A portable pedal driven propulsion device for a small watercraft (1) in which power from crank operated pedals (5) is transmitted to a pivotally mounted gearbox (32) or pulley system (81,82,83) adjacent the operator. A longitudinal drive shaft (2) is connected, at one end, to the gearbox (32) or pulley system (81,82,83) and, at the other end, to a propeller (40) such that the drive shaft (2) and propeller (40) can be moved selectively between a raised inoperative position and a lowered operative position.