In the last 12 months, Garmin released an all-in-one kayak motor, Minn Kota and Power-Pole added kayak models to their trolling motor lineup and Old Town expanded their hybrid ePDL+ to include more kayak models. To keep up with the growing number of kayak motors, Kayak Angler editors put together this rundown of the latest options for electric power.
New Electric Outboards And Kayak Trolling Motors Make Waves
Garmin Force Current
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BASS PRO SHOPS ECO FISHING SHOP AMAZON GARMIN
Game changer and ground-breaking are the most common adjectives used to describe Garmin’s new Force Current kayak motor. The latest kayak motor combines the power of an electric outboard with the maneuverability of a trolling motor. Installation is easy: attach the motor base to the kayak stern, run the motor-lift line to the seat and connect the power cable to a 24-volt battery. A handheld remote sets speed, direction and functions like anchor lock and heading lock. Or, add the optional foot pedals for hands-free control. Of course, the motor syncs with a Garmin multi-function display, smartwatch and smartphone app. The Force Current isn’t as maneuverable as a bow mount trolling motor or as fast as a dedicated electric outboard, but killing two birds with one stone makes the Force Current the best kayak motor we’ve tested.
Power-Pole Move PV
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BASS PRO SHOPS ECO FISHING SHOP AMAZON POWER-POLE
Trolling motors take a beating—literally. Maneuvering through shallow water, vegetation and structure takes its toll on the prop, shaft and motor. And everyone knows electricity and water do not mix. Power-Pole designed the Move PV to be the toughest trolling motor. Lucas Steward, director of business development at Power-Pole, says, “The Move PV is built for reliability so I don’t have to paddle home.” He points to the titanium shaft, redundant systems and brushless motor as evidence. Steward adds the Move PV produces up to 100 foot-pounds of thrust, “the same power as our 110-inch Offshore PV model for 40-foot fishing boats.” Built-in durability isn’t light and it doesn’t come cheap. “The PV is 10 pounds heavier than the competition,” Steward says. And the Move PV is the most expensive kayak trolling motor. Steward explains, “It’s for an angler who doesn’t compromise.”
Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132
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DICK’S SPORTING GOODS PUBLIC LANDS ECO FISHING SHOP OLD TOWN
Old Town made a big splash with the ePDL pedal-assist motor in their Sportsman hull, now they are expanding the line of compatible boats. The hybrid human-electric powered motor is compatible with the sporty Malibu and open-water BigWater hulls. Old Town senior manager of content marketing, Ryan Lilly, says, “ePDL+ allows anglers to navigate tougher, bigger water conditions much easier than with a traditional pedal drive system.” The motor runs off a compact lithium battery that fits under the kayak seat or in the tankwell. To save battery power while fishing, the ePDL+ switches from motor to pedal power. The ePDL+ isn’t as fast as an electric outboard or as maneuverable as a trolling motor, but the ease of use and ownership make it perfect for anglers looking for a little help without giving up the convenience of a pedal system.
Minn Kota Terrova Kayak Trolling Motor
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BASS PRO SHOPS ECO FISHING SHOP AMAZON MINN KOTA
“Terrova has been a core trolling motor in our lineup for years, so when we set out to develop a solution specifically for kayak anglers, it was the obvious starting point,” says Minn Kota brand manager, Adam Knowles. The main objective was creating a motor to interface with Humminbird fish finder display and smartphone app through the One-Boat Network. The Terrova is designed to sip power off a 12-volt battery, providing a longer runtime than 24- or 36-volt systems. A 12-volt battery is also less expensive and lighter than a 24-volt or 36-volt model. Whether using the Kayak Terrova as primary propulsion or combining with an electric outboard, the full-function trolling motor is a perfect fit.
Garmin’s Force Current changes the kayak motor game. | Feature photo: Courtesy Garmin
