It started with anglers attaching rod holders to recreational kayaks. To store our tackle and gear, we added milk crates and PVC rod holders. Next we glued sonar transducers to the inside of our kayaks and riveted the display to the cockpit. Eventually, these do-it-yourself designs led to the advanced fishing kayaks we have today.
Kayak anglers have always driven innovation in the sport. Unlike other segments of the industry where manufacturers cook up new products and sell them to anglers, kayak anglers come up with new ideas and then manufacturers move in to produce them.
But what about motorized kayaks? For years anglers have been bolting trolling motors to their kayaks. Early attempts by manufacturers to add electric motors received a lukewarm reception.
Zen and the Art of Motorized Kayaks
Until recently, the best motorized kayaks were cobbled together with aftermarket and do-it-yourself parts. Now, the latest generation of motorized kayaks are purpose-built for electric outboard, trolling motor and full electronics.
When I received a Bonafide PWR129 kayak, electric motor, trolling motor and forward-facing sonar I was excited to build the ultimate motorized fishing kayak. Little did I know the mental and physical challenge I was up against.
I was initially encouraged by the availability of parts to pull together this project. The PWR129 kayak is designed for motors and electronics with space for batteries, inserts for bolts and removable panels to route wires. The Newport NK300 and MotorGuide Xi3 motors are designed for kayaks. Easy, right?
Wrong. Even with all the parts, building a motorized kayak isn’t easy. I spent hours planning the build, gathering the parts and cobbling together the franken-kayak. I put miles on my truck running to the boat shop for nuts and bolts. Every other day, my Amazon driver delivered wires and connectors, tools and gadgets. I watched hours of YouTube videos, read blogs and interviewed the experts. I spent so much time hunched over the PWR my family named it Aquamus Prime.
After two months working afternoons and weekends, the creature was finally ready for the water. My first test drive sent me back to the drawing board to redesign the steering and bastardize the transducer mount.
The second test drive was a success as I zoomed around with the Newport and then switched to Xi3 and forward-facing sonar to search for fish. I’m still not done. My kayak trailer needs a rebuild to effectively wet launch the boat and I’m already cooking up ideas to improve the battery layout.
What does my experience say about the state of motorized kayaks? Let’s call it “developing.” Yes, adding two motors and full electronics can be done with easy-to-obtain parts and average mechanical skills. No, it isn’t simple. Motorized kayaks are far from plug-and-play or off-the-shelf.
But, motorized kayaks are getting closer. Today’s motor-ready boats are a long way from the old transom-mount trolling motor attached to a 2×4 bolted to the kayak deck. And, indications are bright for the future of kayak-specific electric power plants and motor-ready kayaks to match. Until I go into a store and buy a kayak, motor and electronics package off the shelf, motorized kayaks are still a work in progress. And so is my motorized kayak.
Zooming into the future. | Feature photo: Patrick Hayes
