Kayaks are actually propelled by one or more paddles. But there are various reasons why this may not be more or less effective: Age, long fishing trips, injuries, children on board. A kayak motor is the solution.
Drive made easy?
There are small, lightweight kayak motors that are usually electrically powered. These can easily be clamped to the kayak with a bracket and propel it at the push of a button. A driver’s license is NOT required for such boat motors in Germany. Operation is child’s play.
Which kayak motors are good?
We compare the best kayak motors 2024 in our recommendations. Our buying guide also explains what really matters with this product.
Contents:
- Top picks: The best kayak motors 2024 reviewed.
- Checklist: These features are important.
- Bestsellers: Overview of the most popular kayak motors.
- Guide: How to make the right decision.
- FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about kayak motors.
The best kayak motors 2024 reviewed
On this list you will find the best kayak motors sorted by practical categories.
1. the best kayak motor with battery indicator
This 12 V outboard can be used in both fresh and salt water. Thanks to a pivoting and extendable control lever, the direction can be easily maintained. It weighs 11.5 kilograms.
Why we like it: The engine is very well made and impresses with its quiet and reliable running performance. It has 5 speed levels when driving forwards and 3 when reversing. At medium speed, it accelerates the boat to 5 km/h.
Recommended for: The motor is particularly suitable for trips over still waters.
2. the best complete kayak motor
The boat is made of hard-wearing PVC and measures 230 x 128 cm. In addition to the inflatable boat and motor, the set also includes 2 paddles, 2 benches, a repair kit, a carrying bag and a foot pump. The motor reaches a maximum speed of 8 kilometers per hour and has a volume of 50 decibels.
Why we like it: The boat and motor set scores points with its good workmanship and attractive price-performance ratio. The insertable base is very robust and offers plenty of support. Thanks to the included air pump, the boat is quickly inflated and then takes up little space in the car when empty.
Recommended for: This boat is suitable for families and groups of friends of 3 to 4 people who want to use it for excursions, a fishing trip or as a dinghy.
3. the best lightweight kayak motor
Thanks to its simple design, this kayak motor weighs just 2.2 kilograms. The adjustable rear bracket with clip system ensures easy mounting.
Why we like it: The motor is small, handy and easy to transport, even on its own. It is inexpensive and yet very well made. The rear motor is easy to steer and has an extendable handle.
Recommended for: This motor is suitable for salt water and can be mounted on kayaks, canoes and inflatable boats.
4. the best kayak motor with 8 gears
This motor has 5 forward and 3 reverse gears. Thanks to the use of aluminum and fiberglass and a special coating, it is also possible to ride in salt water.
Why we like it: This motor delivers very good thrust that reliably propels the boat over the water. The motor can be easily attached to the stern of the boat using a clamping bracket and is ready for use within 2 minutes.
Recommended for: The motor is suitable as an additional drive for rowers who want to save power and lean back from time to time. Thanks to its low noise level, it is also suitable for fishing or driving in nature reserves.
5. the best kayak motor for small boats
This outboard motor measures 145 x 55 x 35 cm and weighs 15 kilograms. It has 5 forward and 2 reverse gears and can be folded up at the touch of a button.
Why we like it: The powerful and quiet motor scores with its high quality. For a fair price, customers receive a robust drive for their boat. The battery level can be read at any time using the digital display. Both the steering pressure and the immersion depth of the propeller in the water are infinitely adjustable.
Recommended for: This motor is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater excursions. Due to its low noise level, it can also be used in nature reserves.
Kayak motors in the test: These features are important
- Speed: Faster motors are usually more expensive. The average speed is between 3 and 10 km/h.
- Power: The motor must be powerful enough for the weight of the boat. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s specifications for the maximum boat weight.
- Battery capacity: If you ride regularly, you need a rechargeable motor with plenty of battery capacity. Typically, a capacity in the order of 50 to 100 Ah is suitable.
More articles you might find interesting:: The best kayaks 2024?
Bestsellers: The most popular kayak motors
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
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Buy a kayak motor:
How to make the right decision
A kayak with an electric motor moves forward much faster in the water than a manually operated kayak. This even protects the environment, as no gasoline is required.
An integrated battery can be easily recharged at home. With their help, the electric motor propels the kayak (or canoe). These types of motors are so light that they can even be fitted to inflatable boats. So there are many uses.
What features are important when buying?
Speed: How fast does my motor need to be?
Those who like to really step on the gas will naturally prefer a faster engine. However, the calculation is not quite as simple as it looks. This is because higher performance is also associated with negative points. The more powerful the motor, the larger and heavier it is. At the same time, a less powerful engine combined with a lightweight boat can also lead to a solid speed.
Weight: How heavy is the boat?
Accessories such as a motor must always be adapted to the boat with which they are to be used. If you only want to use an electric motor for a SUP, you can get by with the weakest and smallest motors. However, a kayak should have a minimum capacity of 25 lbs. The heavier the boat, the more powerful the motor needs to be.
Charging time: How quickly does the device recharge?
The more powerful the motor, the longer the charging time. But if you want to use your motor every day as a professional angler, for example, you have to keep it ready for use at all times. This means that a large battery capacity and a fast charging device should be purchased at the same time.
How can I build a kayak motor myself?
This video shows how to build an electric motor yourself with a little dexterity.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
- 1 Speed: How fast does my motor need to be?
- 2 Weight: How heavy is the boat?
- 3 Charging time: How quickly does the device recharge?
- 4 Which kayak motor is the best?
- 5 What are the advantages of a kayak motor?
- 6 Do I really need a kayak motor?
- 7 What do good kayak motors cost?
- 8 Can you build a kayak motor mount yourself?
- 9 How do I mount the motor on the kayak?
- 10 Which kayak motor is suitable for salt water?
- 11 What is the best way to maintain a kayak motor?
- 12 What alternatives are there to kayak motors?
- 13 Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on kayak motors?
Which kayak motor is the best?
What are the advantages of a kayak motor?
Do I really need a kayak motor?
What do good kayak motors cost?
Can you build a kayak motor mount yourself?
How do I mount the motor on the kayak?
Which kayak motor is suitable for salt water?
This is because the coating is then equipped with corrosion protection. While freshwater motors may not be used in saltwater, saltwater motors can be used in freshwater without any problems.
What is the best way to maintain a kayak motor?
What alternatives are there to kayak motors?
Is there a test from Consumer Reports or Öko Test on kayak motors?
*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.
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