![\"BOTE](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/BOTE-rackham-aero-pedal-drive.png\")
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Check Prices<\/a>\n The BOTE Rackham Aero 12\u20194\u201d is once again available in 2023, however this latest model supports the addition of their APEX Pedal Drive and Rudder System as well as a new color option. We are excited to review it in person but for now lets go over the general specs. <\/p>\n For the most part the hybrid iSUP remains unchanged. It still has a long 12\u2019 water line and a stability focused 38\u201d wide stance.There is also an amazing new color option referred to as \u201cSilver King\u201d but most importantly, there is a sizable hole in the center of the board. <\/p>\n Now don\u2019t worry, this in no way will cause you to sink, but it does give you a cool \u201cglass look\u201d viewing window through the included plastic surround piece. If you have never had the opportunity to paddle, peddle, or kayak, a glass bottomed craft , then you’re in for a treat, especially in clear blue waters. It\u2019s a window into another world just below the surface of the water. <\/p>\n For those of you quick to recognize the word \u201cpeddle\u201d in the above paragraph you will be especially happy to know that this year’s Rackham is now compatible with BOTE\u2019s standard Apex Pedal Drive System. This has transitioned from an iSUP\/Kayak to a truly versatile craft with the ability to use a pedal drive, kayak paddle, or stand up paddle for locomotion. Seeing how large and sturdy this board is, it makes sense to include a pedal drive for additional thrust.<\/p>\n We think the BOTE Rackham Aero with the Apex Pedal Drive would be great for paddlers who:<\/p>\n Note: We paddle A LOT, and our reviews are based on our real life feedback with the boards we test. Currently we are awaiting our 2023 Rackham Aero with the Apex Peddle Drive, so this review is based on our previous experience with the BOTE products and the previous Rackham Aero. If you have any questions don\u2019t hesitate to drop us a line below.<\/em> <\/p>\n Check Prices<\/a>\n Check Prices<\/a>\n Much of the design of the Rackham Aero remains the same with the single greatest change being mounting spots for BOTE\u2019s new Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System. This is BOTE\u2019s first venture into pedal powered watercraft. The system features a 10:1 gear ratio that should provide smooth and efficient pedaling through just about any kind of conditions. <\/p>\n Additionally, they made use of the space in the board’s center by incorporating a viewing window, not just for when the Apex Drive is out but even a smaller window when it\u2019s in. This is great and allows you to pay close attention to the Drive system and ensure it is not getting snagged, dragged, or damaged in any way. <\/p>\n The Rudder System is also included with the Apex Pedal Drive and mounts to the rear of the BOTE. It looks to be an easy to use lever system with a kick up rudder and the ability to mount to either side of the board. No left or right hand discrimination here. It has a \u201cno touch\u201d forward and reverse feature with the goal of allowing you to quickly and easily change the direction of the drive blades. <\/p>\n All things considered, this seems to be a very advanced system for a stand up paddle board, or what we like to now refer to as SUP\/YAK hybrids. Admittedly this advanced equipment does come at a price, but during the initial release BOTE is offering a discount on a larger full package purchase (BOTE, DRIVE, Kula, Rack, Sand Spear, Kayak paddle). This should be a great system for those coming from a kayaking background looking for an easy entry into the world of stand up paddleboards and BOTE products as a whole.<\/p>\n At over 3 feet at its widest point, 38 inches to be exact, this board will be incredibly stable. Considering that it was first designed as a fisherman\u2019s stand up paddle board, it\u2019s no surprise. Combine that with the ability to sit down and either pedal or paddle, purchased separately, you have an incredibly capable and stable water going craft. <\/p>\n In the stand up mode it will be pretty challenging to upset this board, especially when you add in the tackle rack, purchased separately of course. Using the included detachable inflatable seat lowers your center of gravity to the point where this SUP hybrid would be almost impossible to flip. <\/p>\n Weight Capacity:<\/strong> When it comes to outright speed, we wouldn\u2019t expect the BOTE Rackham Aero to be in its element. It’s designed to be this great big platform for fishing, fun, and friends, not to be the fastest craft on the water. That being said, the new Apex Pedal Drive system offers a 10:1 gear ratio that should easily propel this BOTE with little effort from your leg muscles. In short we think the Apex Pedal Drive will be a game changer in overall performance of these SUP\/YAK hybrids and is something to consider when overall craft speed is a concern such as when crossing busy waterways. <\/p>\n The BOTE Rackham Aero comes standard with 2 permanently attached \u201cside bite\u201d fins and a single 10\u201d removable center fin. The combination of fins allows this board to track reasonably well in most scenarios. Further, A vessel of this size is difficult to change directions once underway without some more advanced paddling techniques.<\/p>\n Enter the BOTE Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System. For starters, with all the pieces attached and the system engaged it has a hands free forward to reverse mechanism. Simply pedal backwards to start moving backwards. Adding in the adjustable \u201cnatural\u201d Rudder System gives you even more control on your course. The controls can be mounted for both left and right handed individuals and they are intuitive meaning left means left and right means right. Simple, easy, maneuverable.<\/p>\n BOTE makes quality products. If you don\u2019t believe me, take a look at either of their flagship Florida retail stores aimed at getting boards in the hands of the local public. You could arguably say these boards are made to be displayed as much as they are to be paddled. BOTE runs a tight ship when it comes to quality control. You won\u2019t be seeing many, if any, defects on these boards. <\/p>\n The Rackham Aero is made using BOTE\u2019s signature AeroULTRA Technology. Using the latest in composite drop stitch production gives these boards incredible durability. <\/p>\n Check Prices<\/a>\n Features:<\/strong> Beyond the game changing drive feature it still retains almost all of the functionality of the top of the line BOTE paddle board. Paddle sheath, sandspear, rack and cooler compatible, it\u2019s all here. This board can do just about anything you need it to do and has spots and space for just about any attachment. We especially like the MagnaPod accessory retention system.<\/p>\n Included Accessories:<\/strong><\/p>\n Ok, So what do you get with the BOTE Rackham Aero? I\u2019m glad you asked, because we want to be clear about something. Even though this review focuses heavily on the new Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System, that item is currently NOT INCLUDED in the standard package. That setup is currently $899 and is available as an add-on item, or as part of a \u201cPackage\u201d that includes several other BOTE accessories. For this section we are going to assume you went whole hog and got yourself the Apex Drive system as well. <\/p>\n Again, we would like to be clear, as of this writing the Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System is an $899 option for the Rackham Aero. We included here as we feel it is an important feature of this new model year paddle board. <\/p>\n Optional Accessories:<\/strong> We can think of very few scenarios that aren’t covered by BOTE\u2019s vast library of accessories. They really do a great job of allowing you to customize the board to your desires. <\/p>\n We love that BOTE continues to strive for innovation in all the products they put out. The introduction of the Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System as a universal piece allows them to start incorporating that into more water craft across their lineup. Pedal drives have been around for quite a while however the integration of pedal drives and stand up paddle boards \/ kayak hybrids is something entirely new. <\/p>\n We love the quality construction and commitment to accessories made by BOTE. We do admit that many of the accessories push this paddleboard into a fairly expensive price point but we also are comfortable saying that it is most certainly worth it if that is what you are looking for. Our staff members have been paddling BOTE brand boards for years and still appreciate their constant eye towards the future. <\/p>\n We hope you enjoyed this review of the BOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System. As always if you have any opinions or questions about this review please let us know either by posting below or dropping us a line. We look forward to meeting you out on the water, so until we do Happy Paddling!<\/p>\n Check Prices<\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\n
BOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Pedal Drive Review: Overview<\/h2>\n
![\"Bote](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Bote-Rackham-Pedal-Drive.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Pedal Drive: Spec Sheet<\/h2>\n
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In-Depth Review of the BOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Peddle Drive<\/h2>\n
![\"SeaGods](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Rackham-Apex-3.jpeg\")
\n![\"SeaGods](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Rackham-Apex-2-1.jpeg\")
![\"SeaGods](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Rackham-Apex-4.jpeg\")
Stability Rating:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nAs mentioned above this board is extremely stable. With that stability usually comes the added benefit of being able to handle large loads well. Rated at 400 lbs, we think the Rackham\u2019s weight capacity might be an underestimate when it comes to the total amount of gear and equipment or people you can get onto this board. We see no problems taking on a passenger, pet, or cooler whenever you hit the water.<\/p>\nSpeed:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Tracking:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"bote](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bote-rackham-fin-setup.png\")
<\/p>\nManeuverability:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Construction Quality:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Racham](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Racham-Aero-Full-Trax-Pedal-Drive.jpg\")
<\/p>\nFeatures\/Accessory Review:<\/h3>\n
![\"bote](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bote-rackham-silver-king-accessories.png\")
<\/p>\n\n![\"Rackham](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/A-PDRK-05-min_10a6a441-691d-4512-af9b-979743f66550.jpg\")
![\"APEX](\"https:\/\/www.supboardguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/APEX-PEDAL-DRIVE.jpg\")
\nIn a nutshell, what makes the new BOTE Rackham Aero stand out from a feature perspective is its ability to integrate with the BOTE Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System. This simple inclusion adds a great deal more functionality and useability to this board. Additionally we really like the idea of a clear viewing \u201cporthole\u201d both when the drive is attached and not attached. <\/p>\n\n
\nThe list of included items with the BOTE Rackham Aero is vast. However there are still plenty of items in their accessories bin to add to cart should you want a more customized paddling experience. These are some of our favorites:<\/p>\n\n
Summary Review of the BOTE Rackham Aero with Apex Pedal Drive and Rudder System<\/h2>\n