Will the Mako kayak take on water and sink if the pedal drive is taken out in deeper water? Can the pedal drive be taken out to just paddle the kayak? Or must the pedal drive stay in at all times in deeper water?

Will the Mako kayak take on water and sink if the pedal drive is taken out in deeper water? Can the pedal drive be taken out to just paddle the kayak? Or must the pedal drive stay in at all times in deeper water?

No the kayak will not take on water when the pedal drive is removed. Some remove the drive when anchored and you definitely have to stow it as you come into shore and when you are launching. You can keep the floor dry by using the tethered scupper plugs or pull them to sit lower in the water and to let water drain away.