I already own two kayaks. A feelfree moken 12.5 and a reelyaks canoe kayak hybrid. Looking at getting a third. A Zulu is definitely on the list. Thanks for the information
Thanks! Hey you'll love it. I just took mine out to fish the flats a few days ago and it's really the way to go being comfortable and stable out there. Next week I'll be hauling it to the Suwannee River for a 50 mile trip I can't wait!
I friggin love my Zulu, it is the sturdiest yak I’ve ever been on. It’s so versatile, I can take it to deep water in the ocean and lakes even took it down category 3 streams. It’s a total hybrid paddle board, fishing yak.
I love my Zulu. My only complaints were the steering radius. I ordered the big rudder upgrade and it fixed the issues I had. I enjoy fishing from my Zulu even more than my solo skiff most of the time. The only time I fish on my solo skiff now is in the ocean or when trolling lakes and running up the Sacramento river. When I fish any lakes though my Zulu is always my favorite to use.
I just did the tomahawk rudder upgrade as well. I agree the Zulu is a great craft. Now I wouldn't mind having a solo skiff too lol. You seem to have the best of both worlds!
I just got my new Zulu this past Sunday, ordered it back in March so had to wait 3 months to get it and have to wait until the weekend to play with it.
This was great. I have these two kayaks. I’m in Monticello and new to Florida so I would love to see what you like to bring camping, where you go, what you like to fish with that sort of thing.
Awesome and thanks for watching! I just did a cool trip on the Suwannee River and will be postings the video soon. I also have some near gear I'll be reviewing soon.
That ending killed me! 😂😂😂 have you tried stowing the pedal drive elsewhere on the yak to get it out of the way while not in use? Will it fit in the bow hatch or rear hatch?
Yeah always check the rope before you swing lol. The pedal drive does pop off easy and probably could be put in the hatch I've never tried it. I always just leave it on unless I know I won't be using it at all.
I have the Zulu and like the ability to stand and paddle. Very interested in the star board square someone made for the pedal drive to lock into. It’s 4x4 and has 4 1/4 “ bolts that hold it to the metal bracket.
Hopefully by middle or end of September I'll be ordering mine thanks to this video. Lots of great info here and I greatly appreciate it. I've been bouncing off the walls or websites in search of the perfect one. I'm sold on the stability, the open space and usability. Not too stoked about the pedal drive system and the loss of space but it is cheaper than a trolling motor. I do have one question and that is the actual weight of your Zulu with pedal drive, seat and ruder? I did read the specs and states 88 lbs but i think thats just bare bones.
It's heavy but manageable. I transport mine on a trailer and just back it right in the water or I use my C Tug kayak cart it works well. I had to come to the realization you can't have stability without the weight. You'll like the pedal drive it's not bad and easy to work around.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH Thank you for the quick response. I like the idea of removing the 4 bolts on the pedal drive just in case you run into something for the pedal system to pop up. With the removal of the hardware is the pedal drive stable or wobbly?
@@PADDLECAMPFISH One last question, I'm not a big guy, 5' 7" about 200lbs and I own a Grand Cherokee which will be my means of transporting my Zulu. I don't have a trailer hitch nor a trailer so I'm going to have to mount it on the roof rack. Which racking product do you recommend and I will somehow be doing this by myself 🥵
@@ricklerma6293 When I first had my Voodoo I used to transport it on my roof. I just used soft racks I got from academy and used straps. I would put a towel on the edge of the roof and lay the nose on then push it up on the racks. There are a bunch of options of hard racks out there some are a little pricy. Eventually I'd check on getting a hitch installed and buy a trailer off Facebook market place, I see them on there cheap all the time.
I have just gotten my Zulu and love it as well. Cons, minimal and same as your comments. In your video you mentioned transport. I have a similar trailer, but needing a cart. You mentioned you would share your set up, but perhaps I miised it. So, what cart do you think works best? Thanks
I bought the C-Tug which is supposed to be the best one for the Zulu. I haven't really had a chance to use it but once since I always use the trailer. It seemed to work well but you have to play around and learn how to strap it on right at first. I watched a few videos on it and it worked like a champ.
Have you done a video on the major differences between the voodoo and Zulu? Trying to decide which would be better for me. Fairly new to kayaking and the kaku kayaks seem to fit what I need.
Thanks! Not sure about riveting them since the pad is a soft material. They might tear away from the riveting after time and use. I think if I find a better adhesive that might work.
@@andrewsmith941 Yeah you could, but it might look a little crazy. I just keep some 3m adhesive handy and tack it back down. What happens is the sand collects around those edges and with use it pushes up under the pad and compromises the glue. Mine only comes up a little bit on the corners but a rivet would definitely fix it 😆
Great video!!! Been reading most of the comments and just wanted to through in a couple of maybes if you don't mind regarding the corner pad. How about a very strong epoxy and then a bead around the edges to prevent sand wearing it down again?
Just got my Zulu! Spent 4 full days on it swimbait fishing for LG mouth. I love it ! My only complaint , and not a big one ,is I wish the deck was more ridged. This is my 1st kayak so I’m not sure if this is how all yaks are. But other than that it’s great. ...question , would a rudder help tracking that much ?
Awesome! I am out on a 4 day trip Bass fishing the SantaFe River on my Zulu right now and having a blast. The rudder that comes with it if you have the pedal drive wouldn't work because it's hand controlled. I'm not sure if he makes a rudder that's foot controlled but I feel it would help. I"ve been pedal and paddling this trip and I paddled a little with my rudder down, yep that didn't work. As far as the deck goes it does flex a little but you get used to that. My guess is because the flat deck design and it's length it would be hard to get the deck solid without adding a bunch more material and making it even heavier. How did you do Bass fishing? We've done pretty good here so far.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH thanks from the quick reply. I’m only paddling now. Dint think I’ll ever go pedal because I like the deck space. Many be a trolling motor someday but I dint mind paddling my small bodies of water. ...I did Terrible, 4 days and only landed one 3lb bass on an 8” glide. Had fun though.
@@ironbound1984 Yes the pedal drive does take a lot of your deck space.. I originally wasn't going to get the pedal drive but I got mine during the beginning of covid used and it was all I could find but I ended up loving the pedal drive and use it most of the time now. A trolling motor is on my list as well but I almost feel like I'd be cheating lol.
It actually runs pretty shallow. I leave my bolts off the starboard cover if I'm fishing shallow just incase I hit something the drive can push upward in the hole but I haven't had any issues hitting anything yet.
Damn! Damn! Damn! I already have a Hobie Outback and a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140! This video just made me fall in love with Kaku Zulu...my wife is going to kill me (because I think I'm going to have to get it)!
There's a bunch out there but the Kaku brand is a whole different breed. It all depends what your looking for. For stability hands down this is the best one.
If you was going to use a trolling motor and paddle only fishing creeks between Ozello and Keaton beach which kayak of the w do you think you would go with.
I'd say the Zulu. It has sevral trolling motor bracket options and you could still paddle it as well. It's probably the most stable kayak out there and the option to stand on the chair and sight cast makes it the best in my opinion.
Do you know of an inflatable version with a similar or better weight capacity? I can just see this growing legs sitting on top of my squaredrop camper in my neighborhood, thanks.
So, does a person purchasing this model really need the pedal drive? If doing more flyfishing, are there any reasons absolutely needed for the pedal drive?
Thanks! Kevin the owner designs them out of Tarpon Springs FL. and I believe they are produced out of the USA. I'll have to find out for sure. They are built soild as a tank though.
The Zulu stays pretty dry. It's recessed a little which keeps the splash of the waves off of the deck better than the Voodoo. Check out my Island winter escape video, it was pretty windy and rough and the deck stayed pretty dry for the conditions.
I'm going to strip it down and try it with my stand up paddle soon. I'm sure it's a little heavy but I think it will still glide along fine. I'll let you know when I do and probably make a video.
Considering a Zulu. I have watched serval of your videos (greatly appreciate the content), read the reviews, and saw the boat in person. The only negative I have seen is about the deck warping. Has the deck on your Zulu warped at all? Thanks again for the videos.
Thanks Terry! I had that problem with the Voodoo but it seems to be fixed with the Zulu. I think because the Voodoo is one big flat deck it was hard to hold its shape when it got hot. Ive had it a year now with no issues. I'll let you know how it holds up.
@@LSMasonFoundas I was going to run outside and measure it but it's pouring down rain lol. I'm pretty sure its not quite high enough and then there's the support bars on the chair, so you wouldn't be able to slide it in and out. i think most guys run the battery behind the seat or in the back hatch for their trolling motors. There's plenty of deck space to have one in a battery box for sure..
@@PADDLECAMPFISH Ha! Dont do that :) I keep looking at the Kaku videos with trolling motor set in the peddle well. I cant see where the battery is. Dunno. I'll keep poking ty!
@@LSMasonFoundas I saw the video where Kevin originally made the bracket for the center well for a trolling motor. He threw a 12 volt battery behind the seat. Also try Kaku kayak fishing facebook group they have all the Zulu mods on there.
Because of you I am purchasing the Zulu thank you for your video
Awesome you'll love it! Did you get the pedal drive? Let me know when you get it.
Ok, that great laugh at the end sold me. Thank you for making this video.
I already own two kayaks. A feelfree moken 12.5 and a reelyaks canoe kayak hybrid. Looking at getting a third. A Zulu is definitely on the list. Thanks for the information
Just ordered mine I’m so excited.
Lolol 😂 at the end..I am getting one now because of your video. You sold me..I subscribed..I love camping and to see your setup is nice..
Very impressive kayak and you gave a excellent review, had to subscribe because of the ending
I love my Zulu, I use it the same as you. Cooler paddle peddle all. Simple clean functional!
Yes I agree, very functional
Appreciate this thorough video my friend. Its settled for me, Im getting mine this week. Think Ill drive down to Tarpon on my day off!
Thanks! Hey you'll love it. I just took mine out to fish the flats a few days ago and it's really the way to go being comfortable and stable out there. Next week I'll be hauling it to the Suwannee River for a 50 mile trip I can't wait!
sempurna karyanya brilian sekali senior pembuatan kayak sulunya
I friggin love my Zulu, it is the sturdiest yak I’ve ever been on. It’s so versatile, I can take it to deep water in the ocean and lakes even took it down category 3 streams. It’s a total hybrid paddle board, fishing yak.
I’ve had mine for a month. Pedal system finally came in stock today got that ordered can’t wait for it to come in
You'll love it! Good times ahead!
Jeezus dude, that rope swing!
Lesson learned.. always check your rope swing before launching 😆
Thanks for the vids! I am so stoked to get my Zulu soon.
Let me know when you get it!
Great video. The end was awesome lol! I subbed so i can check out some of your content. Tight lines!
Thanks! I appreciate it. I'll be doing some more videos soon. I can't wait to get my kayak back in the water.
I love my Zulu. My only complaints were the steering radius. I ordered the big rudder upgrade and it fixed the issues I had. I enjoy fishing from my Zulu even more than my solo skiff most of the time. The only time I fish on my solo skiff now is in the ocean or when trolling lakes and running up the Sacramento river. When I fish any lakes though my Zulu is always my favorite to use.
I just did the tomahawk rudder upgrade as well. I agree the Zulu is a great craft. Now I wouldn't mind having a solo skiff too lol. You seem to have the best of both worlds!
@@PADDLECAMPFISH get you a good John boat can carry a friend then
Nice. Would like to know if it’s made in the USA ?
Kevin at kaku is amazing handles any problems I’ve had.
Great review! I’m considering getting this next. Subbed!
Nice video. Torn between this and a NuCanoe 12
That is a tough decision. I love the Zulu.
I just got my new Zulu this past Sunday, ordered it back in March so had to wait 3 months to get it and have to wait until the weekend to play with it.
Awesome! Let me know how you like it!
Thanks for the update!
Yes Sir!
This was great. I have these two kayaks. I’m in Monticello and new to Florida so I would love to see what you like to bring camping, where you go, what you like to fish with that sort of thing.
Awesome and thanks for watching! I just did a cool trip on the Suwannee River and will be postings the video soon. I also have some near gear I'll be reviewing soon.
Tip: For getting the pads glued back down try "shoe goo" next time.
That ending killed me! 😂😂😂 have you tried stowing the pedal drive elsewhere on the yak to get it out of the way while not in use? Will it fit in the bow hatch or rear hatch?
Yeah always check the rope before you swing lol. The pedal drive does pop off easy and probably could be put in the hatch I've never tried it. I always just leave it on unless I know I won't be using it at all.
I have the Zulu and like the ability to stand and paddle. Very interested in the star board square someone made for the pedal drive to lock into. It’s 4x4 and has 4 1/4 “ bolts that hold it to the metal bracket.
Where did you see that? Sounds interesting.
Great video. My ? for you is how is the Zulu in shallow draft
Thanks! Very shallow, even with the pedal drive down will surprise you.
I have 3 Hobies and this is the boat I hope to eventually have
It's a great boat and a great hobbie! I love mine.
Hopefully by middle or end of September I'll be ordering mine thanks to this video. Lots of great info here and I greatly appreciate it. I've been bouncing off the walls or websites in search of the perfect one. I'm sold on the stability, the open space and usability. Not too stoked about the pedal drive system and the loss of space but it is cheaper than a trolling motor. I do have one question and that is the actual weight of your Zulu with pedal drive, seat and ruder? I did read the specs and states 88 lbs but i think thats just bare bones.
It's heavy but manageable. I transport mine on a trailer and just back it right in the water or I use my C Tug kayak cart it works well. I had to come to the realization you can't have stability without the weight. You'll like the pedal drive it's not bad and easy to work around.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH Thank you for the quick response. I like the idea of removing the 4 bolts on the pedal drive just in case you run into something for the pedal system to pop up. With the removal of the hardware is the pedal drive stable or wobbly?
@@PADDLECAMPFISH One last question, I'm not a big guy, 5' 7" about 200lbs and I own a Grand Cherokee which will be my means of transporting my Zulu. I don't have a trailer hitch nor a trailer so I'm going to have to mount it on the roof rack. Which racking product do you recommend and I will somehow be doing this by myself 🥵
@@ricklerma6293 When I first had my Voodoo I used to transport it on my roof. I just used soft racks I got from academy and used straps. I would put a towel on the edge of the roof and lay the nose on then push it up on the racks. There are a bunch of options of hard racks out there some are a little pricy. Eventually I'd check on getting a hitch installed and buy a trailer off Facebook market place, I see them on there cheap all the time.
I have just gotten my Zulu and love it as well. Cons, minimal and same as your comments. In your video you mentioned transport. I have a similar trailer, but needing a cart. You mentioned you would share your set up, but perhaps I miised it. So, what cart do you think works best? Thanks
I bought the C-Tug which is supposed to be the best one for the Zulu. I haven't really had a chance to use it but once since I always use the trailer. It seemed to work well but you have to play around and learn how to strap it on right at first. I watched a few videos on it and it worked like a champ.
Have you done a video on the major differences between the voodoo and Zulu? Trying to decide which would be better for me. Fairly new to kayaking and the kaku kayaks seem to fit what I need.
I just ordered the zulu with peddle drive and was wondering what wheel system you use to transport kayak from truck to water
I use the C tug cart it works great but most of the time I have it on a trailer and back it right in like a boat.
enjoyed your one year review, can you rivet down those corner pads that are peeling up?
Thanks! Not sure about riveting them since the pad is a soft material. They might tear away from the riveting after time and use. I think if I find a better adhesive that might work.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH what if riveted it with a stainless steel washer. That is really the only complaint I have ever seen people have with this kayak.
@@andrewsmith941 Yeah you could, but it might look a little crazy. I just keep some 3m adhesive handy and tack it back down. What happens is the sand collects around those edges and with use it pushes up under the pad and compromises the glue. Mine only comes up a little bit on the corners but a rivet would definitely fix it 😆
Great video!!! Been reading most of the comments and just wanted to through in a couple of maybes if you don't mind regarding the corner pad. How about a very strong epoxy and then a bead around the edges to prevent sand wearing it down again?
@@ricklerma6293 if you want something that won't come up, use 3M 5200 adhesive.
Just got my Zulu! Spent 4 full days on it swimbait fishing for LG mouth. I love it ! My only complaint , and not a big one ,is I wish the deck was more ridged. This is my 1st kayak so I’m not sure if this is how all yaks are. But other than that it’s great. ...question , would a rudder help tracking that much ?
Awesome! I am out on a 4 day trip Bass fishing the SantaFe River on my Zulu right now and having a blast. The rudder that comes with it if you have the pedal drive wouldn't work because it's hand controlled. I'm not sure if he makes a rudder that's foot controlled but I feel it would help. I"ve been pedal and paddling this trip and I paddled a little with my rudder down, yep that didn't work. As far as the deck goes it does flex a little but you get used to that. My guess is because the flat deck design and it's length it would be hard to get the deck solid without adding a bunch more material and making it even heavier. How did you do Bass fishing? We've done pretty good here so far.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH thanks from the quick reply. I’m only paddling now. Dint think I’ll
ever go pedal because I like the deck space. Many be a trolling motor someday but I dint mind paddling my small bodies of water. ...I did Terrible, 4 days and only landed one 3lb bass on an 8” glide. Had fun though.
@@ironbound1984 Yes the pedal drive does take a lot of your deck space.. I originally wasn't going to get the pedal drive but I got mine during the beginning of covid used and it was all I could find but I ended up loving the pedal drive and use it most of the time now. A trolling motor is on my list as well but I almost feel like I'd be cheating lol.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH NAAA! Fishing is hard enough ! Get the motor if you want lol
@@ironbound1984 I agree, I'll use it for different fishing applications especially in Saltwater to cover more ground.
With the pedal drive, how does it do in really shallow areas? My concern is hitting a sandbar or rock in some of the inlets where I kayak fish.
It actually runs pretty shallow. I leave my bolts off the starboard cover if I'm fishing shallow just incase I hit something the drive can push upward in the hole but I haven't had any issues hitting anything yet.
Nice friend
Thanks 2PF!
Damn! Damn! Damn! I already have a Hobie Outback and a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140! This video just made me fall in love with Kaku Zulu...my wife is going to kill me (because I think I'm going to have to get it)!
Lol! Yeah I have 5 kayaks and my wife is always saying you don't need that many! I say you can never have enough tools in your tool box lol.
I am looking at one and currently have a nucanoe f12. Is it as stable or better if you know?
I'd say they were more stable
How much do you weigh? Can you stand on it and be stable when you are all packed out?
I was around 200ibs on my last long trip. You can load this this down and still easily stand with stability even on the chair. It's a tank!
How reliable has the pedal drive been? Is it setup for instant reverse? Thanks
@@Meterman1980 It's pretty bulletproof all you do is pedal backwards for reverse.
Are there any other boats out there that are similiar to these you recommend ?
There's a bunch out there but the Kaku brand is a whole different breed. It all depends what your looking for. For stability hands down this is the best one.
If you was going to use a trolling motor and paddle only fishing creeks between Ozello and Keaton beach which kayak of the w do you think you would go with.
I'd say the Zulu. It has sevral trolling motor bracket options and you could still paddle it as well. It's probably the most stable kayak out there and the option to stand on the chair and sight cast makes it the best in my opinion.
is the standing deck floor sagging after 2 years of use?
Not on the Zulu, my Voodoo did but the Zulu is doing well.
How much of the Zulu do you think would sit flat on bunk boards. Trying to set up my trailer.
Almost all of it except the nose. I did pvc runners on my trailer and spaced them out so the Zulu just slides right on and off.
Do you know of an inflatable version with a similar or better weight capacity? I can just see this growing legs sitting on top of my squaredrop camper in my neighborhood, thanks.
Check ot Red Co paddleboards. They have some pretty stable models.
Bluefin 15 carbon Sup
Look at the bote lono apex as well
With amount of use on the drive, how did you maintain it?
I haven't yet, no problems or issues. There is a video of how to grease it but I haven't got around to it yet.
How is the speed compared to traditional kayaks?
Compared to other fishing kayaks in its weight class its about the same speed. 3 to 4 mph on average, not the fastest but very stable.
How tall and how much do you weigh sorry if you’ve already covered this
So, does a person purchasing this model really need the pedal drive? If doing more flyfishing, are there any reasons absolutely needed for the pedal drive?
No you can buy them without one it will save a lot of money. If your doing more fly fishing you'll definitely want the extra deck space.
Nice! Are these made in the USA?
Thanks! Kevin the owner designs them out of Tarpon Springs FL. and I believe they are produced out of the USA. I'll have to find out for sure. They are built soild as a tank though.
PADDLE CAMP FISH just ordered one. Thx.
You'll love it! If you have any questions when you get it you can always ask me I'll be happy to help.
PADDLE CAMP FISH Appreciate thank you 🤜🏻💥
how dry is the deck?
The Zulu stays pretty dry. It's recessed a little which keeps the splash of the waves off of the deck better than the Voodoo. Check out my Island winter escape video, it was pretty windy and rough and the deck stayed pretty dry for the conditions.
Can someone tell me what Engel cooler to buy that fits the kaku Zulu?
Mines the 30 quart and fits pretty well.
How is it as a paddle board?
I'm going to strip it down and try it with my stand up paddle soon. I'm sure it's a little heavy but I think it will still glide along fine. I'll let you know when I do and probably make a video.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH thanks!
Considering a Zulu. I have watched serval of your videos (greatly appreciate the content), read the reviews, and saw the boat in person. The only negative I have seen is about the deck warping. Has the deck on your Zulu warped at all? Thanks again for the videos.
Thanks Terry! I had that problem with the Voodoo but it seems to be fixed with the Zulu. I think because the Voodoo is one big flat deck it was hard to hold its shape when it got hot. Ive had it a year now with no issues. I'll let you know how it holds up.
@@PADDLECAMPFISH thanks for the response. I will have a Zulu by the end of the month😀
@@terrybechtel9636 Awesome! Let me know how you like it.
Can you fit a 100ah lithium battery in the front hatch or under the chair?
Is it the same size as a normal 12 volt battery?
@@PADDLECAMPFISH It is a 12v 100ah. Do you know the dimensions of the forward hold or the clearance height under the seat? Thanks!
@@LSMasonFoundas I was going to run outside and measure it but it's pouring down rain lol. I'm pretty sure its not quite high enough and then there's the support bars on the chair, so you wouldn't be able to slide it in and out. i think most guys run the battery behind the seat or in the back hatch for their trolling motors. There's plenty of deck space to have one in a battery box for sure..
@@PADDLECAMPFISH Ha! Dont do that :) I keep looking at the Kaku videos with trolling motor set in the peddle well. I cant see where the battery is. Dunno. I'll keep poking ty!
@@LSMasonFoundas I saw the video where Kevin originally made the bracket for the center well for a trolling motor. He threw a 12 volt battery behind the seat. Also try Kaku kayak fishing facebook group they have all the Zulu mods on there.
You live in a Trailor?
Yes sir! a 80×32 deep in the woods! I own a 4x4, drink beer, shoot guns and grow my own food! 😆