Best Motorized Kayaks | Buyers’ Guide & Reviews

Are you looking for your first-ever kayak boat, or you’re maybe hoping to upgrade your old one?

Either way, choosing a new kayak is an interesting endeavor, especially for those who have never purchased one of these boats before.

Whether you’re looking for a boat to support your fishing expeditions or you simply want to sail on the water for a while, it is important to choose the right kayak that will fit you in terms of size and features.

That is why we have put together a detailed guide on how to choose the right motorized kayak for you. Now, you’re probably thinking, why should you opt for a motorized kayak? Well, motorized kayaks are a more convenient option compared to the traditional, pedal-powered ones.

However, keep in mind that motorized kayaks can be powered by pedals as well, meaning the motor is only an additional feature that can make your trip easier or more enjoyable. There are also plenty of hybrid kayaks that can be powered via a motor, or by pedaling or paddling the water.

Naturally, motorized kayaks require less work and physical challenges, which makes them a better choice for beginners or those who want to enjoy casual adventures out on the lake or a nearby river.

When it comes to choosing a motorized kayak, you will have to keep an eye out for the materials the kayak is made of, its weight capacity, and whether or not it includes a motor. You will come across many inflatable motorized kayaks which provide equal quality and stability as hard kayaks.

What’s more important is to check the weight capacity of each boat before you make the final decision. Keep in mind whether you are going to embark on fishing trips alone or if you want to have some extra space for a companion or additional cargo.

Besides material and weight capacity, the most important thing you need to consider is whether the kayak actually includes a motor. The majority of kayaks on the market today are kayaks with motor mounts; they don’t always come with a motor, meaning you have to make an additional purchase to complete the setup.

We have found several premium quality kayaks with built-in trolling motors included in the price, so we made sure to leave those in the reviews as well. All you have to do now is go through our list of best motorized kayaks on the market and choose the one that fits your needs best.

You can also refer to our informational guide section or the frequently asked questions in case you are interested in learning more about motorized kayaks.

Best Motorized Kayaks Comparison Table

Best Motorized Kayaks Reviews

#1 Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat

The first fishing kayak with motor on our list is the Classic Accessories Colorado inflatable kayak. We know what you’re thinking right now! How can a kayak be inflatable?

We’ll have you know that there are hundreds of inflatable kayak models out there that perform equally well as hard kayaks. Therefore, before you cross this one off the list, take a look at its outstanding features.

The kayak comes with 9-inch pontoons and features a padded seat for extra comfort. There are two aluminum oars of seven inches included in the price.

Keep in mind that this is an inflatable kayak with motor mount as it doesn’t include an actual motor. The motor mount, however, makes it suitable for the installation of one.

Therefore, you will need to make an additional purchase in order to run it. This specific kayak is built to American Boat and Yacht Council standards, meaning it is high quality and durable for its price.

It is made of strong PVC materials, and it features a detachable micro slit fly patch to keep the gear ready at all times. The PVC bottom is abrasion-resistant to ensure the kayak lasts longer.

It also features plenty of storage space, including ten mesh pockets and 12 zippered pockets along with the large rear storage area and two drink holders.

#2 Classic Accessories Colorado XT Inflatable Pontoon Boat

Next up is another Classic Accessories Colorado inflatable pontoon boat, this time the XT model. This model also comes with a two-year warranty, and it is made of the same premium quality materials as the last one.

The plastic seat features additional padding for extra comfort and support during the trip. The kayak offers plenty of storage capacity, including a rear storage platform, two drink holders, and a total of 20 storage pockets. Interestingly, the removable side pockets can be combined to create a convenient gear bag.

This kayak also only has an electric motor mount, even though it does feature other useful amenities such as non-slip footrests and a fish ruler. The seat can be adjusted to fit your body shape as well.

The multi-position rod holder is also adjustable. Moreover, the boat’s motor mount is waterproof. Just like the previous Classic Accessories Colorado model, the boat comes with a detachable micro slit foam fly patch and a transport wheel that allows easier access.

#3 BKC 12.9” Tandem Fishing Kayak

Next up is a BKC tandem fishing kayak that features an upright aluminum frame with 12.9 inches in length. This kayak has a flat bottom design that ensures extra stability on the water.

It features built-in rod mounts and a large rear cargo area. There is so much storage space here that you can fit an entire 20-liter cooler in there.

Moreover, the kayak features comfortable upright seats. It was designed with portability in mind since it has multiple fine grip handles built into its sides.

This large weight capacity kayak can hold up to 770 pounds. This is primarily a 2-person fishing kayak with motor as it was built to accommodate two adults.

It can, however, take in one child as well, along with plenty of additional cargo. It comes with two paddles and a durable motor mount (but no motor) that can handle a motor of up to 35lb thrust power.

Overall, this tandem kayak is a great option for those who are looking to take their partners or buddies on a fishing adventure. When this tandem fishing kayak is with motor, it is one of the best things to go fishing with.

#4 Old Town Predator MK Fishing Kayak

Next up is the Old Town Predator MK Fishing Kayak, 13.2 inches long and ultra-stabled fishing boat. This advanced electricity-powered fishing kayak is fully made in the US, and, unlike the models we reviewed above, it actually comes with a motor, so you don’t have to make any additional purchases.

This kayak has a unique powering system that combines a powerful Minn Kota MK motor and a foot-controlled rudder system that is fairly easy to use.

This system allows for hands-free fishing while the powerful motor provides more access to the waters ahead of you. The advanced design provides extra stability and superior durability that’s not so common these days.

The motor included in the price is very silent and provides 45 pounds of thrust power. Moreover, the kayak features a resistant Exo-Ridge deck for better footing control and faster drainage after a fishing adventure.

The comfortable seat is not only soft but also fully adjustable to your seating preferences. The kayak also provides plenty of storage options and six removable mounting plates where you can mount a variety of accessories.

Thanks to this feature, you won’t have to drill the kayak and risk damaging it every time you choose to install an accessory.

#5 Intex Excursion 5 Inflatable Boat with Motor Mount

Next up is the Intex Excursion 5 inflatable kayak that comes with a high-quality Intex motor mount kit. This is a great option for occasional adventurists who don’t have enough space to store a hard kayak.

This way, they can simply deflate the boat once they are done using it. This fishing kayak is made of heavy-duty PVC vinyl material that is fully puncture-resistant.

It is primarily a two-man fishing kayak as it includes two inflatable seats with comfortable backrests. It also features a middle seat suitable for a child or a dog, however, in case you decide to bring someone along on your adventure.

Moreover, this primarily two-seater fishing kayak features three air chambers and a sturdy motor mount, even though the actual motor is not included in the price. There are also four built-in fishing rod holders that allow hands-free fishing as well.

This kayak comes with a gear pouch that makes it easy to organize your storage and keep track of your gear during the trip. Moreover, the boat comes with two oars with 54 inches in size, featuring aluminum welded locks and oar holders as well.

The included Intex motor mount fit is a convenient addition because it fits all inflatable boats, meaning you can use it on other kayaks you may have to lie around.

#6 Wilderness Systems Radar 135 Fishing Kayak

Moving on, the next option is the Wilderness Systems Radar fishing kayak that can be powered in three different ways. The three of its power sources include paddles, pedals, and a motor.

This is a great option if you are looking for additional stability and easy maneuverability across the waters. The boat is very responsive and provides great acceleration on the water.

Its superior stability allows you to stand on the platform while fishing. It also offers plenty of storage space and advanced Phase 3 AirPro seating for maximum comfort. The ergonomic design ensures proper airflow as well.

Interestingly, this fishing kayak comes with a PFD jacket included in the price, which is a unique feature on our list. It also packs a Helix motor drive and a Helix PD pedal drive system with built-in steering controls for easier navigation.

The kayak also offers FlexPod OS flexibility that allows you to easily install additional gear and electronics such as convenient fish finders. The paddle that comes with the boat, the Apex Angler carbon fiber pedal, is known for its professional quality and endurance.

Overall, this fishing kayak is fully functional and offers maximal durability out on the water. The advanced features allow you to use smart technology to improve your fishing experience as well. With deluxe comfort seating and plenty of storage space, this kayak will become your favorite place to sit in!

#7 Intex Excursion 5 Person Inflatable Boat Set

Next up is a large inflatable kayak boat that can accommodate five people at once. With such high weight capacity, this is one of the most sought-after inflatable kayaks on the market.

It is made of heavy-duty PVC material and designed for lakes and mild waters. Therefore, if you are looking for a kayak for salt waters, you should probably look for a hard kayak version rather than an inflatable one.

Moreover, this Intex kayak comes with two oars of standard 54-inch sizes, as well as additional accessories that include a pump, a carry bag, and an emergency repair patch.

The inflatable l-beam floor provides extra comfort and rigidity, thus adding to the quality of the boat. The high output hand pump makes inflating the kayak quite easy. It inflates and deflates thanks to a special Boston valve very quickly.

Overall, this kayak is easy to put together, meaning it will get you going on your adventure in no time! Since it fits a total of five people along with additional cargo, the boat is considered a party or excursion kayak. All you have to do is gather a friendly group and head out to the water!

#8 NU Canoe Frontier 12 Kayak Deluxe

The last of our motorized fishing kayaks is the NU Canoe Frontier, known as the ultimate hybrid kayak. This fishing boat was designed for serious hunters and adventurers, as it is suitable both for rivers and calm waters.

It can also function in salt waters as well as a sea kayak with motor. The kayak is so stable that you can not only stand on it, but you can even take a walk while fishing.

It features a 20-inch Cast and Blast deck that allows you to move around freely without worrying about tipping over. The 360 mobility also makes it easier to access the gear comfortably.

The kayak has a capacity of 650 pounds, meaning you can bring along plenty of extra cargo. There is enough storage space to fit additional items. You can even use this kayak as a tandem boat or a solo boat, depending on whether you want to bring someone along on your adventure.

Besides providing plenty of room, the kayak features adjustable and very comfortable seats, which is important for those who plan on fishing out on the water for longer periods of time.

Overall, it is a great investment considering how much potential it offers, as well as its most unique features, such as a deck that you can actually walk on.

There are several other types of kayaks that are worth checking out but which we were not able to touch in this guide. There is the Fissot fishing kayak, the Hobie kayaks with electric motors, the Mokai kayak, and many others.

That isn’t all, if you find yourself unsatisfied with the speeds trolling motors can accomplish, you will also find gas-powered jet motor fishing kayaks that can approach even faster speeds.

And in recent times, there are even solar-powered kayaks electric kayak fishing motors. These are basically electric motor kits connected to a solar panel that generates electricity which then powers the small kayak motor.

Best Motorized Kayaks Informational Guide Section

What is a motorized kayak?

The name itself is an obvious giveaway, so to put it simply, motorized kayaks are kayak boats, whether bow or transom, that have been upgraded with a trolling motor in order to maximize speed and thrust.

These types of kayaks offer all enthusiasts a paddle free kayaking experience that allows them to enjoy their day on the river to the fullest while investing the far less physical effort.

While it’s not explicitly necessary or mandatory to install a trolling motor on the kayak (more on why trolling motors are the preferred and recommended option for kayaks can be found under the following question), it’s most certainly an advantage, as you don’t just save yourself from seeing a doctor because of arm pain, but it also allows you to move through the water more smoothly and quietly.

Can you attach a motor to a kayak?

Of course, you can! Improving your kayak’s speed is an absolutely possible mission, that will only take a few hours to complete. Because trolling motor-powered kayaks are so popular nowadays, some kayak manufacturers even make extra compartments for the purposes of the motor’s battery installation.

However, you clearly have to make sure your kayak is motor-friendly, as not all boats can accommodate trolling motors for kayaks.

You also need to watch out for any safety hazards. If your kayak is a lighter one, you won’t install a motor that is larger than a trolling motor, for obvious weight limitation, and because, of course, you need to consider potential safety threats-safety first!

Once you make sure your kayak has the holes required for the installation of the motor’s battery-and the motor itself, and once you get an appropriate trolling motor, it’s all smooth sailing (or kayaking) from that point onward.

Just please note that you must not drill any additional holes in your kayak in order to make the motor fit better, as that can severely damage your boat, as well as cause water to get inside and sink your kayak unless you are experienced and skilled in boat reparations.

What kind of battery do I need for my motor?

If you decide to install your kayak with a motor, you will have to consider the type of battery you will buy to accompany your kayak upgrade. When buying batteries, you also need to see how long it can run before you recharge it.

Trolling motors for kayaks usually require a battery of twelve volts, with some thirty-five amps. Please be careful and make sure that the battery you are getting is a marine and not a regular vehicle battery.

This is crucial, as normal vehicle batteries are made to turn the motor over, and this is unnecessary and even undesirable for motors for kayaks. Another important note is to get a watertight battery box.

This will protect your battery from any water damage by keeping it dry. This is very useful, because as you may already know, as a kayak enthusiast-kayaks can flip over.

Moreover, you should consider buying a deep charge battery for your battery-powered kayak because trolling motors tend to need those in order to achieve maximum performance.

How long can my battery last?

This factor generally depends on your kayaking habits, so your preferred speed, and how long your kayak journey is. Now, based on these pieces of information, let’s assume that you have a trolling motor that operates with five speeds.

If you are going on speed one, you can get the most out of your battery’s life, so around sixteen hours of run time. That sounds great, doesn’t it, but you will usually not go by the first speed.

So, let’s say you are running on the second speed. In this case, you should be able to get four hours less than at the first speed.

That’s still pretty good; twelve hours of run time sounds very enjoyable. But, let’s now assume you’re riding the water on the third speed. On a three, you should get an average of eight hours of non-stop run time.

Three isn’t enough, you say? Let’s try out the fourth speed. Now your boat is presumably going faster than most boats around while giving you some four full hours of run time. But you are ambitious, aren’t you?

Okay, fifth speed it is. Now you are basically flying over the water and achieving maximum speed. Just note that you will be able to get two hours of full speed without stopping.

How fast does a motorized kayak go?

This all depends on the type of motor you have, but the average trolling motor can go up to five miles per hour. However, when it comes to trolling motors, speed is not the most important characteristic to consider.

Rather, thrust. There are two different types of thrust-a 30 pounds and a 55-pound thrust motor, whereby a 30-pound motor is usually more than enough for an average ride. That again also depends on what you are carrying.

The more gear and additional things you have, the heavier thrust motor you will require.

How much thrust do I need for my trolling motor?

The size of your kayak is very relevant to the amount of thrust you will need to achieve, as well as the speed at which you would like to go.

A motor with around 20 pounds will most likely be able to move a boat that weighs 1000 pounds easily. You can find more about the types and weights of motors in question 4.

Are trolling motors universal for all waters?

Not all trolling motors are universal for salt and freshwater. The two water types require different types of motors, and you need to keep this in mind when getting a motor.

The reason for this is that salt tends to cause corrosion of the motor parts, so ocean kayak trolling motors and other kayaks with trolling motors meant for use in saltwater have an anode that is more covered, to prevent this from happening.

Why do I need a trolling motor?

Motor-driven kayaks are quite often used by fishermen. The reason being that, with a motorized fishing kayak, you can move through the water without scaring the fish away with your paddles.

Kayaks with trolling motors are very quiet if the water is deep enough, and this helps you move gradually without creating much noise. Another bonus that comes with a motor-powered kayak is that it does the work for you.

It starts and maintains the paddling, so you can enjoy the wonders of nature without putting in any difficult physical work, or effort. Though not all fishing kayaks with electric trolling motors are automated.

With certain kayak trolling motors, you will be able to use foot pedals-so-called bow-mounted motors, that allow you to free your hands completely.

However, mounted bow motors tend to be somewhat more expensive than your regular trolling motor. Another interesting fact is that you can get remote-controlled motors, which allow for the ultimate convenience and effortless relaxation since you don’t have to anything manually-well, other than pressing some buttons.

These types of motors are usually the most expensive ones, because they are the ones allowing you to get the most out of your time, as well as space in your boat, as you will not be carrying a large handle.

How far in the water should a trolling motor be?

The rule here is always to keep in mind if you want to frighten the fish. The deeper in the water your trolling motor is, the less noise it will make, allowing you to smoothly and quietly go by almost unnoticed.

The generally accepted and most frequently used rule is that your motor should be submerged some 12″. This also depends on the length of your boat. You should measure from the surface of the bow or transom, down to the level of the water.

If you’re fishing in rough waters, you should always add 5″ to the measurement of the waterline. If you’re standing while steering your boat that has a hand-controlled motor, you should, in that case, add 12″ to the waterline measurement.

For the sake of precision and clarity, here are some more detailed guidelines on how deep your motor should be, as well as the shaft length.

If your boat is a transom, and if the waterline is 0″-10″ from the transom, your shaft length should not go over 30″. If the waterline to transom distance is 10″-16″, then the length of your shaft ought to be some 36″.

Lastly, if your transom boat has a distance from the waterline 16″-20″, then the length should be up to 42″. In the case of a bow boat, if the distance from the bow to the waterline is 0″ to 10″, the shaft length shouldn’t surpass 36″.

If the distance is from 16″ to 22″, your length should not go over 45″. In the case of the distance between the bow and the waterline is 22″ to 28″, the recommended shaft length is 48″-52″.

In the case of distance is up to 34″, the length of the shaft can be up to 62″, and lastly if the distance is up to 44″, your shaft’s length should be 72″.

When it comes to the kayak motor, the cavitation plate should not be under 13″, and there should be a clearance of at least between the spine of the kayak outboard motor and the end of the plate.

Questions To Ask Before Buying Motorized Kayaks

Can I put a trolling motor on my inflatable kayak?

If you own or are planning to get buy an inflatable kayak and you would like to improve its performance, you will need to know that you definitely can upgrade it with an inflatable kayak motor.

However, having a motor on an inflatable kayak is not very similar to having it installed on a regular bow or transom kayak boat.

The first difference has to do with the very weight of your beloved kayak. It is a blatant piece of information that inflatable kayaks are far less heavy than your old regular ones.

There is a chance that your inflatable kayak will drown at the back, unlike a regular boat, due to the fact that the trolling motor, and especially the battery, are heavy, but you ought not to worry about that.

You just need to make sure to load heavier things to the front of your boat to create and maintain a balance.

Another important fact directly connected to the weight, or better said the lightness, of your kayak, is the fact that because it is lighter than a regular kayak if you decide to mount a motor on to it, it will go faster than you might expect, so you should be careful.

Nevertheless, our answer is yes you can and should put a trolling motor on your inflatable kayak!

What do I need to install a motor on my kayak?

If you want to go through the route of a DIY motorized kayak, you need to gear up properly. You will need some materials and tools for starters. When it comes to the required materials, there are quite a few, so read carefully:

You will need a 12 volts deep cycle marine battery (more on which battery to choose and why can be found under question 3), a battery tray, a piece of wood and some foam, glue, electric tape, and wires, wire covers, and steer wires.

You will also need a new set of paddles, wing-nuts, an adequate propeller, a plug, and finally, an electric trolling motor for the kayak.

Regarding the tools you will need to have, in order to be able to install your trolling motor, there are not as many as the materials, but you should still pay attention to the following list: a hand saw, a pair of wire snips crimps, a drill machine, a pair of gloves, so you keep your hands safe from any harm, and lastly a pair of safety glasses to protect your eyes.

How do I install a trolling motor on my kayak?

In question 11, we explained and listed the materials and tools necessary for the installation of an electric kayak motor, so for more detailed information, please address the previous answer.

When it comes to actually mount the motor to your boat, there are several steps that need to be followed carefully, as precision and details are very important when installing motors.

Make sure you follow each step and pay attention to every note because you want to have a proper installer motor in order to attain maximum effectiveness.

The first step in installing a motor on your boat is to attach your motor with a suitable propeller of your choosing. However, when picking out a motor, you need to consider the weight of your kayak, as well as its carrying capacity and weight limits. Next, you are to mount your motor to your kayak.

The stand that should not be overly heavy in order to avoid unnecessary burdens to the kayak connects the motor to the kayak and should be fitted in the back of the kayak.

Your kayak should already have factory-placed holes to fit the stand; however, if it does not, you can carefully drill them in. The following step is to build the steering linkage.

In this step, you will need to make two holes, both a quarter of an inch, on the back of the kayak, paying attention that there is a half-inch distance between the depression in the back of the boat and each hole.

Then you ought to insert a plastic tube in the said holes of the appropriate size, which largely depends on the length of your boat, most usually a quarter of an inch tube should do the trick if the material is thinner.

In step 4, you are going to install the plug and plug in the wires. The first thing you need to do is to remove the head of the motor in order to see all the wires.

You’ll see four wires: red, yellow, white, and black. You are supposed to cut the yellow and red wires and isolate them, in order to avoid damages and short circuits.

You then need to make a hole on the back of your boat that will be large enough to fit the plug, up to three inches away from the rear storage. Finally, you will plug the remaining white and black wires and isolate them with the pipe.

The next step will require you to connect your paddles with the steering linkage you made. Drill two holes in each paddle, one at the very top, and the other on the side of the paddle, then pass the wire through the front hole and proceed by putting a detain pin in the other. Lastly, the wires should be attached to the detain pins.

In step six, you will need to attach the reverse polarity switch (RPS) with a preferably 12 volt DC 30 Amp RF remote control switch (use it as it said in its manual).

Finally, the last step. In this step, you will attach the RPS to the battery you got (more on choosing the right battery in questions 3 and 4). The plastic plate you had prepared will come in handy now, because you’ll need to place the battery on it, and then put the plate on a piece of wood.

You will proceed with placing a piece of foam under the wood, in order to keep the battery in one place. The battery is then to be placed in the very middle of the rear storage compartment.

Remember the RPS? The wires coming from it should be attached to the battery-red wire with the positive, and black with the negative terminal-tip: use wing-nuts while connecting the wires (it helps with easier fitting in removing), and there you have it! Piece of cake, isn’t it?

Do I need a license for a motorized kayak?

Just as many other motorized vehicles and boats, you do need to hold a license to operate with a motorized kayak, but you do not need a license to be able to purchase or assemble a motor for the boat.

Likewise, in most states, you will need to register your motorized kayak, just as you would any other motorized canoe. You will need to obtain and always have with you the kayak’s registration card, due to the fact that you can at any time be stopped by a wildlife resource officer.

*Note: please check your home state’s laws and regulations regarding motorized kayaks

Can I use trolling motors during the winter?

This usually depends on the motor’s manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations, but in most cases, you should be able to use your kayak boat with electric trolling motor during colder temperatures if you’re feeling adventurous.

Gear up properly, make sure you have everything necessary to keep warm, don’t fall in, and you’re good to go!

How long will a deep cycle battery run a trolling motor?

What is important to know as a general rule is that the higher the motor voltage, the more power your kayak receives. There are more types of trolling motors when it comes to voltages.

12, 24, and 36 are the most common voltages, while 12 is the cheapest option, and it is also the simplest one to handle. This naturally means that since it is the weakest, it does not produce enough power or thrust.

If you need a more powerful motor, consider one of 24 or 36 volts. 12-volt motors are most frequently used for smaller kayaks, as the said voltage is more than sufficient for the size of the boat.

Larger boats require stronger motors. For more information on choosing the right battery for the size of your kayak, as well as their longevities, please take a look at questions 3 and 4.

In Conclusion To

You’ve made it to the end of our list of reviews of the best kayaks with electric motors on the market. If you’ve read through the frequently asked questions and the informational guide section, you have probably learned a lot more about electric kayak engines than you have ever known!

However, if you still have unanswered questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible!

Overall, motorized kayaks are a great solution for those who want to have greater and faster access to the water. They allow you to fish and enjoy adventures on the water without having to put in too much physical.

Motorized kayaks are certainly much easy to power and control compared to traditional kayaks that require paddling. However, keep in mind that all kayaks included on our list also come with one or two paddles included in the price.

This means you can always switch to paddling in case you run out of fuel or face an engine-related problem. Some kayaks allow you to stand or walk while fishing, while others are strictly sit-down kayaks.

This doesn’t play too big of a role in the decision-making process unless standing while fishing is a part of your fishing style.

When choosing your kayak, make sure to look through the pros and cons listed below each review to see which product fits your needs best.

Keep in mind that we have already done the research for you to find the highest quality kayaks on the market. Therefore, whichever one of these options you choose, you won’t miss out on quality, endurance, and durability!

Don’t forget that you will have to purchase a motor additionally unless you opt for one of the motorized kayaks that already come with an engine. Pay attention to this while reading the reviews!

If you feel like you have missed out on some important details, go over the reviews once again or simply ask your questions in the comments below. We love hearing back from you, and we are interested to know which one of these kayaks you like the best.

If you’ve already had some experiences with one of the kayaks listed above, feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments to help other buyers make their decision more easily.

With that said, thanks for reading all the way to the end of our guide!