Thinking of upgrading my kayak

[Smirak]

I currently fish out of a Bonafide SS127. I love the boat and have used it quite frequently over the past 4 or so years. However, I’m tired of paddling. I’m also tired of loading a 13’ kayak in the back of the truck. 
 

So, my thoughts below. Let me know what you think of each please?

 

1) upgrade to a 10/11’ pedal kayak. Old Town PDL 106 or something of the like.

 

or upgrade SS127 specific 

 

2) bixpy through hull pod adapter and motor/battery

3) trolling motor bow/stern mount

4) torqeedo 

 

Note options 3/4 would require me getting a trailer as well. Would sell the 127 to offset some costs…

[casts_by_fly]

it depends on how you fish as to which of those are going to be better choice for you.  The decision of motor vs no motor is the first one.  A lot of guys love their pedal drives.  And with the old town style pedal you have instant hands free reverse for holding position.  You never have to worry about the batteries dying either.

 

That said, a motor is just a lot easier if you don't mind dealing with the added complexity of a motor and battery setup.  Since you're going to trailer anyway, leaving the motor and battery hooked up will be fine.

 

Then which motor depends on your style of fishing.  A bixby or torqueedo will give you a bit more speed and range, but a bow mount (or autopilot) will give you spot lock.  For me, I've found that spotlock (and navigation!) are incredibly useful in a kayak.  Having used an autopilot for 4 years now I wouldn't be able to fish out of a kayak that doesn't have it.  I stand to fish so using the remote to motor around while I'm standing fishing is great.  Set a navigation heading/speed and just go down the bank making casts.  Hook a fish?  Hit the spotlock button and don't get pulled into the cover by the fish.  Want to pick apart a patch of pads or a dock?  Spotlock on one side of it, fish it, jog 10' to the other side of it and repeat.  

 

It's a shame you're not closer.  I'm selling my autopilot currently and it would be a great upgrade for you.

[Motoboss]

I think the decision would be between pedal and power. If content with loading into the truck I’d opt for the pedal power. If wanting something faster then a motorized kayak is the solution, but then you’re adding additional expense (motor, battery, trailer) and complexity.

 

Personally, I found my OT Autopilot 120 to be a hassle, heavy and cumbersome. Spotlock was nice(ish) but not an end all do all option as any motor is not “hands free” at all. There’s the constant push button remote control which seemed to be in my hand constantly. Cruising a bank with the motor and using foot control to steer was simple but the constant simple adjustments always required the remote in hand. Spotlock was great, if you don’t mind a constant repositioning motor whirling around. In strong current or high wind it was a plus when fighting fish but otherwise, mehhhh. If going power a rheostatthrottle control would be a better option than a remote.

The only true hands free propulsion is pedal power and instant reverse is a spotlock!

 

All in all I wish I would have went with a pedal power (OT 106) for the overall expense savings  and a better fit to the majority of my fishing. After selling the AP I went with a Sportspal canoe ($150 facecrook deal) which paddles easier than my kayak, faster, way more room with a larger carrying capacity and at 60# much lighter. I have recently added a 55# thrust trolling motor with LifePo4 battery for the longer runs and bigger waters which only adds 10 minutes to launching time but still not used all the time as it paddles very well.

 

Anyhow, if wanting something bigger with power go big and get a trailer. If you like compact, fast and efficient go paddle, the less expensive route.