First Look: Newport Vessels NK180PRO & More

The folks at Newport Vessels have been busy taking over the electric motor game. Since entering the race with simple, reliable and less-expensive motors, Newport has added models and accessories to lead the competition. Last year, Newport added lithium batteries to power their motors, this year they’ve expanded their motor line up, created a indestructible battery and designed a boat to showcase their products. Now I can purchase boat, battery and motor from the same company to guarantee compatibility and peak performance.

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First Look: Newport Vessels NK180PRO & More

NK180PRO

To power a smaller kayak, Newport Vessels’ new NK180 is a perfect balance of weight, size and power. Newport’s new NK180PRO motor only weighs 14 pounds and requires a 24-volt battery. I can use one of Newport’s matching batteries or another company’s battery without losing performance. The NK180’s weight and efficiency don’t limit the power; the motor is rated at 1.8 mph at 600 W, which produces 60 pounds of thrust. To control the motor, the NK180PRO is paired with a throttle system that displays speed and motor information.

First Look: Bonafide SKF 117

I tested the NK180PRO on Bonafide’s SKF 117 hybrid kayak. The compact motor pushed the small kayak at a comfortable speed and turned the kayak in a tight circle. Newport rigged the SKF 117 with a new foot-pedal steering control system using four ball bearings to slide the foot pegs forward and back. No matter how fast I was going or how hard I turned the boat, the steering control remained smooth and responsive. Combined with the Newport LoPro battery tucked under the seat and the small motor hanging from the stern, the system didn’t affect the kayak’s balance or exceed the kayak’s weight capacity. Best of all, I don’t lose the convenience of a light and easy-to-transport kayak when I add the little motor. The NK180’s features aren’t reflected in the cost; the motor is half the price of its closest competitor.

NS130

Newport Vessels makes electric motors with reliable performance at a great price. So, it makes sense for Newport Vessel to make a versatile boat to complement their motor system. The result is the NS130 inflatable micro-skiff. The NS130 looks and performs like a rigid inflatable boat with air-filled pontoons and a separate, elevated drop stitch floor.

The 13-foot long boat is 48 inches wide with 600 pounds capacity. That’s plenty of space for two anglers, motor, battery and gear. The NS130 is rigged with an elevated seat that spins 360 degrees. The boat’s design is optimized for a 10-hp electric motor, coming soon from Newport Vessels. Unlike a micro skiff, the NS130 packs into a rolling suitcase that fits in a hatchback and the corner of the garage.

I tested the NS130 with their new LoPro battery and new NT300 electric outboard (more on these new products below). As expected, the research and development team did their homework and the boat is both stable and nimble with the confidence of a micro skiff and the convenience of an inflatable. The NT300 pushed the kayak at a thrilling speed but still maintained confident performance. Unlike most inflatables, the pontoons and elevated floor allowed the NS130 didn’t want to slide in the turn or spin in circles when the wind blows. The pontoons keep the boat moving straight and the drop stitch floor and added gear tracks increase rigidity.

The beauty of the NS130 boat is the convenience of rigging and peace of mind on the water. The boat is specifically designed for Newport’s motors, so I know I have the correct size motor and battery for maximum performance, safety and durability.

LoPro Battery

To power the new motors, Newport released the waterproof and shockproof LoPro batteries. Built on the safe and reliable lithium iron phosphate cells, the LoPro battery offers Bluetooth connectivity to monitor battery information on my smartphone. The compact battery is designed to fit in a kayak crate well or a large hatch. Waterproof quick connectors take a few seconds to install and remove and make it possible to link several batteries together. The rugged and versatile LoPro battery is priced in the same range as traditional lithium batteries with greater durability and ease of use.

NT300

Hitting that sweet spot between a compact electric motor and a full-blown electric outboard, Newport’s NT300 produces 3 horsepower and only weighs 24 pounds. The NT300 is available in long or short shaft, so I can choose a model that powers a skiff or a fishing kayak. I like the digital throttle with LCD screen that provides smooth control and a convenient display of motor status. Despite the small size and reduced weight, the NT300 has a max speed of 6.5 mph and a 66-mile maximum range.

Feature photo: Kayak Angler Staff