One of the most popular questions people ask after they buy their kayak is, “Can I add a motor?” A unique feature of fishing kayaks is their ability to be customized and changed throughout their life to suit your needs as they come and go. Maybe you start out as a river angler but plan to move to bigger lakes or the ocean. Each style of fishing and your location can dictate what gear you need.
While some kayaks come with motors as part of their main feature, like the Old Town MinnKota and AutoPilots, most require an add-on after purchase. Are you considering adding a motor kit to power your fishing kayak but aren’t sure what you need or where to start? Let’s break down some of the options available and find what is best for you and your fishing kayak.
We are going to focus on after-market add-ons like Bixpy and Torqeedo. Some fishing kayak brands like NuCanoe, Vahnunks, and FeelFree, have their own options for powering some of their kayaks as well.
Motor Weight: 2.8 lb | Output: 33 lb with the PP-378 V4 battery, 38 lb with the PP-768 | Runtime: approx. 1 hour at top speed, 7 hours at lower speed | Depth Rating: 100 ft
The Bixpy K-1 Motor is a compact, lightweight, high-performance marine motor designed for kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and virtually any personal watercraft. The K-Power Control Module lets you run that motor from virtually any standard 24V battery, turning a plain battery into a smart, Bixpy-compatible power system with full control and built-in safety.
$899
For a truly effortless transition to power, pair your J-2 with Bixpy’s Outboard Battery. The Bixpy Outboard Batteries are fully waterproof and corrosion resistant in addition to being buoyant – so even if a worst case scenario presents itself your gear will not be lost or damaged.
In most fishing kayaks, the batteries can easily fit under the seats. They can also be strapped to fishing crates, stored in kayak bellies or inside most fishing kayak hatches. Other specs for the power pack:
$749
Battery Included: PP-378 V4 | Motor Length: 18% shorter than the J-2 | Body: rugged anodized aluminum | Mounting: more than 20 Bixpy adapters
Bixpy calls the K-1 the world's smallest, most advanced modular water propulsion system for paddling and kayaking. It motorizes almost any personal or small watercraft, giving you extended range, letting you fight the elements and getting you home faster after a long day. The K-1 is shorter and quieter than the J-2 it replaces, with a brushless motor, a PowerShroud propeller and the PP-378 V4 battery in the kit.
$1,399
Bixpy K-1 Angler Pro Outboard Kit
Motor Output: 450 watts, 38 lb of thrust | Battery: 768Wh at 25.6 V | Runtime: 2+ hours at top speed, up to 24 hours at slower speeds | Weight: motor and battery under 30 lb
The Angler Pro is Bixpy's pro version of the K-1 Outboard Kit, carrying a 768wh battery instead of the 378wh pack so you can stay out longer, fish more and troll for hours. It combines the K-1 motor, rated at 450 watts and 38 lb of thrust, with the waterproof wireless PP-768 Outboard Battery, and runs 2 plus hours at top speed or up to 24 hours at slower speeds.
$1,699
Torqeedo Travel XS S Trolling Motor
Input Power: 700 W continuous, about 2 HP equivalent | Shaft Length: 62.5 cm, suited to a 15 in transom | Recommended Battery: 648 Wh Li-Ion | Weight: 18.3 kg / 40.3 lb including battery
The Smart Package is the entry model in the Travel family, delivering 700 W of clean electric power for small to medium boats, roughly the thrust of a 2 HP outboard. It offers Click and Play setup with no cables, a colored display readable through polarized sunglasses, WiFi and TorqView app connectivity, and solar charging. The motor weighs 11.6 kg and the battery 6.7 kg.
$1,399 motor only / from $2,598 with battery
Torqeedo Travel Ultralight Trolling Motor
Input Power: 1,100 W, about 3 HP equivalent | Recommended Battery: 1,080 Wh Li-Ion | Motor Weight: 9.8 kg / 21.6 lb including mount, cables and throttle | Charger: 180 W fast charger
The Adventure Package takes kayak fishing to the next level with the Travel UL, an 1100W, 3 HP-equivalent direct drive motor running off a 1080 Wh lithium-ion battery, a fast 180 W charger and an innovative kayak mount. The motor weighs just 9.8 kg including the mounting system, cables and remote throttle, and the weedless prop powers through vegetation to your secret spots.
$1,799 motor only / $3,398 with battery
Adding powered propulsion system to your kayak(s) is something most kayak owners think about after they make their purchase and gain experience on the water. While there are multiple options for powering your kayak, adding a powered motor is something experienced kayak anglers ultimately do. Getting to your favorite fishing spots while keeping your hands free for casting or trolling is made easy by adding a motor drive to your kayak. With a Bixpy K-1 or a Torqeedo Travel motor, adding a motor drive to your fishing kayak has never been more simple or more universal.
Check out our full line of Bixpy, Torqeedo, and brand-specific motor drives HERE. If you have any questions about which kayak setup will work best with your kayak, click on the chat button or give us a call and we'd be happy to answer specific questions to help you on your journey!
Compare Old Town PDL, Hobie MirageDrive, Jackson Flex Drive, and Native Propel pedal systems to find the best shallow-water, reverse and durable drive for you. We break down some of the top pedal drive brands on the market and help you decide which may be best for the type of water and fishing you do most.
The NuCanoe U10 fishing kayak converts from solo to tandem in minutes, making it the ultimate versatile kayak for family fishing on rivers, ponds, and lakes. If you are a serious angler who also wants to take out family and friends, the U10 is the ultimate tournament-ready fishing kayak that converts to a family and friends tandem kayak in a matter of minutes.
Choosing a fishing kayak? Compare hull shapes, stability, length, paddle vs. pedal vs. motor options, and match your kayak to the water you fish. We also breakdown primary vs. secondary stability as well as which kayak lengths and hull shapes are best for which types of water.
