Abstract: A pedal operated drive system for a canoe includes a main drive assembly in the canoe including a main drive shaft, an intermediate drive shaft extending rearwardly of the main drive shaft to a point beyond the canoe stern, and a propeller shaft behind the canoe, supported pivotally on the intermediate shaft. A lower region of the propeller shaft, below water when the canoe is afloat, supports a propeller. A series of drive rods including a main drive rod, intermediate drive rod and a propeller drive rod, form a driving engagement between the propeller and a pedal and crank assembly on the main drive assembly, for rotating the propeller responsive to rotating the pedal and crank assembly. Each of the drive rods is rotatably contained within its associated shaft. Universal connections between the rods allow them to be positioned at angles with respect to one another, an obtuse angle between the main drive rod and intermediate drive rod being employed to lower the center of gravity of the drive system.