Kayak Motors

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Kayak motors can give the needed mobility. Kayaking is a sport for everyone of all ages to enjoy. The person needs some basic knowledge about kayaking, such as: how to maintain balance and how to move the craft.

Many kayakers are now adding motors to their kayaks. You know that doing all of the paddling manually can be very tiring. If you are going fishing, getting to the part of the lake or stream where fish are the most active is one of your goals.

One of the ways to accomplish this is to add a motor to your fishing kayak.

Early trends in the use of motors finally started to increase when fishing tournaments for kayakers allowed the competitors to operate motors. They were excited about using motors and winning the fishing competitions.

Four main types of kayak motors

an electric outboard
a trolling motor
a gas outboard
compact jets

When considering the type of motor that you will select, start with the kind of kayak you will be putting the motor on. Note that there are no specific kayaks made for motors yet.

Start with your kayak and look at each type of motor, from simple motors for smaller kayaks to larger motors for larger kayaks.

Kayak motors have many benefits, including the ability to explore waters you’ve always wanted to but couldn’t because it was too far away.

Next, how far will the kayak be going?

Electric motors or gas-powered motors are best for longer distances and faster. Outboard motors for a kayak motor can be electric or gas driven. Gas-driven outboard motors can be costly but also very efficient in the water. Electric motors are cost-efficient and easier to start but have a limited range because of their battery life.

Trolling motors are the best choice for going fishing. Its ability to turn 360 degrees will allow you to maneuver the kayak into smaller places where you can find larger fish. More information can be found in this Trolling Kayak Motors article.

Electric-powered motors for kayaks include trolling motors typically mounted in a pod on the back of the kayak, which allows for hand operation.

These are commonly mounted on larger fishing or camping-type kayaks and are used to power along or move the boat in a fixed position, such as when fishing.

Motor Placement

The motor choice determines the placement of the motor on the kayak. Most will mount the gas or electric-powered motors to the stern and the trolling motor to the kayak’s bow.

Type of Mounting

The mounting type needs to match the type of motor chosen and the type of kayak where the motor will be used. Be sure your kayak can carry the weight of the motor. You will need to factor in the kayaker’s weight when you are calculating the placement of the motor for the best balance.

Gas-powered motors require an engine mount mounted to the kayak itself, usually on the back deck of the boat.

Comparison of two packages

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized Fishing Kayak
All you need to do is add the motor and the paddle and you are set to launch into a fun adventure.

2021 NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak – Ultimate Fishing Kayak
The Frontier is the ultimate hybrid kayak, designed from the hull up for serious anglers and hunters

More packages to consider:

Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb/55lb Thrust Transom Mounted Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator (24″ Shaft)

Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft)

Newport Vessels NV-Series 36lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor w/LED Battery Indicator & 30″ Shaft

Newport Vessels Electric Kayak Trolling Motor with Kayak Mount Set

A displacement hull is used on the first kayaks to move through the water. A kayak with a motor works better with a planing hull that skims over the surface. The increase in the weight of the motor can create a situation with the balance of the kayak.

Using a motor with a kayak will mean that rigging, maintaining, and transporting the motor will add 10-15 minutes before and after your trip to do the rigging and the unrigging. Because of the weight of the motor, your kayak is too heavy for a roof rack for your car.

Use a trailer to move your kayak, or you can use a pickup truck for transporting your kayak. Use an extra-large cart to transport your kayak from your vehicle to the water.

Multi-Sport Multi-Rack Kayak Trailer by Right On Durable Transporting Trailer for Kayaks, Sups, Canoes, Bicycles and More