BOTE Unveils Award-Winning Rackham Gatorshell with APEX Pedal Drive Integration

September 12, 2023

High-Capacity Fishing and Expedition Platform Seamlessly Transitions from Paddleboard to Pedal-Driven Kayak

MIRAMAR BEACH, Fla. – September 12, 2023 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – BOTE, the leading innovator in water lifestyle products, today announces the re-imagined Rackham Gatorshell featuring APEX Pedal Drive compatibility. Earning the Best in Boats and Watercraft category award at ICAST 2022, this platform’s redesign represents a groundbreaking transformation, seamlessly transitioning from a stand-up paddleboard to a pedal-driven kayak.

Renowned for their prowess as fishing machines, BOTE’s Rackham paddle boards are the ultimate choice for big expeditions. As the most stable board offered, the Rackham Gatorshell boasts a wide, secure base and a recessed deck, ensuring a lower center of gravity. In addition to unmatched stability, the Rackham Gatorshell is also one of BOTE’s most durable boards, thanks to its proprietary Gatorshell technology. These boards are crafted using advanced ballistics-grade composites, guaranteeing a seamless construction that is highly resistant to abrasion. Additionally, heat-sealed multi-textured deck pads showcase a distinctive embossed texture that provides incredible grip and comfort. Great for extended paddling and fishing, the displacement hull features a pointed nose that enables the board to efficiently cut through the water.

Decked out with an array of impressive features and designed to seamlessly accommodate various accessories such as the Bucket Rac, Tackle Rac, and Sandspear, the Rackham proudly stands as the unrivaled leader in carrying capacity within the BOTE paddle board lineup. And now, this feature-rich, stable, and high-capacity platform is more customizable than ever before.

The BOTE APEX Pedal Drive, sold separately, is a revolutionary hands-free, pedal-powered system. It features a 10:1 gear ratio, ensuring smooth and efficient pedaling, along with a spacious pedal foot platform complete with comfortable straps. With a clear view port-hole, no-touch forward and reverse functionality, and a spring-loaded, kick-up rudder, the APEX Pedal Drive is designed for effortless transitions between pedal-driven paddling, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.

The included Aero Paddle Seat is custom-built to seamlessly convert the Rackham from stand-up paddle board to sit-on-top kayak. Height adjustment is a breeze through four G-clips, catering to both kayak and pedal-driven paddling preferences. Paddle lash-downs are included on each side of the seat for storage of both a kayak and a stand-up paddle, and the APEX Pedal Drive rudder control system can be attached to either the right or left side of the seat for ambidextrous steering.

The Rackham’s feature set is nothing short of impressive, including front and back bungees, grab handles, gear straps, accessory mounting points, the innovative MAGNEPOD magnetic drink and accessory retention system, and a wide array of add-ons. Among these, the all-new mini Rocket Rac stands out, offering three rod holders – two angled for trolling and one for storage.

The introduction of the re-imagined Rackham Gatorshell marks an exciting addition to BOTE’s lineup of APEX Pedal Drive-compatible watercrafts, including the Rackham Aero 12’4” and LONO Aero.

Available in two sizes, the new Rackham Gatorshell 12′ ($2,149) and Rackham Gatorshell 14′ ($2,349), along with the APEX Pedal Drive + Rudder System ($899) are available at BOTE flagship retail locations, BOTE dealers, and online at boteboard.com.

Rackham Gatorshell 12′ Technical Specs:

• Dimensions: 12′ L × 32″ W × 8″ D
• Capacity: 350 LBS
• Avg. Weight: 48 LBS
• Construction: Gatorshell Technology

Rackham Gatorshell 14′ Technical Specs:

• Dimensions: 14′ L × 34″ W × 8″ D
• Capacity: 400 LBS
• Avg. Weight: 52 LBS
• Construction: Gatorshell Technology

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ABOUT BOTE

BOTE is driven by a singular yet broad-reaching mission: To Stand Apart through industry-shaping innovation, fresh ideas and simplicity to create a product that defines a lifestyle. It is this mission that keeps BOTE pushing the boundaries of both technology and style to bring customers a product that not only looks beautiful and performs flawlessly, but that stirs the soul and inspires adventure. Born from stand up paddle boards and now pioneering inflatable kayaks, floating dock systems, and more — BOTE continues to strive for advancement and embrace individuality.

Media Contact:

ECHOS Communications

Ivy Boomershine

ivy@echoscomm.com