Hobie getting darker still....

It was only a matter of time, but Hobie is coming out with an excellent motor addition called the Torqeedo. I hear there may be mid mount drive version as well.

http://www.torqeedo.com/us/sn/image-library/videos/ultra-video.html

This wouldn't be for all, but like the PA, Hobie is on the cutting edge of all emerging kayak markets. Now we can Peddle, paddle, sail and drive it.

Cool  $1800

That's pretty Sick....


 Looks very well done.... " Das Boot.."

 I wonder how fast the battery would retain memory, the life is a little short to begin with...

 I can see the advantages, have to keep it in mind if my knees are next to go...

I personally did not get into kayakfishing for the love of kayaks, it is merely the platform that works best for me to fish from...

 My main objective is to fish...   still, I see the romance of paddling....

another drawback is no AOTY points while using this puppy... 

And register it.

That is pretty cool.  Not sure if I would want it, but still like the idea.

Although Hobies were used in the video, it seems like Torqueedo is an aftermarket company and the motor could work with any model/brand of Kayak.  I may have missed something though. 

Yeah, I also didn't get that this was affiliated with hobie.  But I could have missed it.

I do like the romance of paddling, but after my first negative impression, I could see where these would be really nice for yak-fishing.  It would be really handy for those windy days when you're trying to jig off the bottom.  Also for salmon trolling, especially it you've had to paddle for a long ways to get to the salmon water.   It could offset the "paddle around in circles effect" caused by hanging your rig off to the side.

The biggest problem I have is the cost.  If $1800 is the cost, I don't think I've invested that much in all my other gear.  I couldn't afford it.

I believe the motor uses a lithium ion battery hence the price but it should last for ever and they dont get battery memory

There more my shoulder hurts from paddling the more I like ideas like this

Looks fun for open water, but a nightmare near kelp...

I get my trolling line snagged/tangled up enough already without a motor or rudder!  I'm pretty sure I'd break that thing.

I believe the motor uses a lithium ion battery hence the price but it should last for ever and they dont get battery memory

And as battery technology progresses the price should come down a lot.

Don't forget about registering the kayak after its motorized! Gota get that all important CF hull number afterwards!  No thanks.  I'll stick to my Marige drive.

More importantly, perhaps, is you'd then also be subject to BUI laws.  No beers for you!

What happens when the battery dies.....5 miles offshore salmon trolling....the wind picking up.....and you know realize you forgot your paddle in the car.....

-Brian G

I'm a big Hobie Mirage fan but adding the motor seems to really take you out of the Kayak fishing world.  Why not just get rid of the yak and buy an aluminum boat with a motor.  Mirage kayaks may not be as pure as paddling kayaks, but to me, the definition of a kayak changes when the motor is added.  Isn't a kayak a human powered boat?  I didn't check a dictionary but that would be my definition.