Embodiments of the disclosure include a flotation device or watercraft propelled through the water using a lever powered propulsion system. The lever powered propulsion system includes human powered actuating levers operably connected to a reciprocating propulsion device. As a rider powers the levers up and down, that motion translates to the propulsion device, which cycles through a high drag propulsion phase and low drag recovery phase. In an embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a hydraulic system. In addition, the hydraulic system drives a carriage that orients a device or devices in a high drag state, then reorients the device or devices in a low drag state. Such devices capable of orientation are referred to herein as "hilos," or "hilo devices."