybe they fixed the steering on the new models this year. If not your fix is perfect. Thanks.
Hopefully they’ll get it worked out. Enjoy the kayak. Good luck out there.
Hate to tell everyone, I have the new steering box and mine just broke.. The new one has the cables not right next to each other where they enter the steering mechanism. I still think I am going to do what you did on the back once I install my new one...
I have also broken two sets of the new ones. Not good.
One thing I have since figured out is that the cables need to be pulled VERY tight. This help in reducing them bunching up and snapping. So far I am on three trips on the most recent install from about a month ago. I do like the newly designed mechanism, but the tight cables is certainly key.
Should the cable loops be on the top of the rudder or on the bottom? The instruction video ruclips.net/video/PshuXNpmg9c/видео.html has the cable loop installed on the underside.
Interesting. I don't think it would really matter either way. The issue with the old steering was the kinking of the line right up by the rudder handle. Not sure the loops would make much of a difference, but great question.
And if you cut those cable casings down you will get a whole lot more radius in your turn
I guess you get what you pay for. The best equipment I own is stuff I dont' have to fix. My Old Town PDL just works so I can fish and not to have to spend my time fixing deficiencies.
Agree. Thats why I’m on an Oldtown Bigwater 132 for the last couple seasons. Great kayak.
could it be because they using the wrong cable for the steering.next time try using hobie Rudder Line, you will find out that it will work 100% better and it is very strong and durable.i had a four hobie and never had any problem with the steering line.
They have since upgraded their steering system offering less sharp turns. It does work much better.
I haven’t taken mine out yet but I can’t seem to find any info on something I’ve noticed. How do you lock the rudder into the down position? Mine is loose because there’s nothing to latch the pulley into to keep tension down on the rudder.
Hello MaxMike- Thats an interesting question. What sort of issue are you having with the rudder? Once in the down position, I have not had any issues with it popping up. It is pretty heavy, so it should pop back up. You do want it to be able to move a bit up and down in case you do run over something. But once in the down position, it should stay down for you.
Are you comfortable with using a pedal system canoe?
Has the pedal system ever broken down?
Is pedaling tiring?
Does the canoe get water into it?
Hi there. I have been kayak fishing for close to thirty years. Both paddle and pedal kayaks. I am very comfortable in both.
I enjoy the pedal system when fishing. I can still have both of my hands free to fish.
Pedal system has never broke but I have had issues with steering cables breaking. I have had no issues with water, but a way to get water out of your boat, like a sponge, is always recommended.
I was all jacked to buy this kayak but this rudder issue is a real turn off. Have they fixed that issue if not I will look elsewhere ?
I know they have redesigned the rudder/steering system. I’m sure the new boats are quite a bit more solid then when they send it to you and you have to DIY. I’d just make sure the boat you get has the new system. Other than that, they are a pretty solid little boat. Mine gets a lot of use.
Again thanks for the reply it really helps in my decision to buy.
@@DaveysWorldFishing I’m looking to buy one of these off a guy for an extremely good price, is there anything I can look at that would indicate if it’s a new versus old steering system?
@@TheBoatRampBaitBum The newer version has the two cables coming off of each side. Pointing towards the back. The old version had the both close together at the rear.
The one in this video is the old version. You can see the cables directly at the back at 4:17
Sucks you had to redesign but what a great fix.
Glad to be back on the water!
Where did you go in Oceanside? I’d like to see a new mako 12
The shop is called Oceanside Paddle Shack.
2905 Oceanside Blvd
Oceanside, CA 92054
United States
@@DaveysWorldFishing I thought that was the spot. Went there Thursday, they’re closing down. Sending all the kayaks back to Canadian distributer. Hope they can get me a few replacement parts before it’s totally gone.
@@daverage4811 Interesting. I spoke to the Canadian rep this week. He said they are about 3-weeks from getting a newly designed steering box.
Interesting to hear that that shop is closing down.
@@DaveysWorldFishing What do you mean by a newly designed steering box?.. do you mean the steering handle? or by the rudder?. just curious..
@@scarkilla Hi Blake- I was told they are completely redesigning the steering system. I’m guessing it’ll be the whole handle assembly and cables.
Do you stand up much on it if so how stable is it?
I actually sold this kayak. I rarely stood up on it. You certainly can. It was pretty stable.
@@DaveysWorldFishing Thanks for the info there's one in my area and want to get into yak fishing. Seriously thinking about picking it up tomorrow morning lol
@@astronoman4 They are nice kayaks. I fished it hard for about three years.
If you are picking up a used one, be sure to check out the steering cables. I had mine snap several times. But they have improved the steering box, so hopefully that helps.
Did you get the newer upgraded steering for your mako? I just put mine on and havent used it yet but was wondering if the new one lasts
Well, to be honest, my new version broke the first trip out. They have since sent me another new one and that one seems to be holding up good. Not sure what happened with that first new one. I do like the new system though. Hopefully it holds up.
@@DaveysWorldFishing Has that new system held up?
@@TheBoatRampBaitBum I broke one right after I got the new version and they replaced it immediately. The second one held up for about a year with a lot of use until I sold the kayak.
Steering issue alone I wouldn’t get this boat. It’s not hard to engineer something that can effect safety so much properly. Tells you the company cares more about profit then quality.
After 6 minutes and the 5th repetitive loop of saying why the cable was stiff I went elsewhere. Seriously you turned a 1 minute description of an issue into viewer agony.
Lol. Thanks for watching. After about six breaks as well as pedal failure, that kayak is long gone.