FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled the most common questions from Hoodoo customers about shipping, orders, kayak setup, and more. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to customerservice@hoodoosports.com — we’re here to help.

🚚 Standard shipping: flat $199 to most of the lower 48 ($249 for the Blackfin 120P and Hero 130 Apex)

⚡ Expedited: $275–$375 depending on location (higher for the Blackfin 120P and Hero 130 Apex)

⏱️ Timing: in-stock kayaks ship in 3–5 business days, then about 2–4 weeks standard or 2–10 business days expedited

🚚 Shipping & Delivery

🕓 How long does it take to receive my kayak?

If your kayak is in stock, it typically ships within 3–5 business days. Once it leaves our warehouse:
Standard Shipping: about 2–4 weeks, depending on your location.
Expedited Shipping: 2–10 business days.
Rural or remote areas may take longer.

💲 How much does it cost to ship a kayak?

Standard shipping is a flat $199 to most of the lower 48. The Blackfin 120P and Hero 130 Apex ship in a larger box, so standard shipping on those two is $249. Expedited shipping varies by location and runs $275–$375, and is higher for those two larger kayaks. Remote or rural addresses (extended-area delivery) carry an additional surcharge. You’ll see your exact rate at checkout before you pay. We subsidize a portion of the freight cost to help keep your rate affordable.

📦 What shipping options do you offer?

We offer two main options at checkout:

Standard Freight Shipping – Our most popular and cost-effective option, at a flat rate to most of the lower 48. Handled through our network of large-item specialists to minimize risk of damage.

Expedited Freight Shipping – Faster delivery through our preferred expedited carriers. Transit times are shorter, but rates are higher and vary by location.

🏢 What shipping company do you use for kayaks?

We work with a variety of trusted freight carriers for both Standard and Expedited Freight options. We always select the carrier that provides the best balance of service quality, delivery time, and value for your area.

📞 How does freight delivery work?

Kayaks ship by freight carrier, not like a regular package. The carrier will call the phone number on your order to schedule a delivery date and time window. Please respond promptly, since delays in scheduling can lead to storage fees from the carrier.

📋 Double-check the phone number on your order. If it’s wrong, email us and we’ll update it before delivery is scheduled.

Standard delivery brings your kayak from the truck to the curb or the nearest safe, accessible point. The driver isn’t required to bring it inside, up stairs, or through a gate. Extra delivery services are available through most carriers for an added fee. If you think you’ll need one, email us as soon as you can so we can arrange it before your kayak arrives.

📦 How are kayaks packaged for shipping?

Standard Freight kayaks are typically wrapped in protective plastic and bubble wrap/cardboard. Expedited Freight shipments include an additional double-walled cardboard box for extra protection.

📬 Why haven’t I received tracking information yet?

Tracking information is sent automatically once your kayak ships. If you haven’t received tracking yet, your order may still be processing or awaiting pickup from the carrier. If the product was in stock when you purchased, and it’s been more than 5 business days, email customerservice@hoodoosports.com for an update.

🚫 My kayak arrived damaged. What should I do?

⚠️ Inspect before you accept. Try to be there for delivery, inspect your kayak with the driver present before you sign, and note any damage on the bill of lading. If damage isn’t documented at delivery, we’re limited in how we can fix it, so a quick inspection and a few photos go a long way.

If your kayak arrives damaged, take several clear photos of the packaging and any affected areas, and note all damage on the bill of lading. If the damage is severe, you may refuse delivery — we’ll work directly with the freight carrier to get you a replacement as soon as possible. If the damage is minor and you decide to keep your kayak, you can choose between free replacement parts or a refund.

Review full details in our Shipping Policy.

🧾 Orders, Pre-Orders & Payment

📅 What does “pre-order” mean?

Pre-order items are temporarily out of stock but available to reserve before the next shipment arrives. You’ll see an estimated shipping date banner on the product page. These dates can shift slightly due to manufacturing and freight timing. You’ll receive tracking info as soon as your kayak ships.

💰 Why would I place a deposit?

A deposit lets you reserve your preferred model and color before the next shipment arrives. You can put down a 50% deposit or pay in full, and the remaining balance is due before your kayak ships. Without a deposit, we can’t promise your exact kayak configuration will be available later.

💳 Can I pay over time?

Yes. Pay-over-time options, including Shop Pay Installments, are available at checkout on eligible orders. See our Kayak Financing Options page for details.

🚤 Can I buy a pedal kayak without the drive?

Yes. Email us at customerservice@hoodoosports.com and we’ll put together a quote for a kayak without the drive.

📍 Can I buy from a dealer instead?

Yes. Hoodoo kayaks are also sold through authorized dealers. Use our dealer locator to find one near you.

🎣 Kayak Features, Setup & Compatibility

🇺🇸 Where are Hoodoo kayaks made?

Five of our kayaks have hulls rotomolded in North Carolina: the Voyager 100P, Impulse 105, Impulse 120, Tempest 120P, and Element 100S. All five are assembled at our headquarters in Missouri City, TX. The Blackfin 120P and Hero 130 Apex are manufactured overseas. We do source some components from overseas, but the hull, the most important piece of the kayak, is American made on those five.

🎁 What’s included with my kayak?

Our pedal-drive models come with the pedal drive, seat, and paddle. The Hero 130 Apex comes with a fin drive, 360 seat, paddle, and bolt-on transom. The Element 100S comes with its seat and paddle. All you need to add is a PFD.

🛠️ What do I need to do when my kayak arrives?

Your kayak arrives assembled, with the steering cables already run and all hardware included. On our pedal models, setup is attaching the rudder (one wing nut or screw) and screwing the seat onto the rails. The Element 100S uses a slot seat that drops into place. Attach the included strap to the screw point just in front of the seat so the seat stays put if you flip. Step-by-step guides for every model, including the Hero 130 Apex, are on our Get to Know Your Kayak page.

🧰 Which models have pedal drives, and what’s the difference?

Propeller drive (Voyager 100P, Tempest 120P, Blackfin 120P): a bike-style crank turns a propeller, with instant reverse. Built for open water and covering distance.

Fin drive (Impulse 105, Impulse 120, Hero 130 Apex): push the pedals back and forth and two fins sweep under the hull. They flutter over weeds and shallow bottoms instead of snagging, so you can keep fishing skinny water. The Hero 130 Apex is also set up for an outboard motor.

The Element 100S is a paddle kayak with no drive.

🐟 What are the best Hoodoo kayaks for fishing?

We break it down in our detailed guide: The Best Hoodoo Kayaks for Fishing.

🎖️ Discounts, Warranty & Registration

🪖 Do you offer a military or first responder discount?

Yes! Active duty, veterans, and first responders can receive 10% off through GovX verification. Once verified, you’ll receive a single-use discount code to apply at checkout.

🛡️ What does the warranty cover?

Hulls are covered for 5 years against manufacturer defects. Drives and trolling motors are covered for 2 years, and small parts and accessories for 90 days. See the full terms on our Warranty page.

🧾 How do I register my kayak warranty?

Visit our Product Registration page (under Resources). You’ll need your Hull Identification Number (HIN), found on the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO) or stamped into the stern. Be sure to register within 30 days of delivery to activate your warranty.

📞 Still Have Questions?

Reach out to our Texas-based support team.

Email customerservice@hoodoosports.com