With popularity of kayaks, how come no company put a motor in it yet?

I know people put trolling motors on kayaks; but it is very bulky and clumsy, and hard to handle on water

If there is a model with a motor that is nicely integrated, electric or gas, I really would be interested in such a product...  Why is there no such product yet?

https://oldtownwatercraft.johnsonoutdoors.com/us/shop/kayaks/fishing/sportsman-autopilot-120

This is a really popular electric kayak that works well in the ocean.  If you've ever seen any Die Hard Fishing videos on YouTube it's the kayak he uses.

Non-human powered boats over 8 feet in length fall under California requirements for registration with DMV.

Check out Torqeedo they are specifically designed for kayaks. I have one that I don’t use much but for trolling for salmon or, rock fishing in a fast drift it’s great.

Have you guys ever seen a mo-yak? My friends dad has one from the 80's or something, thing looks like a rocketship.

https://jonnyboats.com/

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

Well, we are adding all kinds of gear to it already... rudder, pole holder, pedals, etc. What's so sinful about motor?

I am beginning to sketch out a plan.  My starting point is to match the power of human paddling.  Since human on average can produce 0.1 horsepower, I think a 24 volt 100 watt motor should be enough.  Such a motor is just $20... 

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

Well, we are adding all kinds of gear to it already... rudder, pole holder, pedals, etc. What's so sinful about motor?

All of that gear doesn't require paying a registration fee with the state.  The minute you add a motor, electric or gas, then you need to pay a fee.  The basic idea of a "kayak" has always been human powered.  There's nothing sinful about a motor, but if you want a kayak with a motor, then you're building the kayak "around" the motor.  At which point, its a similar building process of a boat.  There are already off-the-shelf motorized kayaks by all the big name brands.

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

Well, we are adding all kinds of gear to it already... rudder, pole holder, pedals, etc. What's so sinful about motor?

All of that gear doesn't require paying a registration fee with the state.  The minute you add a motor, electric or gas, then you need to pay a fee.  The basic idea of a "kayak" has always been human powered.  There's nothing sinful about a motor, but if you want a kayak with a motor, then you're building the kayak "around" the motor.  At which point, its a similar building process of a boat.  There are already off-the-shelf motorized kayaks by all the big name brands.

Agree with the analysis.  I guess the concept is already in use, just I haven't seen the optimal design.

BKC has a kayak fitted with a trolling motor in the middle. This seems to be the most "integrated" that I have seen. This still looks heavy (just mount the typical trolling motor onto the kayak), and motor protrudes out can make it somewhat troublesome to transport and launch/return.



I would adopt the inboard design, having only the propeller peeking out at the bottom of the kayak. And the motor and battery can be much smaller and lighter.

Electric? You aint thinking big enough!

It’s interesting how recurring topics (such as this) evolve a bit over time. At one point, discussing a powered (E or ICE) yak could be met w scorn

“There's nothing sinful about a motor” - until you have a ratty ICE powered boat idling around you for a time 

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

Well, we are adding all kinds of gear to it already... rudder, pole holder, pedals, etc. What's so sinful about motor?

All of that gear doesn't require paying a registration fee with the state….

Adding a sail also, technically, adds a registration requirement.

Kayak is not suppose to have a motor

+1

I know people put trolling motors on kayaks; but it is very bulky and clumsy, and hard to handle on water

If there is a model with a motor that is nicely integrated, electric or gas, I really would be interested in such a product...  Why is there no such product yet?

there is.  It's called a skiff.  There is something ineffable about getting there, getting fish and then getting back on your own physical strength and balance. i'm more a purist I guess.   I've had power boats. Nothing beats the self-propelled adventure and satisfaction of kayak fishing for me.

Bushy

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