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.

[nso123]

I have had both paddle and pedal. Pedal was nice and seemed to require less physical effort. I have a PA12. I finally got to the point that I wanted more range to chase the fish, so I bought a boat. I kept the PA12 in case I wanted to do some kayak fishing still, but believe this will be the year I let it go. 

[TnRiver46]

Tired of paddling ?? I ♥️ paddling 

[BassKat]

Suzuki makes an extremely light 2.5hp outboard that you could consider vs electric options. 

[DogBone_384]

If you choose to change brands, I fish out of a 2018 FeelFree Lure 11.5 with their Overdrive (pedal) unit.  It's a very good fishing platform because you can paddle, pedal, or use their Motordrive unit that plugs into the Overdrive unit.

 

The hull weighs about 75 pounds.  I'm 58 and can lift it onto my Tundra's ladder rack.  It weighs about 125 lbs fully rigged w/ Overdrive and isn't a problem loading into my truck's bed.  The best part of the kayak is its seat, which is ALL DAY comfortable.  The keel mounted wheel is great for crossing packed terrain, but a cart is necessary for beach sand and longer distances.

 

I have a Elite Ti7 mounted on the right side rail and keep the battery in a Pelican box in the hull's storage.  A milk crate keeps my tackle organized in the rear storage.

 

My kayak gets a lot of usage and replacement parts are readily available.  FeelFree's customer service is outstanding.

 

Like @nso123, I bought a boat when I want to cover a lot of water.

 

Just food for thought.  Good luck choosing your next rig.

[Koz]

I have both a pedal drive with instant reverse (Seastream Angler) and a motor drive (Autopilot 120) and I can make a case for both of them and none of them.

 

1. With the pedal drive I felt more connected to the lake and to nature. Holding position by jogging the pedals and bumping the rudder became intuitive in no time. I could cover a lot of water at 2.5 - 2.9 mph. But in the southern heat it was brutal out there in the warm months. I was either completely spent and on the verge of heat exhaustion or I simply chose not to fish as much. Weight limitations forced me to make choices. I trailered this kayak.

 

2. The Autopilot with spot lock was an immediate game changer. But it was a beast to load and unload until I was smart enough to add a winch to my trailer. Now I am quickly in and out of the water. Absolute game changer. My pedal drive was stable, but this is levels above that. This is important not only for standing, but also with big boats and rough weather on bigger lakes. Spot lock can be both friend and foe. You have to plan your attack angles with wind and currents. Shifting winds can drive you nuts. With my moisture wicking pants and shirts, hot weather is no issue because the motor gets me where I want to go. But with the motor up front, weeds can be problematic even with a weedless prop. Lakes like Guntersville and Toho took a lot of patience with their heavy weeds. On the flip side, I can carry a ton of gear, batteries, and electronics. The only real issue is speed. With a tournament setup I max out at about 3.3 mph. My competitors with the rear mount motors go 5 - 8 mph meaning they can cover a lot more water. Another downside with that front mount motor is that it’s not suitable for river fishing. That’s why I still have my pedal drive.

 

I’m not about to get rid of my Autopilot, but if I had to do it all over again I would buy a 12-14 foot pedal drive kayak that was also purpose built to add a fast, rear mount motor. I would sacrifice the spot lock for the extra speed and use the pedal drive and/or an anchor system or Power Poles to hold position.

 

And before you think about adding a motor to a kayak, make sure you understand how it mounts, if it will cut down on your cargo area, how you will run the wiring, how much or how many batteries you need, where you can place those batteries, and how they will impact stability, center of gravity, and tracking.

 

 

[Smirak]

Thanks all. I’m still debating everything at this point. I’m not Bonafide loyal, though I do love their products. I’m fortunate enough to live in Huntsville, AL where KBF is headquartered. I’m also fortunate enough to have Chad’s phone number and we chat often. So, I won’t have any issues with rigging and such as there is a large room in the HQ bldg that is for outfitting and video productions. 

[Motoboss]

I totally agree with @Koz  Get a pedal kayak that you can add a motor to and have the best of both worlds