NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing Zone => General Fishing Tips => Topic started by: DarthBaiter on January 15, 2024, 09:48:56 AM
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I went down a path. Invested time, brain power, and money.
Yesterday was my maiden voyage. I hit Clearlake. I have the battery inside my Yak-black-box. Towards the rear. I’m gonna source a battery box, and I’m gonna relocate it right behind my Hobie Outback seat. Almost 2-feet forward. I thought about putting it into the front hatch, but I bet that will be too nose heavy…and when I flip, it would be a complicated situation. I’d rather lose the battery, than myself. Current location feels tail heavy.
I just raised the motor up 3”. Under power the motor leverages the back down, big time. I;; need to experiement w this.
Loading and unloading the kayak was a new thing. More trips back and forth from kayak to truck. Eck! More time as well. Double eck!
I made the decision to only use the motor when I need to. Big lakes, long hauls, etc. kicking the pedals is no big deal. A lot to be said about the simple life. Haha.
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I like your reflection. It certainly eliminates my fomo and brings a contentment to my wonder...other than that, I'm sure you'll find your slay benefit after this, which I doubt you have, 'platform purchase remorse", passes... :smt006
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This last summer, I was fishing the salt from my Revo 13 a few miles north of a boat ramp. Heard chatter over the radio of a guy with a motorized kayak who flipped among the kelp beds and couldn't get the kayak upright. From what I gathered, the motor prop got caught in the kelp and caused him to flip. Some other anglers helped him upright his boat. His motor was dead, and he didn't have a paddle with him. I don't know how he got back to shore, but he eventually did.
Anyway, the story made me wonder "What if I had that kayak?" A boat so big and unweildy that I'd have trouble flipping it upright. If the motor dies, then I'm stuck paddling this big barge for however many miles I'm away from the beach. Then do the multiple trips back and forth across the beach with my heavy-ass kayak, gear, and motor. Then, if I can't fix the motor like I can fix a Mirage Drive, I have to send the motor to the dealer to have them fix it for however much money and for however long of a time.
I'm confident in self-rescue on my Revo 13. I can flip that thing upright like nobody's business. If the Mirage Drive breaks, the Revo paddles just fine. I can fix the Mirage Drive at home or order spare parts. The beach launch only takes one trip down and one trip back. Those slooow salmon trolling days can make me want a motor sometimes, but other than that, the hazards and bulkiness of the motor outweighs the benefits for me. Might be a different story if I was still into black bass fishing, I guess.
Besides, pedaling is good for you! :smt003
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This is the perfect wintertime thread...
Most of the time, I "kayak" in my heavy AI, and I usually launch it from a trailer, so adding a motor would not be that big of a deal. Also, the salmon in the Monterey Bay are generally far away, like 6-7 miles (or more) just to get to the fishing grounds. Even with my sail(s) on my AI, it makes for a high-mileage day (not to mention, a whole lot of hours), especially if the wind is not ideal.
Even with all of that, I have not been able to bring myself to add a motor. Maybe if there was an electric that would do exactly what I want, then I'd consider it more seriously. But, even then, I think maybe I'm too much of a "purist" to go for it.
Btw, "exactly what I want" from a motor is for it to get me there and back at max speed, and then disappear when I'm fishing, since I want to do the actual fishing with just sail and leg power. It seems like electric motors are ideal for just the opposite scenario, that is, where you want to slow troll for many hours.
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everything I attached to my kayak comes off with ease. I can drop the motor into the deep blue with a flip of a lever. the battery will fall off with gravity and the quick releases come apart.
I can right my kayak easily without the motor. I always leash my pedal drive, and I ALWAY have a paddle.
I'll lose money, and that would be a bummer..but I would have a story. :D
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Im all about innovation, but at some point you start to lose the beauty of the kayak and the simplicity it can bring.
I’ve never used an electric motor on the kayak but I’ve looked at a few and could see situations where they would be nice. I really like the idea of the electric pedal assist that old town is coming out with. Sort of seems like a nice balance.
Have you seen some of the crazy stuff going on in kayak bass fishing? Multiple giant fishfinder screens. Multiple motors. Power poles. It all looks very heavy to me and I bring way too much crap with me when I go fishing.
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I've considered motorizing a kayak for a while now. I think some good points have come up in this thread, both for and against a motor.
For me, I think I would follow the bass guys and motorize a big kayak. I have an older tandem that would be a good candidate. I also think an outrigger of some sort makes a lot of sense, just to increase the capacity and add some stability. Kinda one of those go all the way situations, for my perspective, anyway. Trailer, or at least unload at the boat ramp, seems like the way, as opposed to carting from the parking spot to the launch.
I feel like there are so many different perspectives and use cases for a trolling motor on a kayak, and a ga-jillion ways to rig this up, that sure, there is definitely something for everyone here, but also lots of nuances that can really turn the whole thing into a hassle too. I bet once it is dialed, with the weight distribution just right, and the right size battery, and the right controls, on the right kayak, it would be pretty awesome.
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I really like the idea of the electric pedal assist that old town is coming out with. Sort of seems like a nice balance.
This. I saw this kayak a while ago, and it just makes a ton of sense. Still a pedal drive kayak, just easier. Very simple setup, and very effective. Spendy, but I would totally jump on it if I had the cash.
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I motorized my Wilderness Radar 135 and my 115. I don’t know how hard it would be to flip it over if I ever capsized, but I keep a rescue ladder that I can use to pull on the far side while pushing on the near side with my feet. I’m using a Watersnake trolling motor and lithium batteries. Two 20ah batteries keep me trolling all day long and they’re not that heavy. Using two batteries lets me know when I’ve used half my power. I could have used the Wilderness motor but that was way more money. Cruising around it tops out at about 3mph. A little less if the downrigger ball is in the water. The kayak is heavy enough when bare so I would set it next to the water before attaching the motor and battery. Now I use a trailer and launch from a ramp. It may not be “pure” but it sure is nice trolling for trout all day long.
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As far as lakes, a motorized kakay would be great in my opinion.
As far as saltwater, I am to old and cautious now. :smt002
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A boat so big and unweildy that I'd have trouble flipping it upright. If the motor dies, then I'm stuck paddling this big barge for however many miles I'm away from the beach.
This.
Kayaking is an outdoor sport. It requires exercise and fitness. Having a motor is a way to cut down on the exercise, and getting one often means the user has some level of an issue with fitness. I think that gearing up a small plastic boat with a motor is a recipe for disaster.
That said, I've taken out many guests with motors, and their setups were impressive. I had no problem keeping up with them all day with my paddle and my big barge of a kayak, loaded down with all the tackle, up to 10 pounds of bait, my lead batteries for fishfinder...etc.
For me, kayaking on the ocean is all about what my body and the simple machines of platform and paddle can achieve. I've been lots of miles from port and had to work hard for hours straight, against current and wind, to get back safely to port. Experiences like that are invigorating, and pushing yourself in those situations isn't just life changing, it's living!
I think the only people who should put a motor on a kayak are those who are in very good physical condition, because others are setting themselves up for trouble, and they're putting everyone else in a position of potentially having to rescue someone who used the wrong gear to go too far afield. Also, it won't be a kayak anymore in my eyes.
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Those ePDLs look pretty cool. Still heavy though. The specs below are for the Old Town Bigwater ePDL:
LENGTH
13’ 2” / 4 m
WIDTH
36 in / 91.4 cm
ASSEMBLED BOAT WEIGHT
143 lbs / 64.8 kg
HULL WEIGHT
95 lbs / 43.1 kg
ePDL+ DRIVE WEIGHT
32.5 lbs / 14.7 kg
INCLUDED BATTERY WEIGHT
8.5 lbs / 3.8 kg
SEAT WEIGHT
6 lbs / 2.7 kg
TOTAL WEIGHT CAPACITY
500 lbs / 226.8 kg
USABLE WEIGHT CAPACITY
357 lbs / 161.9 kg
The ePDL drive with battery clocks in at 41 pounds. For comparison, the Mirage Drive 180 is 8 pounds. Hobie Revo 13 fully-rigged weight (seat, drive) is 88 pounds. The Bigwater ePDL is 62.5% heavier than the Revo.
Gentle water with access to a boat ramp or a beach you can drive on, I can see this being a nice set-up. Is it worth $6k? I guess that's up to the individual user.
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I padded for 5-6 yrs then got a 19 Outback about 4 yrs ago and felt the peddling vs paddling is so superior that I couldn’t go back to paddle. Part of the kayak experience for me is a cardio workout.
I miss the upper body workout I used to get.
I had a knee repair a few yrs ago and the exercise I get with the Hobie has been great for my knee!
I told myself when I got the Outback to keep things simple, it helps me OTW and when I’m Lugging all the stuff back to the truck!
As for a motor , there is a place for it but probably not for me!
Scotty
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At least it's an option, not a conversion. You can if you want and you dont have to. I still haven't used the motor I bought something like 8 years ago now. I keep thinking it would be nice to troll with, cover more ground, extend my range. But still something to be said about the kayak-ness of kayaking like you said. The Old Town PDL does sound like it would a great crossover option.
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a surprising benefit of a motor is you can do some things while puttering to a new spot.
i tied a knot will under power. ahha..that has never happened.
i'm curious how much i use it.
if i can draw a parallel to my mountain biking life. ALL my friends bought E-Bikes. i dont want one, but it is NOT fun riding with them anymore. i go solo now. which is fine. on a kayak, at least i can fish with motor people without my motor. it does suck watching them eat and drink while i am mouth-breathing trying to keep up with them at 4mph with my mirage drive. hahah.. so there is that.
great conversation people. if anyone gets a motor, i am available for LESSONS LEARNED.
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For me, kayaking on the ocean is all about what my body and the simple machines of platform and paddle can achieve. I've been lots of miles from port and had to work hard for hours straight, against current and wind, to get back safely to port. Experiences like that are invigorating, and pushing yourself in those situations isn't just life changing, it's living!
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This. (Although the struggle is so much more rewarding sans skunk.)
Personally I have no desire to get a motor, but it doesn't bother me when someone in a group is motorized. If it became a trend and the majority were motorized, then it might suck for me.
If my knees or legs go out, then I may have to rethink it.
I pedaled the Lynx about 8 miles at Hogan on Sunday, then pedaled my new Mt bike at Rockville for a few hours on Monday. My legs were feeling it and it felt good.
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to each their own. I have no interest in motorizing, but don't hold it against those that do. I will say that I prefer they go electric instead of gas powered though to avoid the noise pollution and the smell of the exhaust.
Cheers,
Brad
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I built a 13 foot old sail boat into a motorized skiff. I've put motors on kayaks before :thumbdown I'll leave the kayak motor-less for now. I used to say id never pedal too, so never know :smt005 :smt006 And yes. it has a stereo :smt002
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I built a 13 foot old sail boat into a motorized skiff. I've put motors on kayaks before :thumbdown I'll leave the kayak motor-less for now. I used to say id never pedal too, so never know :smt005 :smt006 And yes. it has a stereo :smt002
Is that a speaker? :smt005
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I started out with a peddle drive but the weight was unbearable when just starting out, and not knowing the easy ways to load/unload. Sold it and purchased an Eddyline Caribbean that only weighed 50lbs. After some long days salmon trolling I decided to get a Torqeedo 403. After a few times out I started using it for everything.
From the beginning I started getting my line caught in the propeller, and with the motor mounted on the back you need to go back to the launch, have someone help, or jump in to clear the line. The last time I snagged the propeller was at HMB near the red can. I jumped in cleared it, and continued fishing. I never go further than I’m comfortable paddling. I dropped the throttle in the water dealing with a halibut, and the throttle died costing $350.00.
Due to the frustrations, I have been using it less, and only used it once last year. So if I could start my kayak adventure over, I would skip the motor, and get a Revo 13. Although I’m getting pretty proficient at paddling with the Eddyline so it may be a while before I make a change.
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if I could start my kayak adventure over, I would skip the motor
I definitely thought of you when I wrote my reply, Mark. Never felt you needed it at all, and that's the only type of person I'd want to have a motor. Another multi-trip client on that list is Schwegg. There are others.
I'm not slamming anyone who chooses a motor for the yak. I am definitely wanting to get my advisory out there though, that using a motor if it will get you past your capabilities to return without it = bad news.
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I think any kayaker can get in over their head if they don’t stay within their abilities. It’s not like there has been a shortage of kayaker’s getting into trouble before motors came on the scene. It’s possible to paddle to far and not be able to fight the wind or tide to get back. Is the rule, never motor farther from shore than you can paddle? Does that only apply to kayaks? Motorboats can breakdown too. Should they stay within paddle distance as well? Lots of things can go wrong on the ocean. I imagine a lot of people think it’s crazy for anyone to take any kayak on the ocean. We all have different abilities and different levels of risk tolerance. Motors are tools and can be used safely or not. Motors are not for everyone but I think one person’s misuse doesn’t condemn them for everyone else. Paddles, peddles or motors, whatever floats your boat.
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I never understood the idea of mounting a motor on the stern just because of the difficulty of clearing a fouled prop. I put a motor mount on the pedal scupper so it is right in front of me. It’s the only way I’d do it.
I started out with a peddle drive but the weight was unbearable when just starting out, and not knowing the easy ways to load/unload. Sold it and purchased an Eddyline Caribbean that only weighed 50lbs. After some long days salmon trolling I decided to get a Torqeedo 403. After a few times out I started using it for everything.
From the beginning I started getting my line caught in the propeller, and with the motor mounted on the back you need to go back to the launch, have someone help, or jump in to clear the line. The last time I snagged the propeller was at HMB near the red can. I jumped in cleared it, and continued fishing. I never go further than I’m comfortable paddling. I dropped the throttle in the water dealing with a halibut, and the throttle died costing $350.00.
Due to the frustrations, I have been using it less, and only used it once last year. So if I could start my kayak adventure over, I would skip the motor, and get a Revo 13. Although I’m getting pretty proficient at paddling with the Eddyline so it may be a while before I make a change.
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I think any kayaker can get in over their head if they don’t stay within their abilities. It’s not like there has been a shortage of kayaker’s getting into trouble before motors came on the scene. It’s possible to paddle to far and not be able to fight the wind or tide to get back. Is the rule, never motor farther from shore than you can paddle? Does that only apply to kayaks? Motorboats can breakdown too. Should they stay within paddle distance as well? Lots of things can go wrong on the ocean. I imagine a lot of people think it’s crazy for anyone to take any kayak on the ocean. We all have different abilities and different levels of risk tolerance. Motors are tools and can be used safely or not. Motors are not for everyone but I think one person’s misuse doesn’t condemn them for everyone else. Paddles, peddles or motors, whatever floats your boat.
Are you suggesting that it's reasonable to rely on a motor to go beyond your physical capabilities? If you use the motor to go three miles, but the motor dies and you can't paddle three miles back to shore, then someone's gonna have to go "rescue" you. It's like filling your car with 200 miles worth of gas when you know you're going on a 300 mile trip.
Yeah, lots of things can go wrong on the ocean. Kayaking on the ocean carries risks that we try our best to mitigate, via PFDs, immersion gear, VHF radio, etc. But this one--relying on a motor to take you beyond your physical capabilites--seems like a real easy one to control. It's one less rescue effort that can be saved for someone else, and reduces the risk of others getting into trouble from trying to rescue you from a situation you knowingly and willingly put yourself into.
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I built a 13 foot old sail boat into a motorized skiff. I've put motors on kayaks before :thumbdown I'll leave the kayak motor-less for now. I used to say id never pedal too, so never know :smt005 :smt006 And yes. it has a stereo :smt002
Is that a speaker? :smt005
Ya, I put a sub in too. Has blue tooth and a solar panel to keep it going all day long. Electric trolling motor, 2 batteries. Madness in a fiberglass shell
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a surprising benefit of a motor is you can do some things while puttering to a new spot.
i tied a knot will under power. ahha..that has never happened.
i'm curious how much i use it.
if i can draw a parallel to my mountain biking life. ALL my friends bought E-Bikes. i dont want one, but it is NOT fun riding with them anymore. i go solo now. which is fine. on a kayak, at least i can fish with motor people without my motor. it does suck watching them eat and drink while i am mouth-breathing trying to keep up with them at 4mph with my mirage drive. hahah.. so there is that.
great conversation people. if anyone gets a motor, i am available for LESSONS LEARNED.
You can eat, drink, or tie a knot while pedaling a Hobie. I have done hundreds of times. Sure you have to reach down and adjust the rudder sometimes to keep you in the direction you want to go, but it isn’t hard to do.
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everything I attached to my kayak comes off with ease. I can drop the motor into the deep blue with a flip of a lever. the battery will fall off with gravity and the quick releases come apart.
I can right my kayak easily without the motor. I always leash my pedal drive, and I ALWAY have a paddle.
I'll lose money, and that would be a bummer..but I would have a story. :D
Curious about the lever you're talking about. Assuming this is one of those quick release brackets?
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a surprising benefit of a motor is you can do some things while puttering to a new spot.
i tied a knot will under power. ahha..that has never happened.
i'm curious how much i use it.
You can eat, drink, or tie a knot while pedaling a Hobie. I have done hundreds of times. Sure you have to reach down and adjust the rudder sometimes to keep you in the direction you want to go, but it isn’t hard to do.
LETS GO!!! video yourself tying a FG knot while kicking Hobie Pedals. start with an Alberto knot to warm up.
lets do this.
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I think any kayaker can get in over their head if they don’t stay within their abilities. It’s not like there has been a shortage of kayaker’s getting into trouble before motors came on the scene. It’s possible to paddle to far and not be able to fight the wind or tide to get back. Is the rule, never motor farther from shore than you can paddle? Does that only apply to kayaks? Motorboats can breakdown too. Should they stay within paddle distance as well? Lots of things can go wrong on the ocean. I imagine a lot of people think it’s crazy for anyone to take any kayak on the ocean. We all have different abilities and different levels of risk tolerance. Motors are tools and can be used safely or not. Motors are not for everyone but I think one person’s misuse doesn’t condemn them for everyone else. Paddles, peddles or motors, whatever floats your boat.
Are you suggesting that it's reasonable to rely on a motor to go beyond your physical capabilities? If you use the motor to go three miles, but the motor dies and you can't paddle three miles back to shore, then someone's gonna have to go "rescue" you. It's like filling your car with 200 miles worth of gas when you know you're going on a 300 mile trip.
Yeah, lots of things can go wrong on the ocean. Kayaking on the ocean carries risks that we try our best to mitigate, via PFDs, immersion gear, VHF radio, etc. But this one--relying on a motor to take you beyond your physical capabilites--seems like a real easy one to control. It's one less rescue effort that can be saved for someone else, and reduces the risk of others getting into trouble from trying to rescue you from a situation you knowingly and willingly put yourself into.
I’m saying that motors on kayaks are a tool no different that any others. It can be used wisely or not. Let’s say I paddle 3 miles out with the wind. I work my crab pots all day paddling between them and pulling heavy pots. Later in the day the wind is stronger but I want to stay to the end of the tide. I finish and now I’m exhausted and have to paddle back into to a 10-15 mph wind. It seems to me it is easy to do that. It’s not because I’m using a paddle that I can’t make it back to the launch. The fault is with the person. It’s easy to get in over your physical abilities with or without a motor. It’s easy to kayak in the ocean in jeans and a T-shirt, fall in, and need to be rescued. Would you blame the mode of propulsion for those rescues? If someone peddles out till their peddles break down and can’t paddle back, would you blame using peddles? I can paddle a kayak father than a 20 foot Boston Whaler. How far from shore is it ok to take a motor boat? If I go kayaking and don’t know or ignore my physical limitations, that is on me. If I only paddle my kayak, every day I go out I’m susceptible to being too weak to return to port. If I use my motor, I’m susceptible to being too weak to return only if my motor breaks down. If my motor breaks down, I have less fatigue because I haven’t been wearing myself out all day.
I think we can both agree that going beyond your physical limits isn’t a good idea. I just don’t think that using a motor automatically means you’re going beyond your abilities. I think I can still paddle 3 miles, but I wouldn’t enjoy it. I kayak to have fun so I use a motor. If I ever need to be rescued because my motor breaks down it will be because I used poor judgment, not because I used a motor.
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That's good that you know your physical limits when it comes to paddling. I'm worried about the people who don't. With the increasing popularity in motorized kayaks, new guys who jump right into a motorized kayak with no experience on a pedal or paddle kayak aren't going to be familiar with their physical limits. The motor could lull them into a false sense of security and capability. When the time comes where they've motored several miles offshore and the motor dies, I hope they can safely pedal or paddle back to shore, assuming they have a pedal drive or a paddle. If not, hopefully there's someone around to come save them, whether it's the CG or a boat.
I'll continue recommending to the new guys with motors, to be aware of their physical capabilities and be comfortable paddling--or pedaling--whatever kind of kayak they take offshore before they fire up that motor.
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You want a small boat with a motor? Just buy a used Jet Ski! :smt005 :smt044 :smt044
-Kiel
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You want a small boat with a motor? Just buy a used Jet Ski! :smt005 :smt044 :smt044
-Kiel
Can you paddling a jetski long distance? :smt003
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You want a small boat with a motor? Just buy a used Jet Ski! :smt005 :smt044 :smt044
-Kiel
Can you paddling a jetski long distance? :smt003
Maybe not! :smt006
-Kiel
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As most do, I started off paddling on an inexpensive kayak. When I was ready to upgrade, I tried the peddle types. Tried both push/pull and bicycle styles. Unfortunately, due to years of motocross racing, my knees just couldn't take it after a few hours. This left me with three options. 1. Just keep paddling 2. Buy a boat 3. Use a trolling motor. I chose the later for several reasons. No space to keep a boat and with a trolling motor, I can use it or chose to paddle. This has allowed me to expand my time on the water and really upped my fishing experience. I agree with the necessity of knowing your limitation. If you don't know your limitations then you really shouldn't be in big or moving water.
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One thing I haven't seen mentioned is for around 1500 you can get a GPS enabled trolling motor that will spotlock you in place while fishing in currents, no anchor needed.
The kayak moving around too much was my biggest struggle when I started kayak fishing (and I come from a pretty strong paddling background).
In my case, removing some of the kayakness has been helpful in having more fun while fishing.
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That's good that you know your physical limits when it comes to paddling. I'm worried about the people who don't. With the increasing popularity in motorized kayaks, new guys who jump right into a motorized kayak with no experience on a pedal or paddle kayak aren't going to be familiar with their physical limits. The motor could lull them into a false sense of security and capability. When the time comes where they've motored several miles offshore and the motor dies, I hope they can safely pedal or paddle back to shore, assuming they have a pedal drive or a paddle. If not, hopefully there's someone around to come save them, whether it's the CG or a boat.
I'll continue recommending to the new guys with motors, to be aware of their physical capabilities and be comfortable paddling--or pedaling--whatever kind of kayak they take offshore before they fire up that motor.
I agree that anyone new to kayaking needs to be aware of their physical limitations. Every time a clueless kayaker paddles downwind or downstream they are at risk of getting in over their physical abilities. A clueless kayaker with a motor is mainly at risk if the motor fails. It’s not like the motor fails every third trip or anything. So with the cluelessness being equal, I think the kayaker with the motor is actually safer.
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I read someplace that California wants you to register the yak if you put a motor on it. Is there any truth to that? I’ve never tried a motor on any of mine, but it sure looks like it makes it easy to hold on a fishing spot with one.
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I read someplace that California wants you to register the yak if you put a motor on it. Is there any truth to that? I’ve never tried a motor on any of mine, but it sure looks like it makes it easy to hold on a fishing spot with one.
You read it right. If you put a motor on kayak, you have to register the kayak.
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I just saw that on another thread confirming it too. They’ll do anything to get another dollar out of our pockets. I’m surprised you can have candles on a birthday cake without a fire permit in this state. Lol
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I started with an old necky dolphin, then that OK before the prowler, then prowler, eventually to an adventure, then AI, then a motor on the AI v2. I sometimes used the motor on the AI (for really long days with shifty wind), then a 17 foot cc, now a 20 foot cc
AI is a boat...a Hella fun one, but a boat
Kayak with a motor, a boat. Sorry
Don't kid yourself that you are kayaking anymore once that motor goes on
The adventure of it all is still there in a motor kayak, being close to the water, feeling small and exposed. That part is why I have stuck with CCs and smallish boats.
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interesting.
I fish from a kayak. fishing is the primary event, and the reason I go out. honestly, if a had a bigger truck, storage space, someone else's way bigger salary, I would buy a bass boat. hahah..
well, kinda. I love the access a kayak gives me to fishing.
having said that, I havent brought the motor the last 3x I went fishing. I still did it with kicking my feet. just working that battery into my truck sometimes seems like a bridge too far. ha!! I'll figure out my routine some day, one day, eventually.
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I started with an old necky dolphin, then that OK before the prowler, then prowler, eventually to an adventure, then AI, then a motor on the AI v2. I sometimes used the motor on the AI (for really long days with shifty wind), then a 17 foot cc, now a 20 foot cc
AI is a boat...a Hella fun one, but a boat
Kayak with a motor, a boat. Sorry
Don't kid yourself that you are kayaking anymore once that motor goes on
The adventure of it all is still there in a motor kayak, being close to the water, feeling small and exposed. That part is why I have stuck with CCs and smallish boats.
If a kayak with a motor is a boat, what is a boat without a motor?
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Dont over think it.
It's a boat without a motor :smt003 :smt044
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Dont over think it.
It's a boat without a motor :smt003 :smt044
hahah...a rowboat doesnt need a DMV visit I imagine. neither does one of the giant swans you can pedal around the lake with your girlfriend. :D
with a motor...your are registering a friggen SWAN. that would derail the DMV!!!
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Dont over think it.
:smt001It's a boat without a motor :smt003 :smt044
hahah...a rowboat doesnt need a DMV visit I imagine. neither does one of the giant swans you can pedal around the lake with your girlfriend. :D
with a motor...your are registering a friggen SWAN. that would derail the DMV!!!
Now I’m imagining the looks on the faces of the DMV staff when you register the Swan with the 50 horse Evinrude on it. :smt001
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Spiffy,
That’s just wrong on so many levels, but incredibly awesome all at the same time. Lol. I kind of want one now.
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OMG!!! hahahhaha..
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Dont over think it.
It's a boat without a motor :smt003 :smt044
So then, a kayak with a motor is not a boat, it’s a kayak with a motor. I agree. :smt006
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FFS you people are tedious.
:smt003
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Once it’s registered, you have to continue paying for registration. Good luck selling a kayak with CF numbers. And good luck convincing the next person to transfer title and continue paying registration. Hopefully the registration paperwork doesn’t show up in your mailbox next year. Because that would suck.
But I did install a Minnkota trolling motor in my Hobie plug. And it did work pretty good. My problem is that I still feel compelled to bring the mirage drive as backup (I always have multiple paddles too). With the motor & battery & accessories & mirage drive it gets pretty heavy…which makes me uncomfortable.
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Once it’s registered, you have to continue paying for registration. Good luck selling a kayak with CF numbers. And good luck convincing the next person to transfer title and continue paying registration. Hopefully the registration paperwork doesn’t show up in your mailbox next year. Because that would suck.
But I did install a Minnkota trolling motor in my Hobie plug. And it did work pretty good. My problem is that I still feel compelled to bring the mirage drive as backup (I always have multiple paddles too). With the motor & battery & accessories & mirage drive it gets pretty heavy…which makes me uncomfortable.
I get what ya mean about it being harder to sell... but just to be clear: Once you submit the Release of Liability portion of the title (either by mail or online), you truly are released from liability. I've run into this a few times selling motos over the years where the buyer didn't transfer the title and got it impounded or similar situations.
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But I did install a Minnkota trolling motor in my Hobie plug. And it did work pretty good. My problem is that I still feel compelled to bring the mirage drive as backup (I always have multiple paddles too). With the motor & battery & accessories & mirage drive it gets pretty heavy…which makes me uncomfortable.
This is the big reason why I haven't installed a motor, and probably won't. The motor and battery combo is a lot of weight. At about 215, I'm not exactly a small dude. All in, with a motor, battery, fishing gear, fish finder, etc I am probably pushing 400 lbs. I'm not sure my fishing kayak is even rated for that, haha.
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if I could start my kayak adventure over, I would skip the motor
I definitely thought of you when I wrote my reply, Mark. Never felt you needed it at all, and that's the only type of person I'd want to have a motor. Another multi-trip client on that list is Schwegg. There are others.
I'm not slamming anyone who chooses a motor for the yak. I am definitely wanting to get my advisory out there though, that using a motor if it will get you past your capabilities to return without it = bad news.
Hey Eric, on the times we have been out together I only used the motor once. The reason I used it was because you kept telling me what a powerful kayaker Davethesynthguy is. After a limit of rock fish you suggested we try for some halibut, and I caught three of those. I was beat even with the motor, and like you said Dave was still going strong. I think we were on the water from 7-4. Looking forward to the next time.
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I get what ya mean about it being harder to sell... but just to be clear: Once you submit the Release of Liability portion of the title (either by mail or online), you truly are released from liability. I've run into this a few times selling motos over the years where the buyer didn't transfer the title and got it impounded or similar situations.
You may be absolved from liability but the registration fee may still show up in your mailbox. That happened to us when we sold a car. Even though we submitted the Release, then other person never submitted the title transfer. They were racking up parking tix too. Fortunately, we were not liable for the parking tix, but the DMV would not send the registration to the new owner until they did their part. Had to order a new copy of the title and track down the new owner and physically force him to sign the title transfer, then mail it to the DMV myself. Although, kayaks are different than cars, so who knows.
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I get what ya mean about it being harder to sell... but just to be clear: Once you submit the Release of Liability portion of the title (either by mail or online), you truly are released from liability. I've run into this a few times selling motos over the years where the buyer didn't transfer the title and got it impounded or similar situations.
You may be absolved from liability but the registration fee may still show up in your mailbox. That happened to us when we sold a car. Even though we submitted the Release, then other person never submitted the title transfer. They were racking up parking tix too. Fortunately, we were not liable for the parking tix, but the DMV would not send the registration to the new owner until they did their part. Had to order a new copy of the title and track down the new owner and physically force him to sign the title transfer, then mail it to the DMV myself. Although, kayaks are different than cars, so who knows.
Heh, I have always round filed those registration notices from new owners. Kind of a "not my problem" mentality. It never hindered any other business at the DMV for me. You're a better man than I going after the guy to get him to get his own shit in order.