Just remember that you may need to consider licensing or registration for your kayak after youve installed a trolling motor. Theres a switch for forward and reverse and a high and low-speed button. Some reviewers complained of poor customer service and receiving a broken product, while others said they loved the Traxxis. I hope to see all the features offered by the high-end trolling motors like the Lowrance Ghost or the Garmin Force in a kayak trolling motor soon! However, bow mounted electric motors often tend to be more expensive than transom mounted ones. However, they become less stable as they reach the weight limit. Kayaks are usually much lighter than other types of boats so the amount of power youll need will likely be less than you might need for bass boats, for example.A bigger motor wont necessarily make you go any faster, but it could help you maintain maximum speed if youre heading into the wind or battling against current. Are there any electric trolling motors that will mount through the skupper holes? While the Tracer has a decent price point, many reviews said they wish they would have gone with a Minn Kota; thats why I rated it a 5/10. Its not the trolling motor I began kayak angling with; however, its the one I now trust on the front of my fishing kayak. With plenty of power for the kayak angler, if you spend your weekends on ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers, this motor might be a good choice. Whether it be freshwater or saltwater kayak fishing. The final Minn Kota trolling motor we review is the Traxxis series. While its not as fast, only a mile an hour slower, its half the price. I would recommend the Watersnake Tracer to a kayak angler who doesnt get to get on the water as much as theyd like and doesnt want to spend the extra money that a Minn Kota will cost. The xi3 has a saltwater option; however, it does not have the short 36 shaft designed for kayaks. Either is more than enough for a kayak, and for most people in a yak, the added thrust just means shorter battery life. The Watersnake T18 ASP is a cheap kayak trolling motor, yet its not low quality. If youre in a hurry on your lunch break, then trust me when I say the overall best kayak trolling motor is the Motorguide xi3. The Motorguide xi3 is the top-of-the-line standard for bow mount kayak trolling motors. Thrust Trolling Motors Editors Choice, Saturn 55 Lb. I have a 2021 Aquaglide 160 Blackfoot Tandem 16 inflatable kayak, which will carry 7-8 hundred lbs. Stick with short shafts for kayak trolling motors, ideally 24 36. Unlike older Newport Vessels models, however, customers say that the new throttle positions provide sturdy clicks to let you know when youve change gears or turned the motor off. I recommend the Motorguide xi3 to any serious kayak angler. So look at your available storage space, remembering to measure it, and you can then find a battery to meet those dimensions, which can be easier than finding a space to meet the dimensions of your newly purchased battery.When it comes to choosing the voltage of your battery, it can be best to match it with the voltage of your motor. You can also get remote controlled trolling motors, meaning you dont need to do any manual steering in the traditional sense, as it is all controlled by the buttons on the remote rather than the solid bar handle. While a trolling motor capable of handling 24-volts will have more thrust, it will also add more weight. Thrust Trolling Motors, Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55 Lb. Using a 36-inch fiberglass shaft to deliver power to the head, the Traxxis offers a variable throttle identical to the Riptide. No, not persistent online keyboard warriors! Offering 30 pounds of thrust, its got plenty of power for a kayak. You will also know now that you will need to factor in where youre intending to use your trolling motor. If youre still not sure if this is right for you, give my Haswing Trolling Motor review a read to learn more about them. Since it has its own battery, you wont have to worry about running your sonar battery down while on the water. Rather than fire up a loud outboard to move a few feet or fight the wind, a trolling motor allows anglers to make fine adjustments in virtual silence. Thrust Trolling Motors. If I missed your favorite motor, let me know your top 10 best trolling motors for kayaks in the comment below! Guide To Camera And GoPro Mounts For Kayaks, Best Stand Up Fishing Kayak A Standing Anglers Dream, Best Kayak Fishing Rod Yak Anglers Top Picks. A Mighty Max battery can be ideal for some motors, usually offering a long battery life.Before you choose a battery it can be helpful to know how much space you have available in your yak and how much additional weight your vessel is able to take once you account for yourself and the rest of your gear. The 12 volt Outsunny transom mounted motor can be used for both freshwater and saltwater trolling, so it can be an excellent choice if youre looking for a versatile motor. At a weight of just 8 pounds, if every ounce matters to you, this might be the right choice. There are 8 speeds, with 8 forward and reverse speeds combined, so you can control your kayak in different weather conditions and it has more than enough power for a two person kayak. With a 30 pound thrust level, the Minn Kota has the power for propelling almost any kayak and it benefits from having a 6 inch ergonomically designed handle that can tilt and twist, to give you more control over the speed and steering. The weight and length of your boat will play an important role in the amount of thrust youll need from your motor. Yes, Im limited to about 55lbs of thrust, but thats plenty to push a large fishing kayak across the lake, even in windy conditions. Haswing constructs its shafts from cast aluminum, and according to the company, the head and prop are fine for both fresh and saltwater. At least thats my personal opinion. If you use any of these motors, let us know what your thoughts on them are! And be sure to choose one thats going to have enough thrust for the load in your kayak. If you own a small 10 kayak, you can go with less thrust and a shorter shaft than someone who owns a larger 12 fishing kayak. It does what it promises, but its a little more expensive than other electric trolling motors on the list, so I rated it a 7/10. Newport Vessels Kayak Series 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), Minn Kota 1368715 Traxxis Freshwater Hand-Steer Transom-Mount Trolling Motor with Digital Maximizer & Power Prop, 55 lbs Thrust, 36" Shaft, Haswing and Aquos 12v 20lbs Transom Mounted Electric Trolling Motor Salt-water Use, Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55 Lb. According to many users, build-quality is excellent and you can expect trouble-free operation. While no speed demon, 20 pounds of thrust is plenty to get you moving, and this small electric motor should really maximize battery life. Keeping in mind that these motors are designed for boats that weigh more than 1,500 pounds, you wont need to worry about being under powered in your yak! However, as a trade off, it might not be as quiet at high speeds. Some fishermen may prefer bow trolling motors with foot pedals, as it allows them to completely free up their hands, giving them more room to fish. I always look for the highest thrust I can get using 12-volts, usually around 55lbs. Growing up he was introduced to several different styles of fishing by his dad. Combining many of the features youll want in one package, this motor offer a design built around the needs of kayakers. That configuration allows anglers in a bass boat to operate the trolling motor from the front captains chair or while standing on the deck, but it doesnt add functionality for you. Control type may not be important to everyone. You can also separately purchase a solar panel charger for the 1103 AC. The Osapian delivers as promised so that you can trust it while on the water fishing. This Minn Kota trolling motor is energy efficient so you get a good life out of the battery, which is great if youre planning on spending a few hours out on the lake. A trolling motor is a small, quiet electric engine thats used to maneuver without scaring fish. That said, plenty of people do take this motor where its not intended to go, and if you decide to follow suit, its best to always rinse it after use and anticipate some corrosion. This trolling motor is equally at home in creeks, rivers, and lakes, too. Is It Easy To Add A Trolling Motor Onto A Kayak? To translate that energy to the prop, its equipped with a 24-inch adjustable shaft, a good length to consider as you start your search for the best motor. Wesley Littlefield lives in Northeast Oklahoma where he has spent the majority of his life in pursuit of the outdoors. Though designed for traditional fishing boats, trolling motors offer kayakers a number of advantages. The Endura delivers power to its prop through a 30-inch fiberglass shaft, and its transmission features the usual eight speeds: five forward and three reverse. Generally, it follows a weight ratio and it's thought that for every 100 pounds of boat you should need two pounds of thrust. The features available on the Osapian are comparable to those on more expensive name-brand trolling motors. Do I Need To Register My Boat If I Use A Trolling Motor? With the battery, the mount, and the trolling motor, youll need to keep your kayaks maximum capacity in mind. The fact that you can use the trolling motor in saltwater or freshwater and mount it in different locations on your kayak means this saltwater trolling motor is exceptionally versatile. Before you go out and buy the best kayak trolling motor, you need to make sure your kayak is ready to have a motor installed. It features an extendable handle, too, so theres no worry about reaching for the throttle while its mounted on the transom behind you. This combination of materials shouldnt have any trouble handling saltwater. More electricity is required to run more powerful trolling motors, and a 24v system requires two 12v batteries, whereas a 36v system obviously takes three. Trolling motors are generally quiet, allowing you to move gradually through the water, dragging your baited fishing line along smoothly behind you. Powerful enough to push even the heaviest of yaks, its equipped with a 24-inch adjustable shaft. Even though the shaft is short, theres still a chance of running into submerged objects, and thats where the quality of materials and impact protection keeps the angler from destroying the trolling motor at full throttle. But selecting the right trolling motor takes some expertise. At only 17 pounds, this engine is pretty light, and if thats a worry for you, this is a good place to start your search for the ideal trolling motor. This will usually depend on how much power you use to move across the water. After reading this buying guide, hopefully you have a better idea of what you will be looking for in a new motor. What Size Trolling Motor is Best for a Kayak? Adjusting the speed can also help you get more usage out of your battery, as slower speeds can help battery power last longer since its not having to work as hard.This can also be useful if you want to maintain a specific speed. This kayak motor is designed to be mounted to your kayak's bow. Most trolling motors with higher voltage batteries tend to be used on larger or heavier boats. On the other hand, a motor with a higher pound thrust rate will likely add more weight to your fishing kayak compared to one with a lower pound thrust rate. The shortest shaft available for the Motorguide xi3 saltwater trolling motor is 48. Its usually mounted on the bow of bass boats, where it can be operated by foot while fishing. Old Town kayak. You may think that because a trolling motor has a higher thrust weight it should go faster than one with a lower thrust weight. The length of the shaft is an important feature to look out for, as you want your motor to run as quietly as possible. If you choose a 24-volt trolling motor, you will need to purchase multiple 12-volt batteries or the larger 24-volt battery, which is heavier and both will take up more of the precious space on your kayak. Honest Lowrance Ghost Review: Expensive Spooky Tale or the Real Deal? Since its mounted on the bow and has a longer shaft, it will get in your way more than the xi3, but you still can use the wireless remote control to steer the trolling motor to help keep it out of the way of your hookset. It is not recommended to use, for example, a 12v battery with a 24v motor. Kayak trolling motors dont have all the bells and whistles that the big boat trolling motors have, but they still offer very beneficial features to anglers. A lot of trolling motors will have different speed modes so that you can adjust your speed while youre on the water. The 30 inch shaft is also tough and hard-wearing. Even though it only runs off of a 12-volt battery, its still powerful enough to propel a kayak faster than anyone can paddle for an extended time. Battery life is reported to be very good, with some consumers bragging about 8-10 hour run times. I am the owner of KayakHelp.com. If you buy a motor with a shaft thats too short for your kayak the propellers could create noise from hitting the water surface! Kayakhelp is reader-supported. But a motor with a higher thrust weight may be able to reach maximum speeds easier in rougher conditions or in water with current, compared to a lower thrust motor. The Minn Kota Traxxis offers kayak anglers the needed versatility to make operating a kayak trolling motor comfortable and efficient with a handle that extends and tilts. This 12 volt trolling motor has eight speeds, including five forward and three reverse speeds, so you can be in complete control while youre on the water. It also has a tough aluminum motor head for a smooth and quiet ride. Available in 55-pound thrust models, the Traxxis is intended for freshwater only. Thrust Trolling Motors. The best size trolling motor for a kayak is going to have a 24-36 inch shaft with 55lbs of thrust on a 12v battery. This 12 volt motor has a larger 48 inch shaft and can be used for sea kayaking as well as freshwater. Trolling motors. Best Kayak Fishing Life Vests Buyers Guide To PFDs for Yak Anglers. We can also help you discover what they are and whether youll actually need one (or not.). Check out your kayaks maximum weight capacity to give you an idea of what youre working with. The low price means there are not many features of which to speak. But perhaps most importantly, when people have had a problem, customer service has proven to be excellent. This is one of the top trolling motors for kayaks with good performance on oceans and freshwater lakes. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. If the propeller is not fully submerged in the water, it may not be able to move as much water as if it was fully under the water because it will also likely be moving air. The transom mounted motor also benefits from having bright blue LED lights that let you know how much battery you have left, which is handy when youre out on the water all day. However, this is not the case. And this is what could limit your speed.Ideally, you should make sure that the top part of your kayak motor is 12 inches under the water. Fishing on River. It should be easy to mount a trolling motor on a kayak but you will usually need a mount to attach it to, which you can either buy or make, unless your yak already has a motor mount. Moreover, at just 17 pounds, this trolling motor is light, an important consideration on a kayak. wow really informative article! If youve got some time, stick around and keep reading to discover who I rated highly and why others barely make the cut! A long shaft will only get in the way of your cast, hookset, or retrieve, OR it will be more prone to hit bottom and submerged structures like rocks and stumps. The Endura C2 will mount onto most fishing kayaks via the lever lock bracket. A 55 pound motor may not be able to move your yak any faster than a 30 pound motor but it could give you the extra power you need if traveling on moving water. Keep in mind, though, that Saturn recommends a thorough rinse after use in saltwater to extend motor life. Many states require any boat equipped with a engine to be registered, and that includes trolling motors! It is designed for freshwater use, so if you plan on saltwater then you might want to give this motor a pass. The best kayak trolling motor will also have different features tailored to particular uses. I rated it a 7/10 because it lacks helpful features, but its very inexpensive. With forward and reverse actuated with a switch, and a high and low gear available with the twist of your wrist on the tiller, youll have plenty of control over your speed. He has followed in his fathers footsteps, introducing his wife and daughter to the incredible adventures the great outdoors offers! Tipping the scales at 29 pounds, respectively, these motors are in no sense lightweight, something to note if the stern of your kayak is already riding low in the water. Once you add a trolling motor or any type of motor to your kayak or canoe, you will likely have to register it with the DMV in your state. But given the thrust to weight ratio on a kayak, you can stick with simple 12v systems that demand a single battery. Perhaps most importantly, youll want a motor that sips electricity, keeping your battery alive for as long as possible. If youre an angler looking for a saltwater kayak trolling motor check out the Newport Vessels Kayak Series. I stay in Gonubie East London South Africa. It has a 36 inch composite shaft as well as a durable metal motor head. I need a motor for bow mount on 10ft. It has forward and reverse with a step-less speed selector. Lastly, if speed is your primary concern, spend the money on the Torqeedo 1103 AC. It features 55 pounds of thrust, so is powerful enough for most kayaks and will be sufficient for a tandem kayak or small to medium sized boat. This offers corrosion resistance in saltwater. Theres a safety feature that allows you to shut off the power to the trolling motor thats great for emergencies like the motor getting bound up or needing to reset it quickly. If your trolling motor is portable, meaning you have it mounted on a quick release bracket on your kayak and sometimes you may use it and sometimes you may not choose to put it on your kayak and you will be only pedaling your kayak. These types of motors can often be more expensive than ones with a fixed speed and generally come with all the bells and whistles. I have a pescador 10 foot pro 100 kayak i wana install a bow mount hands free on it what is the best size. So if youre planning on kayak fishing, a trolling motor is a great addition to your kayak. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Best Trolling Motor For Kayaks Reviewed 2022 Buyers Guide. Adding a trolling motor to your kayak will make your kayak fishing experience more enjoyable. This is ideal for using only in freshwater and it runs quietly for smooth movement across the water without disturbing fish. Today we're talking about the electric trolling motor type that can bolt onto your kayak and used to catch more of those lovely fish. The shaft between the engine and propeller on trolling motors tends to be long so it can stretch from the gunnel of a bass boat to the water below, keeping the propeller constantly submerged. Both models come equipped with a 6-inch telescoping handle and eight speeds: five forward and three reverse. A handy feature of this powerful motor is the wireless remote or wired foot pedal that allows you to control the speed and movement without manually steering, so you can fish at the same time. A simple twist of the tiller revs up the throttle, and customers rave about battery life even at high speed. It is a little more expensive than some transom mount trolling motors; however, it has a couple of features they do not have, so its an understandable price increase. For this reason, lighter motors are generally a better choice. The xi3 was introduced well before brushless motors were used for trolling motors, so its about time for Motorguide to update the xi3 with a brushless motor for better performance and further reduce the noise. Keep in mind that once youve installed a trolling motor to your kayak, it will then be classed as a motor vessel and will often require to be registered with your local authorities and may be subject to taxation. I recommend the NK180 kayak electric trolling motor to anyone considering spending twice as much on a Torqeedo only to get one more mile per hour. The Watersnake Tracer is inexpensive and gives kayak anglers a few options for shaft length and the amount of power they want. Thats why I rated it a 9/10. Minn Kota has been a staple in the trolling motor arena for decades, and the Endura series is partly to thank. These are usually bow mounted trolling motors, and sometimes they can take a bit of getting used to, particularly where balance is concerned. Most transom trolling motors with a 12 volt battery will be suitable for use with a kayak. They can also give you more room within your kayak as there is no long handle. As 100 pounds of boat needs around 2 pounds of thrust, then even a motor with 20 pounds of thrust should be able to move 1,000 pounds of boat and gear.