THE BEST WATERCRAFT DRIVE SYSTEM JUST GOT BETTER.
Meet the Jackson Kayak Flex Drive Mark IV, the latest innovation in the Flex Drive evolution. The only drive system on the market to offer a shallow water auto-retracting lower unit, a 3-position dagger board to accommodate a variety of depths, and a sealed above-water pedal system with intuitive forward and reverse operation – all wrapped up with Jackson Kayak’s industry leading warranty and customer service.
Faster, smoother, quieter, and more durable than ever before, the Flex Drive Mark IV gives you the power to get closer to the action.
So, how did we take something great and make it even better?
FASTER. The power to get you there. And back – quickly.
Jackson Kayak's latest upgrades have made the drive more efficient and that has allowed us to use a more aggressive prop. Specifically, the Flex Drive Mark IV is powered by a 3:1 pedal drive input fed into a 4:1 spiral bevel gear pair. The result? You get more speed from every rotation of the pedals. And we get to deliver a drive that’s smooth as silk, and faster than ever.
SMOOTHER & QUIETER. Because stealth matters.
The upgraded the bearings, increased the diameter on the flex drive cable and reversed the rotation of the drive all in an effort to make sure what is under the water is whisper quiet. On the upper, we completely revamped the drive, and with the new belt driven system it’s quieter and smoother than all past versions of the FD.
MORE DURABLE. The Mark IV can handle anything you throw at it.
We wanted to figure out the best way to make our pedal system even more durable. So, what did we do? We looked to an industry that has been testing pedal technology, in all kinds of conditions, for well over a century – the bicycle. We started with ‘off the shelf’ bicycle parts and then put them in a closed, maintenance-free housing in a sealed oil bath. We then moved over to a serpentine belt system so that the entire system is stronger overall, and far more forgiving.
Just to make sure this system is as good as we think it is, we subjected it to hundreds of hours of freshwater and saltwater testing. Every box has been checked and double-checked. This gives us the confidence to offer a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the Mark IV, just like our previous Flex Drives.
UPPER UNIT
The upper unit has been completely redesigned. It now features a serpentine belt-driven system and uses ‘off the shelf’ bike parts that have been in use for decades. By moving this direction, we were able to increase speed and durability, all while using parts that have been industry-tested to perform in the worst conditions possible.
The new Mark IV Drive is maintenance-free and ready to use immediately. The sealed oil bath surrounding the internal gearing on the drive eliminates the need for maintenance, and because the crank arms are factory-installed to the proper torque rating, you’re ready to start pedaling!
The Flex Drive Mark IV gear ratio is a 1:12 system, and the propeller has been fine-tuned specifically for this system. The upper unit is still a sealed system, which means no gears or moving parts are below the waterline.
The Mark IV unit is not backward-compatible. The upper and lower units work in tandem. The updates to the lower include a larger diameter, reversed shaft and prop specific to the Mark IV system.
LOWER UNIT
In the Flex Drive 3D, we tightened the tolerances on the lower unit’s flexible shaft. This resulted in reduced vibration, and a dramatic reduction in noise on the water. We have continued the Flex Drive evolution with the Mark IV, adding a thicker, more durable drive shaft and reversing the rotation of the prop to work with the newly designed upper unit.
Since the lower unit is not a sealed system, the water is able to drain easily.
You can view the user manual here: https://hub.jacksonkayak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/334_Belt-Drive-Manual-BV8.pdf
Made in the USA
71812 Kit; Upgrade Mark IV Upper, Lower & Prop
Outdoor New England (ONE) is committed to processing all orders within 1 business day of submission. While we strive to maintain stock of all items in all sizes and colors, some selections may be temporarily unavailable due to demand or supply limitations. If this happens, our customer service team will reach out to provide alternate color choices or to discuss availability of your selected item.
Free Shipping Conditions: Orders over $49 qualify for free shipping when shipped via USPS. Oversized items—including but not limited to Rafts under 12', paddleboards, paddles—must ship via Ups and do not qualify for free shipping.
Shipping Times and Signatures
We prioritize getting your gear to you promptly and understand that timing is critical for outdoor adventures. While we work closely with shipping carriers, certain factors are outside our control. Delivery times are not guaranteed. Signatures are required for Kayak Shipments.
Kayak Shipping
Outdoor New England ships kayak's to local ABF Freight Terminals to save time, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of damage. We will find the ABF Terminal closest to your location for pick up. If you prefer home delivery, we can arrange it for an additional fee.
In some cases, especially for remote locations, ONE may request additional fees to cover the true shipping cost. We’ll notify you in advance and work to find the most efficient, affordable solution. Occasionally, we may also suggest delivery to a nearby freight terminal for pick-up.
You may pick up kayaks directly at our Franklin, New Hampshire Location. Please contact Customer Service to arrange pickup. If you need to change your shipping method after placing your order, email us at info@outdoornewengland.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.
*Important Note for Kayak Orders:*
Upon kayak delivery, inspect the boat thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. This is critical, as signing confirms the condition, and we cannot file damage claims afterward. If you notice any damage, do not sign and contact us immediately.
Shipping to Alaska & Hawaii
Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii incurs additional fees.
International Shipping
Outdoor New England is not currently shipping internationally due to high rates of loss and damage. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to resume international shipping when conditions improve.
Local Pickup
Free local pickup is available at our Franklin, NH location. If you choose local pickup, our customer service team will contact you with details on location and availability.
Returns & Exchanges
If you need to return or exchange an item, please contact us at info@outdoornewengland.com or give us a call at 603.671.7028
Thank you for choosing Outdoor New England!
Promotional Deal
Outdoor New England is offering free promotional shipping to the Lower 48 for the holidays! This is a limited time offer and ONLY includes whitewater kayaks and Blue Sky Boatwork kayaks.
Outdoor New England ships kayak's to local ABF Freight Terminals to save time, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of damage.
We will find the ABF Terminal closest to your location for pick up. If you prefer home delivery, we can arrange it for an additional fee.
In some cases, especially for remote locations, ONE may request additional fees to cover the true shipping cost. To qualify for the free shipping, you may pick up your kayak at the closest ABF terminal to your location. We’ll notify you in advance and work to find the most efficient, affordable solution.
You may pick up kayaks directly at our Franklin, New Hampshire Location. Please contact Customer Service to arrange pickup. If you need to change your shipping method after placing your order, email us at info@outdoornewengland.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.
*Important Note for Kayak Orders: *
Upon kayak delivery, inspect the boat thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. This is critical, as signing confirms the condition, and we cannot file damage claims afterward. If you notice any damage, do not sign and contact us immediately.
Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is very expensive - We are happy to run a quote for you to get accurate pricing before you buy!
THE BEST WATERCRAFT DRIVE SYSTEM JUST GOT BETTER.
Meet the Jackson Kayak Flex Drive Mark IV, the latest innovation in the Flex Drive evolution. The only drive system on the market to offer a shallow water auto-retracting lower unit, a 3-position dagger board to accommodate a variety of depths, and a sealed above-water pedal system with intuitive forward and reverse operation – all wrapped up with Jackson Kayak’s industry leading warranty and customer service.
Faster, smoother, quieter, and more durable than ever before, the Flex Drive Mark IV gives you the power to get closer to the action.
So, how did we take something great and make it even better?
FASTER. The power to get you there. And back – quickly.
Jackson Kayak's latest upgrades have made the drive more efficient and that has allowed us to use a more aggressive prop. Specifically, the Flex Drive Mark IV is powered by a 3:1 pedal drive input fed into a 4:1 spiral bevel gear pair. The result? You get more speed from every rotation of the pedals. And we get to deliver a drive that’s smooth as silk, and faster than ever.
SMOOTHER & QUIETER. Because stealth matters.
The upgraded the bearings, increased the diameter on the flex drive cable and reversed the rotation of the drive all in an effort to make sure what is under the water is whisper quiet. On the upper, we completely revamped the drive, and with the new belt driven system it’s quieter and smoother than all past versions of the FD.
MORE DURABLE. The Mark IV can handle anything you throw at it.
We wanted to figure out the best way to make our pedal system even more durable. So, what did we do? We looked to an industry that has been testing pedal technology, in all kinds of conditions, for well over a century – the bicycle. We started with ‘off the shelf’ bicycle parts and then put them in a closed, maintenance-free housing in a sealed oil bath. We then moved over to a serpentine belt system so that the entire system is stronger overall, and far more forgiving.
Just to make sure this system is as good as we think it is, we subjected it to hundreds of hours of freshwater and saltwater testing. Every box has been checked and double-checked. This gives us the confidence to offer a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the Mark IV, just like our previous Flex Drives.
UPPER UNIT
The upper unit has been completely redesigned. It now features a serpentine belt-driven system and uses ‘off the shelf’ bike parts that have been in use for decades. By moving this direction, we were able to increase speed and durability, all while using parts that have been industry-tested to perform in the worst conditions possible.
The new Mark IV Drive is maintenance-free and ready to use immediately. The sealed oil bath surrounding the internal gearing on the drive eliminates the need for maintenance, and because the crank arms are factory-installed to the proper torque rating, you’re ready to start pedaling!
The Flex Drive Mark IV gear ratio is a 1:12 system, and the propeller has been fine-tuned specifically for this system. The upper unit is still a sealed system, which means no gears or moving parts are below the waterline.
The Mark IV unit is not backward-compatible. The upper and lower units work in tandem. The updates to the lower include a larger diameter, reversed shaft and prop specific to the Mark IV system.
LOWER UNIT
In the Flex Drive 3D, we tightened the tolerances on the lower unit’s flexible shaft. This resulted in reduced vibration, and a dramatic reduction in noise on the water. We have continued the Flex Drive evolution with the Mark IV, adding a thicker, more durable drive shaft and reversing the rotation of the prop to work with the newly designed upper unit.
Since the lower unit is not a sealed system, the water is able to drain easily.
You can view the user manual here: https://hub.jacksonkayak.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/334_Belt-Drive-Manual-BV8.pdf
Made in the USA
71812 Kit; Upgrade Mark IV Upper, Lower & Prop
Outdoor New England (ONE) is committed to processing all orders within 1 business day of submission. While we strive to maintain stock of all items in all sizes and colors, some selections may be temporarily unavailable due to demand or supply limitations. If this happens, our customer service team will reach out to provide alternate color choices or to discuss availability of your selected item.
Free Shipping Conditions: Orders over $49 qualify for free shipping when shipped via USPS. Oversized items—including but not limited to Rafts under 12', paddleboards, paddles—must ship via Ups and do not qualify for free shipping.
Shipping Times and Signatures
We prioritize getting your gear to you promptly and understand that timing is critical for outdoor adventures. While we work closely with shipping carriers, certain factors are outside our control. Delivery times are not guaranteed. Signatures are required for Kayak Shipments.
Kayak Shipping
Outdoor New England ships kayak's to local ABF Freight Terminals to save time, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of damage. We will find the ABF Terminal closest to your location for pick up. If you prefer home delivery, we can arrange it for an additional fee.
In some cases, especially for remote locations, ONE may request additional fees to cover the true shipping cost. We’ll notify you in advance and work to find the most efficient, affordable solution. Occasionally, we may also suggest delivery to a nearby freight terminal for pick-up.
You may pick up kayaks directly at our Franklin, New Hampshire Location. Please contact Customer Service to arrange pickup. If you need to change your shipping method after placing your order, email us at info@outdoornewengland.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.
*Important Note for Kayak Orders:*
Upon kayak delivery, inspect the boat thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. This is critical, as signing confirms the condition, and we cannot file damage claims afterward. If you notice any damage, do not sign and contact us immediately.
Shipping to Alaska & Hawaii
Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii incurs additional fees.
International Shipping
Outdoor New England is not currently shipping internationally due to high rates of loss and damage. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to resume international shipping when conditions improve.
Local Pickup
Free local pickup is available at our Franklin, NH location. If you choose local pickup, our customer service team will contact you with details on location and availability.
Returns & Exchanges
If you need to return or exchange an item, please contact us at info@outdoornewengland.com or give us a call at 603.671.7028
Thank you for choosing Outdoor New England!
Promotional Deal
Outdoor New England is offering free promotional shipping to the Lower 48 for the holidays! This is a limited time offer and ONLY includes whitewater kayaks and Blue Sky Boatwork kayaks.
Outdoor New England ships kayak's to local ABF Freight Terminals to save time, reduce costs, and minimize the risk of damage.
We will find the ABF Terminal closest to your location for pick up. If you prefer home delivery, we can arrange it for an additional fee.
In some cases, especially for remote locations, ONE may request additional fees to cover the true shipping cost. To qualify for the free shipping, you may pick up your kayak at the closest ABF terminal to your location. We’ll notify you in advance and work to find the most efficient, affordable solution.
You may pick up kayaks directly at our Franklin, New Hampshire Location. Please contact Customer Service to arrange pickup. If you need to change your shipping method after placing your order, email us at info@outdoornewengland.com, and we’ll do our best to assist.
*Important Note for Kayak Orders: *
Upon kayak delivery, inspect the boat thoroughly before signing the delivery receipt. This is critical, as signing confirms the condition, and we cannot file damage claims afterward. If you notice any damage, do not sign and contact us immediately.
Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is very expensive - We are happy to run a quote for you to get accurate pricing before you buy!
