BOTE Introduces Redesigned Rackham SUP with APEX Pedal Drive Integration

MIRAMAR BEACH, Florida - BOTE, the longstanding leader of innovation and style in the paddleboard, kayak, and water lifestyle space, is proud to introduce its redesigned Rackham Aero 12’4” paddle board - among the brand’s most feature-rich inflatable platforms - which now comes with two big upgrades: the addition of APEX Pedal Drive compatibility and the ability to add the included Aero SUP Paddle Seat. The result is a revolutionary stand up paddleboard that can transform into a sit-down, pedal-powered vessel in minutes.

The Rackham Aero Inflatable paddleboard has always been BOTE’s go-to board for big-time water excursions. Coined as The Waterman's SUP, the full-size Rackham is a super stable board with 400lb. carrying capacity and formidable form plus function. For anglers, it’s a true fishing machine—decked to the nines with add-on features and multiple accessory compatibilities. For all-around adventure paddlers, it’s a high-volume vessel fit for any excursion.

And now, BOTE’s most heavy-hitting, heavy-duty inflatable platform easily converts into a sit-down, hands-free, pedal-powered watercraft and back.

Photo courtesy: BOTE Board

“The new Rackham is one of the coolest things we make,” says BOTE CEO and Co-Founder, Corey Cooper. “The DNA is an awesome adventure paddle board with enough volume to load all the gear and be able to do whatever you want. Whether it’s a larger person or just more weight (like more gear or even your faithful dog), the Rackham can hold it all. Now with the APEX Pedal Drive integration port and seat tie downs the Rackham evolves into a badass crossover between a hybrid kayak pedal drive and a SUP.”

The Rackham Aero is made from highly durable AeroBOTE Technology and uses two-chamber construction for added buoyancy, thick rails for stability, and center and side fins for mobility and increased tracking. The two-chamber design provides a wide base and recessed deck for a lower center of gravity, keeping both paddler and gear high and dry.

The BOTE APEX Pedal Drive, sold separately, is a revolutionary hands-free, pedal-powered system with a 10:1 gear ratio for smooth, efficient pedaling, a wide pedal foot platform with comfortable straps, a clear view port-hole, no-touch forward and reverse, and a spring-loaded, kick-up rudder. The APEX Pedal Drive is built to pivot in and out of the Rackham’s APEX pedal port with incredible efficiency, so that you can transition from pedal-driven paddling to kayak paddling to stand up paddling with ease.

Photo courtesy: BOTE Board

For kayak and pedal-driven paddling, the included Aero SUP Paddle Seat attaches and adjusts for height and preference via four G-clips. 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.

If you’re looking for features, the Rackham doesn’t disappoint: Front and back bungees, grab handles and gear straps, accessory mounting points, MAGNEPOD magnetic drink retention system, and huge range of add-ons including a removable Aero Sandspear Sheath, Sandspear straps, Travelink™ SUP Carry System, and mounting points for a Power-Pole Micro™ anchor. The Rac receivers provide compatibility with BOTE’s Bucket Rac and Tackle Rac, so you can easily store fishing rods and attach a KULA cooler.

The new Rackham Aero 12’4” ($1,449) and APEX Pedal Drive ($899) are now available at BOTE flagship retail locations, BOTE dealers, and online at boteboard.com.

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.