The fishing kayak motor craze seems to be changing the game of kayak fishing in general and definitely at the competitive level. The speed at which anglers can get from point A to point B with a motor has reduced time and physical exertion as well. There are basically four ways to propel your kayak. You can paddle, pedal, use a sail, or install an electric motor. Most kayaks have the ability to use all four methods to travel on the water. But for this guide, we’ll focus on the best fishing kayak motors available right now.
OUR PICKS FOR BEST KAYAK MOTORS
- BEST OVERALL KAYAK MOTOR – NEWPORT NK300
- BEST BUDGET KAYAK MOTOR – MINN KOTA ENDURA
- BEST BOW MOUNT KAYAK MOTOR – MOTORGUIDE XI3
- BEST POWER IN KAYAK MOTORS – TORQEEDO ULTRALIGHT 1103
- BEST STREAMLINE KAYAK MOTOR OPTION – BIXBY K-1 ANGLER PRO
WHY A KAYAK MOTOR
The low cost and turn key operation of installing an electric motor on a kayak has made it possible to add them to the kayak. Now, more than ever these electric motors have also made it possible for people with disabilities, and any level of fitness or skill to participate.
With the ever changing improvements in batteries kayak enthusiasts can carry more power as today’s lithium batteries are much lighter than their lead based counterparts from the past.
Just a few short years ago kayak angler conversations would be about what were the best paddles out there and how pedals on a kayak had a distinctive advantage in covering more water. Today, most conversations are about how fast we can propel our kayak with a motor?
Kayak fishing has always had a physical element to it and now that has been greatly reduced with the addition of an electric motor. There are even some who have installed not only a stern mount motor but also one on or near the bow with a spot lock system. Most tournaments will not allow “DP” (Dual Power) motors on the kayak due primarily to the compromised safety in adding the extra weight.
For some anglers who would not be able to physically propel a kayak the motor is a great resource to help them enjoy a day on the water. Joe Komyoti, an avid kayak angler out of Georgia tells us, “Over the last couple years I have seen my health decline. I swapped out the pedal drive for a bow mount motor. It was a must for me unfortunately. Honestly, looking back at the decision, I should have made that swap years earlier.”
The electric kayak motor has opened the door for more kayak enthusiasts regardless of their skill or fitness level. With the advent of lighter and more efficient batteries kayakers can stay on the water longer and even travel more miles during a trip. The low cost and maintenance of these motors makes it an easy option for most kayak anglers. The low noise level and efficient design allows the kayak angler to quietly approach fish without spooking them just like they did when paddling or pedaling.
Nebraska kayak angler Tyler Alexander only uses his motor to get from point A to point B as quickly as he can. “Time is money when fishing bigger waters in tournaments and the motor helps me cover more water.”
Below are some features, specs, and prices of various electric motors for kayaks.
BEST OVERALL KAYAK MOTOR
Newport NK300
Just recently the Newport brand has taken the market by storm with lower priced models and a battery of the anglers choice. If you are looking for reliability and efficiency the Newport NK300 is a great option. It is specifically designed for kayaks. It is lightweight, very quiet, and simple to use. It has 110 pounds of thrust and a max speed of 6.5 miles per hour.
A 36-volt lithium-ion battery is recommended. Just like the Torqeedo, the NK300 is easy to install and includes all the hardware you need to set up. It is also designed for fresh or saltwater use but you must remember to rinse with freshwater to prevent corrosion to the motor. It also comes with a 2 year warranty.
Features
- Brushless Technology
- Remote Throttle
- Adjustable Steering
- Maximum Powe
- Extended Range
Specs
- Peak Power: 1300W (3HP EQUIV)
- Max Range: 66 Miles
- Top Speed: 6.5 MPH
- Max Runtime: 30 Hours
- Battery Required (Not Included): 36V
BEST BUDGET KAYAK TROLLING MOTOR
Minn Kota Endura Trolling Motor
One of the most popular trolling motors of all time is built to last, is trustworthy, and will get you to where the fish are with a no nonsense setup. You will likely have to do some modifications to mount this transom mount trolling motor.
Features
- Lever Lock Bracket
- Telescoping Tiller
- Power Prop
- 5 Forward/ 3 Reverse Settings
- Indestructible Composite Shaft
Specs
- Transom-Mount
- Hand-steer
- Max Thrust: 30 pounds
- 12-volt
- 30-inch shaft
BEST BOW MOUNT MOTOR
MotorGuide Xi3
Another Missouri kayak angler, Trevor Motzkus operates a MotorGuide Xi3 with an Amped Outdoors 60 ah battery. “I get 4-5 mph and anchor is a definite life changer. I would give up every other accessory before I gave up anchor. Motors are the future, opening us up to more water and ease of fishing. Time moves fast and I can hit a lot more places with a motor!”
Features
- Digital Power Management for up to 5x longer battery life
- 50% easier to stow and deploy than the competition
- 40% quieter than competitors
- Total control with major sonar brand display
- Designed for the kayak
Specs
- Control Method: Hand
- GPS: Optional *Must select GPS option
- Max Thrust: 55 LB
- Product Type: Bow Mount
- Shaft Length: 36”
- Steering: Electric Steer
- Volts: 12
- Water Type: Freshwater
BEST POWER
Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 AC
Angler, Barry Davis in his 5th season out of South Carolina runs a Torqeedo 1103. He upgraded from the 403 two years prior.
“My Bonafide SS would run 5.8 miles per hour and my Bonafide PWR 129 runs 6 mph. If it wasn’t for motors I would have to give up competing in the kayak world. My shoulder gives enough grief just casting. My knees are screaming also.”
Davis sees motors growing the kayak world to another level. “I have a ton of boat guys asking questions all the time. They see the motor and are interested.”
The 1103 AC is almost three times more powerful than the Ultralight 403 for the ultimate in acceleration and pulling power, and adds instant throttle response for improved maneuverability and a heavy-duty construction with more resistance to impact damage.
Features
- Weight including battery: 33.7 lbs.
- Range of up to 50 km (31 miles)
- Easy to mount on fishing kayaks
- Completely waterproof (IP67)
- Superb usability with a wealth of smart features
Specs
- Input Power: 1100 Watts
- Propulsive Power: 540 Watts
- Comparable Petrol Outboards: 3 HP
- Maximum overall efficiency in % 49%
- Integrated battery: 915 Wh Li-Ion
- Total Weight: 33.7 lbs
- Motor Weight with integrated battery: 10 lbs.
- Shaft Length: 51 cm (1.67 feet)
- Max propeller RPM: 1450 rpm
STREAMLINE OPTION
2024 Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro Motor Outboard Kit
Although Bixpy offers two other models, the K-1 Angler Pro might be the best option for almost any fishing kayak.
Specs
- Combined weight of motor and battery less than 30 pounds
- Motor size: L 9.05” (230 mm) x W 3.15” (80 mm) x H 6.32” (160 mm)
- Motor Output: 450 watts – 38 lb of thrust
- Cable Length: 60” (150 cm)
- Depth rating: 100 ft (30 m)
- Battery output: 25.6 V – 768Wh
- Battery Size: L 18.7” (47.5cm) x W 7.9” (20 cm) x H 4.8” (12cm)
Kit includes the following:
Bixpy K-1 Motor, Bixpy PP-768 Outboard Battery (768 Wh), Wireless Remote Control, Magnetic kill switch with floating leash, Wall Charger, Allen key to open propeller shroud for cleaning and repairs, 5ml tube of di-electric grease, Quick Start User Manual, Bixpy Vinyl Decal
ALSO TO CONSIDER
Torqeedo Ultralight 403
One of the first on the scene was the Torqeedo motorized outboard. It weighs less than 20 pounds including the battery. It will transport your kayak very efficiently and mount in less than a minute. It is a powerful motor and comes with a mount that can easily be attached to the kayak. It is most compatible with the Hobie series but the mount can be easily attached to most newer brands of other kayaks. The Torqeedo is widely known to hit 5-6 miles easily at full throttle, getting you to your favorite fishing spot fast.
One of the best features of this motor is that it requires little maintenance, no fuel, or oil changes and is environmentally friendly. The larger 1103 will allow you to break down larger bodies of water more quickly as well. It is considered the most powerful motor out there helping the angler cover over 20 miles at 4 mph along with the integrated 915 Watt-hour waterproof lithium battery.
The Torqeedo Ultralight on-board computer calculates the remaining range constantly, by linking the motor’s consumption data with the charging level of the batteries, and the speed over the ground from the GPS. This allows you to read the remaining range in real time from the motor display or the smartphone app TorqTrac.
Specs
- Input Power: 400 Watts
- Propulsive Power: 180 Watts
- Comparable Petrol Outboards: 1HP
- Maximum overall efficiency in % 45%
- Static Thrust in lbs* 33
- Integrated battery: 320 Wh Li-Ion
- Total Weight: 19 lbs
- Motor Weight without Battery: 10 lbs
- Shaft Length: 48 cm
- Max propeller RPM: 1200 rpm
Features
- Weight including battery: 8.8 kg. (19.4 lbs)
- Range of up to 35 km (21.75 miles)
- Easy to mount on fishing kayaks
- Completely waterproof (IP67)
- Superb usability with a wealth of smart features
Newport NK180
DJ Williams of Missouri operates a Newport NK180 with a 24 volt 60 ah Lithium battery with his kayak. “I hit 5 miles per hour and can easily run all day long.” There are a couple of other varieties we will mention as well. Options for motorizing your kayak seem to be endless and very affordable.
Features
- Low-Noise, Direct Drive Design
- Equivalent to a 1.8 HP
- Three Steering Cable Setup Options
- Four-Bolt Aluminum Mount (Direct Attachment to Powerpole Mount)
- Brushless Technology that Exceeds 5 MPH
- Integrated Rudder Steering
- Brushless Technology that Exceeds 5 MPH
MODIFYING TROLLING MOTORS FOR KAYAKS
For the DIY enthusiasts there are also ways to modify a boat trolling motor for a kayak saving hundreds of dollars. One must also consider whether or not a motor is the right solution for your kayak. We might be pushing the limits of weight capacity at some point, especially with larger batteries and accessories.
Richy Laughery of Missouri put together a Motorguide 28 lb. thrust Whisper (foot controlled) with extended wiring and modified a 16’ steering cable paired with a Battery Outfitters 27M180. He’s seen speeds up to 3.25 mph on flat water.
TYPES OF KAYAK MOTORS
There are basically two major types of motors that can be installed on a kayak. The first would be an outboard style motor like the Torqeedo or Newport brands. These types of motors are much faster and can get you to your favorite fishing spot in a matter of minutes compared to the traditional trolling motor like the MotorGuide Xi3 which is very popular in the center or bow of a kayak.
These trolling motors are very maneuverable and can also keep you in position to make accurate casts. They offer both a fair amount of speed but most importantly control. Old Town Kayaks recently introduced its ePDL+ drive that kayakers can switch between manual, power-assisted pedal, or fully motorized cruise. These motors can still offer the quiet kayak experience as the trek through the waters at speeds from about 3.5 to 6 miles per hour.
While many brands are basically a paddle only kayak, the Hobie, Old Town, Bonafide, Wilderness Systems, Ascend, Native Watercraft, Crescent, NuCanoe, FeelFree, and some other brands can be easily modified to add an electric motor for added propulsion. Old Town even has a package deal that has a motor included. Some anglers actually pedal while the motor is running to add a little more horsepower and speed to their trip while getting in a little more exercise as well.
We need to remember though, that adding a motor also adds the responsibility of registering it and adding the required lighting systems as defined in state regulations for craft that are powered by motors. There are numerous accessories available that can easily be added to your plastic boat. You will also need to add the required decals with your assigned registration number. You should check with the state’s guidelines when registering your motorized craft.
If you aren’t in a big hurry you can go with the Xi3 which will get you to your spots and keep you on them with the spot lock system. Some simpler systems like the Bixby and Water Snake are cost effective options to propel your kayak.
Whatever your choice may be for getting to fishing spots faster and more efficiently the electric motor can be a great asset to saving lots of time on the water to help you keep your line in the water.
Thrust
Most electric kayak motors range from about 30 to 55 pounds of thrust that will easily move a kayak on the water. The most popular choice would be a 30-pound thrust electric motor for most average sized kayaks. For larger and heavier kayaks a more powerful 50-55-pound thrust motor might be necessary. If you are looking at longer distances and higher speeds more battery power will be required as well.
Speed
If you are looking for speed with an electric motor most will hit an average of three miles per hour. Some will reach speeds up to 7 miles per hour. Remember that the more speed you create the faster the battery will drain. Studies have shown that reducing your speed just 20 percent will increase your range up to 80 percent. It is wise to not run at full speed as you might end up stranded far from your launch with a dead battery.
