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 Output: Equivalent to 32lbs | Size: W: 3.15" | H: 3.59" | Protection: Waterproof & corrosion-resistance | Water Use: Salt or freshwater
The Bixpy J-2 Motor is a compact, lightweight, high-performance marine motor designed and optimized specifically for personal water propulsion and small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. The J-2 Motor features an optimized impeller jet system that is designed to work more efficiently than a conventional propeller or a conventional hydro-jet.
The compact size of this mighty motor has allowed Bixpy to adapt it to a variety of applications otherwise impossible using conventional marine motors. Allowing us to create more than a dozen adapters to let you motorize virtually any personal watercraft. Many fishing kayaks are Bixpy ready. Some will require a rudder adapter for proper connection.
If you aren’t sure what you will need with your specific kayak, Bixpy has a chart you can use to see which type of adapter, if any, you will need. You can then pick from a wide range of packages from Eco Fishing Shop that will include everything you need, including the specific adapter.
$649
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:
$649
Motor Output: Equivalent to 32lbs | Size: W: 3.15" | H: 3.59" | Protection: Waterproof & corrosion-resistance | Water Use: Salt or freshwater
The Bixpy J-2 Outboard Kit is Bixpy's second major iteration of its jet propulsion system that has motorized thousands of fishing kayaks, paddle boards, and all kinds of personal watercraft over the last 4 years. This kit combines the power of the new Bixpy J-2 Motor with the waterproof, wireless PP-378 Outboard Battery to power your personal watercraft.
In addition to the motor and battery, you have a large array of Bixpy’s Plug & Play Bixpy Adapters to choose from to make installation on hundreds of small and large brand name boats a snap! The Bixpy Outboard Kit enables you to stay out longer, explore new waters, fish more, troll for hours or just get home effortlessly at the end of a long tiring day on the water or when the weather turns on you and you need an extra push to get you back.
$1,199
Propulsive Power 180 Watts (comparable to 1 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 19lbs | Protection: Waterproof (IP67)
Torqeedo’s lightest outboard, the Ultralight 403A, gets you to your favorite spot faster, and lets you stay there longer. It offers reliable performance, an innovative new angler mount and all the high-tech features of a genuine Torqeedo system: GPS built-in, real-time range and runtime display, solar charging and the latest lithium battery technology.
The Ultralight 403A fits on all popular types of kayak and canoes, and there are special models for special requirements.
With superb usability and a wealth of smart features, including an on-board computer that calculates the remaining range constantly allowing for real-time remaining range reads, the Torqeedo Ultralight 403A is a great powered kayak choice.
$1,999
Propulsive Power 295 Watts (comparable to 2 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 34lbs | Protection: Waterproof (IP67)
The brand-new Travel 603 has whisper-quiet drive technology and is lighter than its 1103 predecessor. With its integrated lithium battery and its outstanding efficiency, the Travel is the alternative to a small petrol outboard.
Additional benefits to the Travel 603 S is the foating high-performance lithium battery, instantaneous throttle response, on-board computer with GPS-based calculation of remaining range and it is completely waterproof.
Another great feature is that the Travel 603 S is solar rechargable including when it is in use. Use the day's sun while you are fishing to recharge some power for your fishing kayak!
$2,248
Propulsive Power: 180 (comparable to 1 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 24lbs | Protection: Waterproof (IP67)
Torqeedo’s upgraded version of their lightest outboard (403A), the Ultralight 403AC, gets you to your favorite spot faster, and lets you stay there longer. It offers reliable performance, an innovative new angler mount and all the high-tech features of a genuine Torqeedo system: GPS built-in, real-time range and runtime display, solar charging and the latest lithium battery technology.
The Ultralight 403AC fits on all popular types of kayak and canoes, and there are special models for special requirements. *The 403AC has an improved 915 Wh Li-Ion battery with a range of up to 100km vs the 403A's range of up to 35km.*
With superb usability and a wealth of smart features, including an on-board computer calculates the remaining range constantly allowing for real-time remaining range reads, the Torqeedo Ultralight 403A is a great powered kayak choice.
$2,499
Propulsive Power: 540 Watts (comparable to 3 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 34lbs | Protection: Waterproof (IP67)
Ultra-powerful. Ultra-efficient. Ultra-stealthy. The new Ultralight 1103 AC can now beat the crowd and get to that coveted spot up to 30% faster and for up to 50km.
The whisper-quiet, direct-drive Ultralight 1103 AC comes with the innovative angler mount and all the hightech features you’ve come to expect: GPS built-in, realtime range and runtime display, solar charging, superior safety and performance, and the latest lithium battery technology.
$2,899
Propulsive Power: 520 Watts (comparable to 3 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 38lbs | Protection: Waterproof (IP67)
Built on the Ultralight 1103 AC, the 1103 C features a brand-new, direct-drive motor design and *it comes with the high-capacity 915 Wh battery – a range-extending 73% increase in capacity compared to the base model.
The 1103 C also delivers 10% more power from 1,000 to 1,100 W, a stronger aluminium pylon for increased protection from impact damage and an upgraded transom mount.
Other key features include solar recharging, easy dismantling, and emergency magnetic kill switch.
$2,948
Propulsive Power: 1120 Watts (comparable to 5 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 41lbs | Protection: High-grade seawater-proof
The new models of the Cruise 2.0 have been upgraded to handle demanding challenges and to be strong enough to handle dinghies and sailboats up to 3 ton. All Cruise models are also suitable for inflatables and other small boats.
Other great features of the Cruise 2.0 include an integrated on-board computer with GPS-based range calculation, a fuse and switch, emergency magnetic stop, galvanic corrosion protection, aluminum that is seawater proof and many others. The Cruise 2.0 T is controlled by a tiller.
*A power supply from at least one lithium batter (Power 26-104) or lead batteries (lead-gel or AGM) must be provided for operation.*
$3,999
Propulsive Power: 1120 Watts (comparable to 5 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 41lbs | Protection: High-grade seawater-proof
The new models of the Cruise 2.0 have been upgraded to handle demanding challenges and strong enough to even handle dinghies and sailboats up to 3 ton. All Cruise models are also suitable for inflatables and other small boats.
Other great features of the Cruise 2.0 include an integrated on-board computer with GPS-based range calculation, a fuse and switch, emergency magnetic stop, galvanic corrosion protection, aluminum that is seawater proof and many others. The Cruise 2.0 R is remote-controlled.
*A power supply from at least one lithium battery (Power 24-3500) or with lead batteries (lead-gel or AGM) must be provided for operation.*
$3,999
Propulsive Power: 2240 Watts (comparable to 8 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 37lbs | Protection: High-grade seawater-proof
Torqeedo's Cruise 4.0 is comparable to a 8 HP petrol outboard and can be easily mounted on your boat with a couple of tools, regardless of whether the remote or tiller version. The Cruise 4.0 can handle dinghies and sailboats up to 4 tons.
All Cruise models are also suitable for inflatables and other small boats. Other great features include a remote steering connector option, comes with remote throttle, corrosion protection, tntegrated on-board computer with GPS-based range calculation and others. The R version is equipped with a remote option.
*A power supply from at least two lithium batteries (Power 26-104) or with lead batteries (lead-gel or AGM) must be provided for operation.*
$4,499
Propulsive Power: 2240 Watts (comparable to 8 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 37lbs | Protection: High-grade seawater-proof
Torqeedo's Cruise 4.0 is comparable to a 8 HP petrol outboard and can be easily mounted on your boat with a couple of tools, regardless of whether the remote or tiller version. The Cruise 4.0 can handle dinghies and sailboats up to 4 tons.
All Cruise models are also suitable for inflatables and other small boats. Other great features include a remote steering connector option, comes with remote throttle, corrosion protection, tntegrated on-board computer with GPS-based range calculation and others. The Cruise T version is a tiller controlled motor.
*A power supply from at least two lithium batteries (Power 26-104) or with lead batteries (lead-gel or AGM) must be provided for operation.*
$4,499
Torqeedo Cruise 10.0 R TorqLink
Propulsive Power: 5600 Watts (comparable to 20 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 132lbs | Protection: Completely Waterproof (IP67) / Salwater-capabale
High-tech from the shaft head to the fin and emission-free, the Cruise 10.0 is the new flagship of the Cruise line.
Some of the key highlights of the Cruise 10.0 R TorqLink include powerful propulsion like a 20 HP combustion engine, remote steering connector option with remote steering, an elecrtric tilting option and much more. Can handle dinghies, sailboats, and boats up to 10 tons!
*Its power supply requires at least two (Power 48-5000) or four lithium batteries (Power 24-3500).*
$8,999
Propulsive Power: 5600 Watts (comparable to 20 HP outboard) | Total Weight: 132lbs | Protection: Completely Waterproof (IP67) / Salwater-capabale
This Cruise model in the series delivers 12 kW of peak output, is controlled by a tiller, and a continuous output of 10 kW, which can propel efficient boats up to a maximum speed of 30 km/h.
Additional features of the Cruise 10.0 T include an intelligent on-board computer and the full convenience of a Torqeedo electric drive system, electric tilting device, and is corrosion-protected, seawater-capable. Can handle dinghies, sailboats, and boats up to 10 tons!
*Its power supply requires at least two (Power 48-5000) or four lithium batteries (Power 24-3500).*
$9,599
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 J-2 or any Torqeedo 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!
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