Are you looking for a kayak that moves on its own? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We have reviewed four of the best-motorized kayaks in the market today.
Each of these kayaks has been thoroughly tested and is backed by thousands of satisfied customers.
The best motorized kayak is ideal for lakes, rivers, and even oceans. You can also use motorized kayaks for angling or just for fun!
They are easy to install and use with a remote control that makes it possible to move around effortlessly.
If you plan to buy the most versatile powered kayak for yourself, check out this kayak review!
Our Top Picks
4 Best Motorized Kayaks in 2023
- Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak – Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
- Best Bass Boats for Serious Anglers and Hunters – NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak
- Best Inflatable Kayaks for Recreational Boating – Classic Accessories
- Best Fishing Kayaks on a Budget – Pelican The Catch 100 Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak
1. Wilderness Systems ATAK 120
Best Sit on Top Fishing Kayak
Key Features:
- Compact design for better manageability and maneuverability
- Advanced tactical angling kayak with an open, customizable platform
- Compatible with the brand new Helix motor drive
- With a wind-shedding deck for added stability
Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 is an advanced tactical angling kayak from one of the best kayak brands. It has a compact package for improved manageability even off the water.
This tandem kayak has an open, customizable platform with a wind-shedding deck and great stability.
This Wilderness Systems Radar 115 is compatible with the brand new Helix MD motor drive. A rocker has been added to improve maneuverability on the water.
This good motorized kayak also has a quick-release lever to adjust the AirPro MAX seat fore or fly.
2. NuCanoe Frontier 12 Kayak
Best Bass Boats for Serious Anglers and Hunters
Key Features:
- Hybrid kayak great for fly fishing in saltwater, bass fishing, or hunting in the woods
- Very stable fishing kayak with a 20” wide Cast and Blast Deck
- 360-degree mobility for easy gear accessibility
- Comfortable and easy to paddle
Nucanoe Frontier 12 Kayak is the ultimate hybrid kayak for anglers and hunters. You can use this for fly fishing, bass fishing, or even hunting.
This lightweight kayak allows you to stand while you fish without compromising your stability on moving water. More so, this hybrid kayak’s versatile design makes your gear more accessible with its 360-degree mobility and gear tracks.
3. Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat
Best Inflatable Kayaks for Recreational Boating
Key Features:
- With an abrasion-resistant PVC bottom and top made with tough nylon
- Removable side pockets can create a gear bag for all your fishing gear
- Easily accessible fishing spots with the transport wheels
- Advanced premium features include improved visibility, non-slip footrests, and tow rings
The Colorado XT kayak model is a heavy-duty fishing boat with a PVC bottom and a nylon top.
It includes 20 side pockets and 2 insulated drink holders, and side pockets with gear mounts that can combine to create a gear bag for your fishing equipment.
This XT inflatable pontoon boat is made with a powder-coated steel tube frame, bronze oarlocks, bladders that are both heat and cold-resistant, and rugged aluminum oars.
It also has improved safety features such as properly labeled parts, non-slip footrests, tow rings, and improved visibility.
4. Pelican The Catch 100 Sit-On-Top Angler Kayak
Best Fishing Kayaks on a Budget
Key Features:
- Flat, wide, and stable deck platform
- Hull design made with twin sheet thermoforming technology
- With positive flotation for increased buoyancy
- Breathable Ergocast G2 dual-position seating system
- With flush-mounted rod holders
Pelican The Catch 100 is an affordable sit-on-top angler kayak that provides maximum safety and storage space on the water.
Its hull design is equipped with twin sheet thermoforming technology that features RAM X. RAM X is a multi-layer polyethylene with resin on the topmost layer for added durability of the hull.
The cockpit of this angler kayak features a breathable Ergo Cast G2 dual-position seating system. This seating system allows the seat to be easily adjusted and removed for comfortability while on water.
The foot brace steering system is also easily adjustable to customize the fit for different leg lengths. There are also four scupper plugs to keep you dry all day, and a stand assist strap assists you in standing.
This standard angler kayak also has flush-mounted rod holders for your fishing rod, landing nets, and gaffs.
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Motorized Kayak
Seat Placement
The seat placement is an important factor that affects the performance of the kayak when powered. If you position the seat forward, the weight distribution will be better, reducing the stern’s drag.
When choosing the best motor kayak, look for kayaks that feature almost half the kayak behind the seat. It is also better if you can easily adjust the seat to high and low positions.
Total Weight
Aside from seat placement, the total boat weight of the motorized kayak is also an important factor. For the best-motorized fishing kayak, a lighter model is preferred.
When powered, lighter models are faster and can sustain long-distance trips compared to heavier ones. A lighter kayak will have a longer battery life, and it would be better to maneuver it at full speed.
Price
Generally, motor-driven kayaks are more expensive compared to paddling kayaks because they are equipped with built-in motors.
If you are prepared to invest in a motorized kayak, consider all advanced features and gear storage. Make sure that the kayak you choose is worth the hefty price.
Waterline Length
A kayak’s waterline length determines its swiftness on water. The waterline refers to the portion of the hull that can be located under the water’s surface.
Without considering the total length of a kayak, kayaks with longer water lines tend to be faster than models with shorter waterlines.
Waterline length is the major deciding factor in knowing the speed capability of fishing kayaks. If you want a kayak that can reach greater speeds, go for models with longer waterlines.
Battery Requirements
Since motor-drive kayaks run on motors, they would need batteries to power through. There are different types of batteries, and some kayaks need you to purchase the batteries separately.
The number of batteries needed would depend on the size of your motor.
Smaller-sized motors would usually only require one 12V marine battery. For larger and more powerful motors, you might need more than two of the 12V marine batteries. You should also consider battery storage.
It is always nice to choose a motorized kayak that has a built-in battery compartment for storage. The compartment can help keep your battery dry, safe, and out of your way.
Stability
Another important factor to consider when buying kayaks is stability. Most anglers prefer kayaks that allow them to stand as they catch fish.
You should consider the overall stability level for fishing kayaks and whether your kayak will flip over when you power through or change courses. Generally, a wider and larger kayak is more stable.
Performance
The overall performance of a powered kayak depends mostly on motor performance. The types of trolling motors include a freshwater or saltwater trolling motor, electric motor, or kayak motor.
Since there is a wide range of motors to choose from, it is better to choose a kayak with a built-in motor.
A kayak with a motor installed saves you the hassle and time of choosing between a gas or electric motor and a kayak motor. It is also better to choose a kayak with a motor mount.
Electric motors with a motor mount should be powerful enough to provide your kayak with the best performance on the water when you make a turn.
Benefits of a Motorized Kayak
Speed
The most obvious benefit of a motorized kayak over a traditional fishing kayak is faster speed. With motor-driven kayaks, you can get to your fishing spot faster compared to paddling.
In this way, you can still have time to visit other angling locations.
Some of the best motor kayaks can power through at 5MPH or more, giving you more time to angle. Motor kayaks also save you the hassle of paddling for long periods since motors power them.
Range
Motor-driven kayaks have allowed kayak fishing experts to discover more angling spots they have never been to with paddling.
Since reaching a specific spot is already easier, you will be amazed at just how much more time you have to be still able to visit other spots.
With paddling, you may still be able to reach the spot you want, but you might not return to where you started at the same time as using a motor kayak.
Less Fatigue
Owning a motor kayak saves you the muscle strain and fatigue of having to paddle your way towards your angling spot.
Paddling is tiring, especially when you need to make turns on strong currents. It’s even more tiring when you still have to find a spot to park your kayak.
With motor kayaks, you remain fresh regardless of how many destinations you intend to go to since you’re just sitting on your boat as you travel.
You just need to have fully charged motors to power your boats, and you’re all set and ready to angle.
Trolling
Because battery-powered motors are silent, using trolling as an angling method on motorized boats is more efficient and allows you to catch more fish.
Some serious kayak anglers enjoy trolling using motorized boats because trolling can help them catch more different fish species.
An advanced motor-driven kayak with a built-in trolling motor also has a rod holder at accurate locations to make trolling a very efficient and resourceful way of catching fish.
The kayaks also allow you to position yourself to pass over the same spot many times while not producing any extra noise to disturb the fish.
A Motorized Kayak is a Good Investment
Motor kayaks have many advantages that can help better your angling experience. After reading this article, we hope you have found the best fishing kayaks for you. What do you think? Let us know!
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