Back in the day, kayak fishing took some questionable skill and courage. Now fishing kayaks are stable and comfortable for everyone to enjoy, and adding kayak motors has made the sport accessible to even more anglers.
While few kayaks come motorized directly by the manufacturer, more than ever before are being purpose-built for motors. But powering a kayak isn’t as simple as attaching an electric motor and zooming into the sunrise. The best kayaks for motors balance capacity and performance with features and layout that make fishing more fun and successful.
Best Fishing Kayaks With Motors: Top Picks
- Best overall: NuCanoe Unlimited Max
- Best sit-on-top kayak for motors: Bonafide PWR129
- Best motorized kayak: Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+
- Best pocket kayak for motors: Feelfree Superfish 108
- Best for multiple motors: Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128
- Best inflatable kayak for motors: Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Best Overall Fishing Kayak For Motors
NuCanoe Unlimited Max
NuCanoe Unlimited Max Specs
Length: 13’6″
Width: 41″
Weight: 115 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $2,499
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Why I love it
The Unlimited Max is a serious kayak for serious anglers. But it is also an easy-to-own-and-use boat for family, friends and pets. As anglers push the limits of kayak rigging with multiple motors and full electronics, kayak manufacturers are producing kayaks with battery storage, through-hull rigging, space for bow and stern motors and tons of capacity. The Unlimited Max checks all of these boxes while maintaining the convenience and versatility of the open floorplan and simple design.
Years of input from NuCanoe’s experienced pro staff informed the boat’s design and accessories. The 360 Fusion seat is extra wide and spins on a swivel—allowing you to fish in every direction. The UMax is designed for custom rigging with motors and electronics. The boat handles trolling motors, electric outboard, full electronics, and a ton of gear with space and capacity to spare. For our testing, I added a Newport NK300 electric outboard and a Minn Kota Terrova Kayak Trolling Motor. The NuCanoe UMax is one of the few kayaks that easily handles two motors and full electronics. NuCanoe provides accessories to make rigging the kayak easier and more effective. To take kayak rigging to the highest level, the NuCanoe Unlimited Max is the best choice with the space, capacity and layout designed by pro anglers for competitive fishing.
Reasons to buy
- Ample space and capacity
- NuCanoe accessories for rigging
- Fast and stable
Consider another model if
- Need a smaller, lighter kayak
- Want below-deck storage
Who should buy
NuCanoe’s mission to put a million butts in boats makes the Unlimited Max appropriate for everything from family fun to serious fishing. The UMax is designed for tournament anglers looking for every advantage. Quality components and smart design create a boat that is durable, efficient and comfortable. After decades of research and development, NuCanoe developed the Unlimited Max for unlimited rigging and motorized potential.
Best Sit-On-Top Kayak With Motor
Bonafide PWR129
Bonafide PWR129 Specs
Length: 12’9″
Width: 35″
Weight: 102 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $2,049
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Why I love it
Bonafide PWR129, a sit-on-top kayak designed for two motors and full electronics. The 13-foot kayak is 35 inches wide with a 500-pound capacity, perfect for motors and still capable of paddling. For the electric outboard, I installed a Newport NK300 in the stern. For a trolling motor, I installed a MotorGuide Xi3 with a 36-inch shaft and 55 foot-pounds of thrust.
Bonafide is famous for their comfortable seat, which I appreciate after a long day on the water. The seat is easy to switch from high to low level by folding down the front legs. In the low position, the boat paddles well, offering an alternative to get me home if the motor or battery should go.
The Bonafide PWR129 makes practical sense, but mostly the little boat is a lot of fun. Everything works and the more I use it, the more comfortable I am operating the boat. I can jump in the PWR after work and spend a couple hours fishing. With the forward-facing sonar and GPS-connected trolling motor, the PWR is a more effective fishing platform than my big boat or my paddle kayak. I use the Bonafide PWR 129 more often than I use any of my other boats.
Reasons to buy
- Easy to rig
- Paddles well
- Smart layout
Consider another if
- Need greater weight capacity
- Want more deck space
Who should buy
The PWR 129 offers the fishability of a bass boat with the ownability of a kayak, making the Bonafide PWR129 a perfect fit in any fishing arsenal.
Best Motorized Fishing Kayak
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 Specs
Length: 13′ 2″
Width: 36″
Weight: 143 lbs
Capacity: 395 lbs
MSRP: $5,499.99
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Why I love it
Most fishing kayaks require the owner to purchase the kayak and motor separately and build the system. Old Town is one of the few brands that have been producing off-the-shelf motorized kayaks, and the Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ turns the throttle up further. Combining the stable and sea-worthy BigWater hull with a unique ePDL+ pedal and motor hybrid propulsion system creates a practical and effective fishing platform.
The ePDL+ system allows you to use pedal and motor power. I can motor to the fishing grounds and then save battery power by pedaling while I’m fishing. The ePDL+ system sits in the center of the kayak with the battery stored beneath the seat to increase stability and improve balance.
The Old Town Sportsman BigWater is a full-size, full-feature fishing kayak with huge capacity. The hull features an aggressive flared bow to cut through the water with a wide hull for stability and a narrow stern to smoothly release water.
As the name says, the BigWater is designed for big water. The seaworthy hull design and full-feature cockpit offer versatile rigging options. The boat is ready to fish and easy to rig with electronics, storage and fishing accessories. The biggest drawback is the price. At almost $6000, the BigWater costs big bucks. But the convenience and reliability of the matching motor, battery and hull pay off with easy ownership and operation.
Reasons to buy
- Reliable and compact motor
- Seaworthy hull loaded with fishing features
- Economical power consumption
Consider another if
- Are on a budget
- Prefer a DIY motor system
Who should buy
Anglers who want to go ocean fishing and need a motorized kayak will not find a better option than the Old Town BigWater ePDL+. The ePDL+ system combines pedal power with motor power to give the angler more options for controlling the boat and reserve battery power for long trips between fishing spots.
Best Small Kayak With Motor
Feelfree Superfish 108
Feelfree Superfish Specs
Length: 11′
Width: 37″
Weight: 149.25 lbs
Capacity: 485 lbs
MSRP: $1,999
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Why I love it
Everyone wants a motorized kayak, but no one wants to transport or store the beast. The new Feelfree Superfish 108 accommodates a trolling motor or electric outboard, and still fits in a pickup truck bed and rolls to the launch on integrated wheels.
At 11 feet long, the Superfish fits in the pocket kayak class of small, portable kayaks designed for convenience. With through-hull plates, bow and stern motor mounts, battery storage and space for a fish finder and full sonar package, the Superfish enters into the motorized kayak category. Adding a swivel seat is the cherry on top.
Stuffing all the bells and whistles onto an 11-foot boat requires careful planning. These features are standard rigging on a 13-foot motor kayak, and they fit snugly on this 11-foot platform, qualifying the Superfish as a full-feature kayak. The compact boat was perfectly suited for a Garmin Force Current motor, and I powered it with a Norsk Lithium 24-volt, 60 ah battery. The do-it-all motor works as an electric outboard and trolling motor in one, lightweight, compact motor that is easy to control with a handheld remote or wireless foot pedals. It was a perfect setup with the Feelfree Superfish 108 for a compact and convenient alternative to a larger-size kayak.
Reasons to buy
- Easier to transport and store
- Maximized storage and fishing space
- Wheel in keel
Consider another if
- Want more space
- Need a faster kayak
Who should buy
If you’re looking for a full-feature kayak, do not buy the Superfish 108. If you’re looking for a pocket kayak, keep looking. But, if you’re looking for a full-feature, motor-ready kayak you can fit in a pick-up truck bed and roll to the launch, then the Superfish 108 is for you. While the Superfish doesn’t have the space and capacity to support a hard-core tournament angler and it weighs too much to car-top, the hybrid boat is a good balance between the two.
Stay Clear Of All Other Vessels
- Know the “Rules of the Road” Navigation Rules that govern all boat traffic and stay out of the way of all other vessels.
- Never assume that power boaters can see you. Avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible. Proceed with caution when you can’t avoid paddling near boats. Dress for visibility.
Best Fishing Kayak For Multiple Motors
Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128
Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128 Specs
Length: 12’6″
Width: 38″
Weight: 158 lbs
Capacity: 800 lbs
MSRP: $2,759
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ECO FISHING WILDERNESS SYSTEMS
Why I love it
In the arms race to create kayak fishing’s future, the engineers at Wilderness Systems have always volunteered to be the test pilot. The Tactical Pro 128 continues their commitment to creating the next great fishing kayak.
Every aspect of the TP128 is geared towards motors, electronics, storage and comfort. To support a bow-mounted trolling motor and battery, Wilderness Systems exaggerated the bow pontoons for extra flotation and improved tracking. The wide stern provides rock-solid stability and tons of capacity for angler, gear, batteries and stern power. And the crowning achievement may just be the TP128’s swivel seat that turns 360 degrees.
On the water, the boat tracks, turns and zooms along with some water sloshing into the scuppers. When I’m fishing, the pontoons offer solid stability to move around the cockpit. The tradeoff is the large, heavy boat requires a trailer to transport and store. If your priority is a battlestation though, the Wilderness Systems Tactical Pro 128 is ready for two motors, two fishfinder screens and three batteries, offering anglers unlimited rigging potential.
Reasons to buy
- Maximum capacity
- Easy to rig
- Solid stability and comfortable seat
Consider another if
- Don’t have a kayak trailer
- Don’t expect to add full electronics and motors
Who should buy
The TP128 is for anglers who are looking for unlimited fishing potential. Wilderness Systems designed the boat for the current and future trends in kayak fishing. The considerable capacity and immense platform provide space to support the wildest outfitting and rigging concepts.
Best Inflatable Kayak For Motors
Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP
Sea Eagle FS1210 FishSUP Specs
Length: 12’10”
Width: 40″
Weight: 46 lbs
Capacity: 500 lbs
MSRP: $1,349
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Why I love it
When Sea Eagle released the FS1210 FishSUP, social media influencers announced the death of the rotomolded plastic kayak. So, what makes the FS1210 inflatable better than a plastic fishing kayak? A motor.
The FS1210 is a hybrid that can be used as either a standup paddleboard or rigged as a sit-on-top. Adding a motor is what truly takes the FS1210 from inflatable SUP to full-feature fishing platform. The boat features both a transom bracket and a mounting plate at the bow for a trolling motor. It is rated for up to a three horsepower gas outboard, but our test boat was outfitted with an ePropulsion eLite 1.5 horsepower electric outboard, which includes the battery and motor in a 14.7-pound body.
The FS1210’s 500-pound capacity means the boat can handle motors, batteries and tons of gear. And it weighs less than 50 pounds, making it one of the lightest options for a full-feature fishing kayak. If you live in an apartment and drive a hatchback, the FS1210 offers a serious fishing platform that fits in your life. Or, if you are traveling in an RV and looking for a full-feature kayak to take fishing on the road, the FS1210 stuffs into a luggage compartment or storage trunk. Is the FS1210 the Grim Reaper for roto-molded plastic kayaks? No. But the do-it-all inflatable offers a solid fishing platform for motors that is easier to transport and store.
Reasons to buy
- Easier to transport and store
- Versatile motor options
- Stable hull with outrigger pontoons
Consider another if
- Need more storage space
- Expect to add full electronics
Who should buy
The FS1210 gives an angler with limited storage and transportation options the ability to fish out of a motorized kayak. It’s been designed and outfitted for motor mounting, and doing so provides the FS1210 a greater range than any other inflatable kayak.
Motor Kayak Buying Advice
Motorized kayaks fall into two main categories: those for integrated motors and add-on motors. Integrated motors are kayaks with a motor designed into the hull from the factory. Adding an electric trolling motor or brushless outboard motor to a paddle or pedal kayak offers more options for motor size and configuration but no guarantees on performance. Most recently, manufacturers are designing longer, wider and deeper kayaks specifically for matching with an aftermarket motor.
Kayaks for integrated versus add-on motors
When considering a kayak with a motor, first take into account what type of kayak motor will suit your needs. A kayak with an integrated motor is easier to own and operate because the motor, battery and kayak are matched for the best performance and the rudder and controls are pre-rigged from the factory. If you’re looking for a motor kayak that is quick and easy to use with reliable performance and matching parts, a factory motorized kayak is a guaranteed good time.
Most kayaks, though, do not come motorized, and will need to be rigged aftermarket. Realize, once you start adding a motor, battery and rigging to a kayak that was made for paddle or pedals, you are monkeying with the boat’s performance. You can add a motor to almost any kayak, but a wide, stable boat with high capacity is best to float the battery, motor and rigging without affecting performance. Many fishing kayaks now are designed to accept a motor with flat areas and inserts in the stern and bow for the motor mount. Capacity, stability, purpose-built rigging, and battery storage are big reasons why we’ve chosen the boats we have in this guide.
Deciding between a trolling and outboard motor kayak
The easiest way to motorize a kayak is to install a remote-controlled, 50-pound-thrust, clamp-mount trolling motor to the stern or bow of the kayak. Anglers looking to use the motor mainly for transportation to the fishing grounds install the motor to the stern. To rely on the motor to maneuver the boat in and out of fishing holes, attach the motor to the bow. Some anglers even go for a motor in the bow and the stern for distance and tight quarters.
The most recent generation of trolling motors are controlled by hand-held remote controls. This precludes the need to install a rudder and foot pedals to control direction. Just attach the motor to the kayak and push a button on the control to turn right and left while adjusting speed in reverse and forward.
Another option is adding a brushless electric outboard. Brushless motors are designed for maximum efficiency while using the least power by placing the engine coils on the inside and the magnets on the outside, in the opposite configuration of a typical electric motor.
Brushless motors are faster, more powerful and more expensive. An electric outboard is best for traveling to and from the fishing grounds because it provides greater straight-line speed but a wider turning radius than a trolling motor. In many cases, the electric outboard is paired with a matching battery and controls for easy installation and maximum performance.
Choosing the right battery is as important as finding the best kayak motor. Most electric motors run off a 12-volt battery. The cheapest option is a 12-volt, deep-cycle, marine battery. But these batteries are heavy and bulky with poor performance. A better option is a lithium-ion battery, which is lighter, stronger and easier to recharge. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries cost up to three times more than a similar lead-acid battery.
A few paddlecraft are large enough to take a gas outboard. These boats have at least 500 pounds of capacity and a sturdy transom to hold the motor. Two- to three-horsepower gasoline or propane motors are strong and reliable, but they are also noisier and stinkier than an electric counterpart. One advantage to a gas motor is refueling. It takes a few minutes to pour gas into the tank. Recharging a 12-volt battery requires several hours.
Best Brands For Kayaks With Motors
- NuCanoe
- Pelican Kayaks
- Bonafide Kayaks
- Old Town Watercraft
- Vibe Kayaks
- Native Watercraft
- Kaku Kayaks
- Jackson Kayak
- Feelfree Kayaks
- Ascend
- Brooklyn Kayak Company
- Crescent Kayaks
- BOTE
- Wilderness Systems
- Hobie
- Sea Eagle Boats
How We Tested
Testing a fishing kayak for motorization is equal parts good fun and hard work.The hard work goes in before the boat hits the water. The first test is installing everything—motors, batteries and electronics—and seeing what the boat was reasonably capable of holding. Some kayaks come together in a few days, and others take a month to build. I also consider how quickly I can set up and break down the kayak between trips. Packing two motors and a full electronics package onto a little plastic boat is precarious business.
Once I’m on the water, I push the throttles forward to test top speed and turn the motor all the way over to test steering. I’m looking for how the motor and hull function together. Does the hull make noise and throw spray? Does the motor cavitate or vibrate under pressure? Motorizing a kayak is an experiment in physics with extra weight and powerful propulsion added to a little plastic boat.
I next consider capacity and space for the kayak to act as a true fishing platform. If possible, I move to the bow to lower the trolling motor and stand on the bow for extra casting room. I also test the boat’s stability to support fishing in any direction and moving about to adjust electronics and access hatches. In all, testing a fishing kayak with a motor takes a month of rigging, fishing and transporting to evaluate the fishing kayak’s strengths and weaknesses.
