Traverse Pedal Drive: full user manual

Built to keep you moving. The Traverse Pedal Drive is Cajo's in-house propulsion upgrade — a 10:1 gear-ratio rotary drive with instant reverse, an integrated Prop Lock and Shaft Lock, and an industrial-grade stamped aluminum head and lower unit. Every detail is dialed. Every excuse is eliminated.

This article is the structured summary of the full Traverse Pedal Drive User Manual. Use it as a reference, or download the printable PDF below for the workbench / dealer / gift recipient.

At-a-glance

• Dimensions: 10' × 39" × 6"
• Gear ratio: 10:1
• Reverse: instant, lever-flip
• Warranty: 5-year limited
• Minimum draft to deploy: 15"
• Carrying case: included

Features

• 10:1 gear ratio for power, speed, and efficiency
• Instant reverse for tight maneuvers and fast stops
• Prop Lock system lifts the prop cleanly with no jams
• Shaft Lock removes all wobble and slop from the drive
• Built-in rod stager keeps your fishing rod centered and accessible
• Integrated 1/4"-20 UNC camera mount for action cameras
• Quick-release pins for fast removal and install
• Lightweight, ultra-strong construction
• Carrying case included

Safety guidelines

Read these before operating the drive.

Mandatory

• Wear a personal flotation device
• Read instructions before use
• Properly mount the drive before use
• Remove the drive during transportation
• Drive requires 15" of draft to deploy and operate

Prohibited

• Do not run the pedal drive aground
• Do not use in white water
• Do not use in breaking waves
• Do not operate around swimmers
• Avoid contact with the propeller when in use

Best practices for drive life

• Prevent corrosion from the start — Rinse all metal components of the drive and watercraft thoroughly with fresh water after any exposure to saltwater, salt spray, or brackish conditions.
• Address damage promptly — Scratches, nicks, and abrasions are normal with use. Regularly inspect metal and powder-coated parts and address any damage promptly. Retighten any hardware that has loosened from its factory setting.

Component overview

The drive has 16 named components. Familiarize yourself with these before install — they're referenced throughout the manual.

Upper unit (top):

• Foot Pedal
• Fishing Rod Stager (front)
• Camera Mount (1/4"-20 UNC, top)
• Shaft Handle
• Propeller Lock (Prop Lock)

Drive base / mount:

• Drive Base
• Drive Lock Knob
• Drive Mount
• Drive Hinge Pin
• Stow Release Clips

Drive shaft + lower unit:

• Drive Shaft
• Shaft Lock Knob
• Lower Unit
• Propeller Window
• Propeller
• Drive Skeg

For visual reference: Anatomy of the Traverse Pedal Drive.

Understanding the lock systems

The Traverse has three lock systems. Knowing which to set, when, prevents 90% of drive complaints.

Prop Lock

Indexes the propeller vertically for easy deployment and stowage.

• Unlocked position — Pull the Prop Lock outward and rotate it to the open cradle. In this position, the drive operates freely without engaging the lock.
• Locked position — Pull the Prop Lock outward to release the lock from the cradle. Spin the crank until the pin keys into position and locks the cranks and propeller vertically. Now you can safely retract or deploy the pedal drive without the propeller jamming on the hull.

Shaft Lock Knob

Ensures a snug fit while operating the drive and allows the drive to lock in raised or lowered positions. To release the drive from the locked position, rotate the knob to the unlocked position and lift the drive using the Shaft Handle. Relock the Shaft Lock in the raised position for stowage.

Drive Lock Knob

Locks the drive in place for proper usage. Unlock the drive by rotating the knob to the unlocked position. From the unlocked position, the drive can pivot forward to the stowed position or be removed by removing the Drive Hinge Pins.

Note: To tilt the drive forward after unlocking, you must first unlock the Shaft Lock Knob and raise the pedal drive.

Stow Release Clips

The Stow Release Clips lock the drive in the tilted stowage position. Pinch the clips to release the drive.

Installation

Step 1 — Install the cranks

1. Ensure the Prop Lock is engaged and locked. The propeller should be vertical and parallel to the shaft.
2. Hand-tighten the pedals onto the cranks.
3. Vertically hand-tighten the crank assembly onto the upper unit using the provided hardware.
4. Make sure the Prop Lock is engaged in the locked position and the propeller is vertical when tightening the crank assembly.

Step 2 — Mount the drive

Ensure the following before mounting:

1. Prop Lock is locked
2. Drive Base is lowered to the bottom of the shaft
3. Shaft Lock Knob is locked
4. Drive Lock Knob is unlocked
5. Drive Hinge Pins are removed

Then:

1. Lower the Traverse Drive into the Drive Mount until it keys into position.
2. Install the Hinge Pins.
3. Lock the Shaft Lock Knob.

Stowing the drive

Two paths — tilt forward or remove entirely.

1. Unlock the Shaft Lock
2. Raise the drive and relock the Shaft Lock
3. Unlock the Drive Lock
4. Tilt forward until the Stow Release Clips engage — OR
5. Pull the Hinge Pins and remove the drive entirely

Seasonal lubrication

Lubricate the Traverse Drive at least once per season. Use marine-grade waterproof grease.

Upper unit:

• Remove the Allen plug on top of the housing
• Apply marine-grade waterproof grease
• Reinstall and tighten securely

Lower unit:

• Remove the bump guard
• Remove the Allen plug
• Apply marine-grade waterproof grease
• Reinstall the plug and bump guard securely

Other features

Camera mount

A 1/4"-20 UNC Camera Mount is located on the upper unit for mounting an action camera (GoPro, Insta360, etc.).

Fishing Rod Stager

Located on the front of the upper unit. The Traverse Pedal Drive can fully function with a rod staged without damaging the rod. Be mindful of fishing line while operating the drive with a fishing rod staged.

Propeller Window

Hinged — opens freely when the Traverse Drive is raised.

Warranty

The Traverse Pedal Drive carries a 5-year limited warranty against major defects in material or workmanship to the original purchaser from date of purchase. The warranty has standard exclusions (commercial / rental use, modifications, normal wear, saltwater corrosion without proper rinsing, etc.). Full terms in the PDF manual and on the warranty page.

For known-issue handling (prop alignment, etc.), see Traverse Pedal Drive: prop won't align with the indexer.

Download the full PDF

The Traverse Pedal Drive User Manual PDF contains all illustrations and step-by-step diagrams that this article describes.

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

Related links

• Anatomy of the Traverse Pedal Drive
• What is the Traverse Pedal Drive?
• Traverse Pedal Drive reverse function
• Traverse Pedal Drive: line wrap and care
• Traverse Pedal Drive: prop won't align with the indexer
• Traverse Pedal Drive warranty length
• The $300 Traverse Drive bundle
• Cajo Fin Drive Adapter: complete compatibility and install guide
• Cajo User Care