Electric motor on a kayak fundamentally changes fishing. Instead of spending all your energy paddling to your spot, you can get there quickly without getting tired and keep your hands free for fishing. The market is growing fast: today you can choose from several types of motors made specifically for kayaks.
Read also: How to choose a kayak, Fishing kayak.
Which electric motors suit a kayak?
Kayaks use two main types of motor: trolling motors (transom mount or bow mount) and integrated (jet drive) motors. Both have their advantages, and the choice depends on the type of kayak and your needs.
Trolling motors are the classic solution. They mount on the stern or bow of the kayak and have a propeller in the water. They are powerful, reliable and have a long run time. The most popular kayaks among anglers are the MinnKota and Garmin Force series.
Integrated (jet) motors are more compact and mount below the waterline or on the hull. They suit smaller kayaks with less room for mounting. Motors such as the 3Li and ULTRA EVO are designed specifically for kayaks.
Which motor models can you buy in Lithuania?
Garmin Force Current (2 999 EUR) is the most advanced electric motor designed specifically for kayaks. It has built in GPS, wireless control and can hold position automatically (spot lock). If you fish in one spot and do not want to keep correcting your position, the Force Current will do it for you. It is a premium choice, but its functionality is unmatched.
MinnKota PowerDrive GPS 55lb (1 999 EUR) is a classic trolling motor with GPS assist. MinnKota is the oldest and most trusted name among trolling motor makers. The PowerDrive series has the i-Pilot GPS system with spot lock, autopilot and route recording.
NuCanoe MinnKota Terrova 36" (2 099 EUR) is a bow mount trolling motor specially adapted for NuCanoe kayaks. Bow mounting gives you more precise control of the kayak, especially when fishing into the wind or current.
3Li electric motor (1,499 EUR) and ULTRA EVO STG (1 500 EUR) are compact motors designed specifically for smaller kayaks. They suit anyone whose kayak has no room for a big trolling motor or who wants a lighter solution.
NK180Pro (1 300 EUR) is another option, designed for EPS systems. Cheaper than Garmin or MinnKota, it suits budget conscious anglers.
Ko dar reikia be paties variklio?
The motor itself is only part of the system. You will also need:
Motor mount. If your kayak has no factory mounting point, you will need a motor mount (from 39 EUR). It is a metal bracket that attaches to the kayak and holds the motor in the right position.
Battery. An electric motor needs a 12V or 24V battery. Lithium batteries are lighter and more compact, but more expensive. Lead acid batteries are cheaper but heavy. Weight matters a lot on a kayak, so many people choose lithium.
Steering system. Wizard FCS steering system (250 EUR) lets you steer the motor with your feet, leaving your hands free. Highly recommended for anglers, as it lets you control the kayak without stopping fishing.
Frequently asked questions
Safety on the water
Always wear a life jacket. For fishing we recommend NRS Chinook Fishing PFD : it has pockets for tools and rod holder slots, so it does not get in the way when fishing. For more on safety gear, read our life jacket comparison.
Does an electric motor on a kayak need to be registered?
In Lithuania, inland watercraft with an engine output of up to 3.68 kW (5 hp) do not have to be registered. Most kayak electric motors are lower powered, but always check the exact rules on the Lithuanian Transport Safety Administration (LTSA) website, as they can change.
How long does an electric motor run on one battery?
It depends on motor power, speed and battery capacity. On average a 100 Ah lithium battery can power a trolling motor for 4 to 8 hours at medium speed. At full speed the battery will drain faster (1 to 3 hours). In fishing mode, when the motor is only used to hold position, one battery lasts the whole day.
Can you fit an electric motor to any kayak?
In theory yes, but in practice you need enough room for the motor and battery, a suitable mounting point and enough load capacity. It is best to choose kayaks already designed for motor mounting: Native Watercraft, NuCanoe and some Galaxy Kayaks models have dedicated spots for it. If you are not sure whether a motor will suit your kayak, write to us and we will advise you.
All electric motors and accessories can be found in the VAKA Sport shop. For advice on choosing and fitting a motor, write to [email protected].
Related articles
- Bonafide kayaks: XTR130 with Garmin Force motor
- NuCanoe Unlimited: review of a motor ready kayak
- Kayak accessories: which ones do you really need?
- Kayak or boat: which to choose for fishing?
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