Traverse Fin Drive Mount: full assembly manual

The Traverse Fin Drive Mount converts a Cajo pedal drive mount to accept popular fin-drive systems (Hobie®, Vibe Kayaks®, Pelican, Lightning Kayaks). Built with quick-release latches and stainless hardware. Installs fast, locks tight, and makes it easy to swap drive style without drilling or modifying the boat.

This article is the structured summary of the full Traverse Fin Drive Mount Assembly Manual. Download the printable PDF below.

Note on the PDF: The PDF labels the product overview "Slide Lock Kayak Foot Brace" on page 2 — this is a labeling error in the source. The rest of the document is correctly about the Fin Drive Mount.

Features

• Converts Cajo pedal drive mounts to fin drive mounts
• Compatible with most 3rd party fin drives (Hobie MD 180, Vibe Hero 2.0-era, Pelican, Lightning Kayaks)
• Quick-release latches for fast install/removal
• No drilling or boat modifications required

For full third-party drive compatibility detail (which fin drives fit, what fits which hull, SKU choice between universal and Highlander bundle), see Cajo Fin Drive Adapter: complete compatibility and install guide.

What ships in the box

Major components:

1. Splash plate (1) — the base plate that bolts to the hull
2. Left latch assembly (2) — L-marked
3. Right latch assembly (3) — R-marked

Hardware kit:

• A — Latch bolts ×8
• B — Splash plate bolts ×6

Assembly walkthrough (5 steps)

Step 1 — Install the latch assemblies

Hand-tighten the left and right latch assemblies on the corresponding sides of the hull using the L and R markings on the latches and the provided bolts (part A — 4 bolts per latch).

Step 2 — Install the splash plate

Hand-tighten the splash plate in its corresponding position on the hull using the provided bolts (part B — 6 bolts).

Step 3 — Set the lock lever

When mounting the fin-drive, ensure that the locking lever is in position B. (Lever positions: A = unlocked / removable, B = locked / mounted.)

Step 4 — Insert the fin-drive

Insert the fin-drive vertically into the mount and gently adjust until it is properly seated and the locking levers close.

Step 5 — Remove the fin-drive

To remove the fin-drive, set the lever to position A (unlocked), then pull upward while gently rocking to remove the fin-drive.

Universal vs. Highlander Kit

There are two SKUs that contain the Fin Drive Mount:

• Fin Drive Mount (universal SKU) — the mount alone. Right for rigid kayaks (Outpost 100, Outpost 128, Terra 116), which already ship with the rudder kit and steering handle.
• Highlander Fin Drive Mount Kit — bundles the same mount plus the Traverse Fatback Rudder, Steering Handle, and Highlander-sized foot-steering cables. Right for Highlander AirTrek inflatables, which don't ship with the rudder by default.

Same mount inside both. Full breakdown: Cajo Fin Drive Adapter: complete compatibility and install guide.

Compatible fin drives

• Hobie® Mirage Drive 180 (MD 180) — most common pairing
• Vibe Kayaks® Hero 2.0–era (released ~2019 onward)
• Pelican fin drives
• Lightning Kayaks fin drives

NOT compatible:

• Hobie 360 (integrated with PA 360 hull only)
• Old Town ePDL+ (different drive type)

Download the full PDF

The Traverse Fin Drive Mount Assembly Manual PDF contains all 5-step illustrated diagrams.

[PDF download link will be populated once the manual is uploaded to Shopify Files.]

Related links

• Cajo Fin Drive Adapter: complete compatibility and install guide
• Can the Highlander inflatable use a fin drive?
• Traverse Pedal Drive manual
• Traverse Rudder System manual
• Cajo User Care