Newport Vessels Kayak Series Trolling Motor: The Perfect Push for Paddlers
I’ve been kayak fishing for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing more frustrating than fighting against currents or winds when you’re trying to position yourself for that perfect cast. Perhaps that’s why I was so excited to try out the Newport Vessels Kayak Series 55lb Thrust Trolling Motor. After a few months of using it across various waters, I think I’ve found a game-changer for kayak enthusiasts who need a little extra power.
This compact yet mighty motor has transformed my kayaking experience, making those long days on the water much more enjoyable and productive. It’s not perfect by any means – nothing ever is – but it certainly deserves a closer look if you’re in the market for a kayak trolling motor.
- ELECTRIC MOTOR – Our Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor system is aimed at serious fisherman who require the versatility of guiding their motor via hand remote or wireless foot controller. It is designed and engineered to run efficiently with variable speeds for more precise, smooth adjustments, and improved control of the motor. It’s a quieter motor for easier fishing. Rest easy and spend more time catching and less time chasing the fish with Cayman, a trolling motor with all the power you need!
- SPEED CONTROL – Precisely dial in your desired speed as you go fishing and easily speed up and slow down as needed. You can even cruise control to maintain a constant, consistent speed so you can focus on fishing and other tasks. With a smart user interface like this, it will make fishing trips super easy and more convenient.
- ADJUSTABLE DEPTH COLLAR – The Black Cayman has an adjustable depth collar on the 54” cast alloy aluminum shaft and a stabilizer and lift-handle for the motor. These full motor pilot control features on this fishing engine enable you with a lot of flexibility to regulate speed, propulsion, and steering so you can fish and boat around from any position, especially when dealing with winds, waves, and currents.
- MULTIFEATURED MOTOR – This motor comes with various features, including a remote controller, durable brush motor, aluminum shaft, LED battery power reader, wireless control reset key, bow-mount, stow/deploy pedal, side door, motor stabilizer and lift handle, 3 blade propeller, and replaceable fin. Right on top is a power reader display, placed conveniently and easily readable to see the status of the 105AH deep cycle battery that produces 1.5 hour top speed thrust continuity.
- REMOTE CONTROL – Cayman electric trolling motor includes a remote control for easier controlling of the motor from within 164 ft distance. Control speed and turns wirelessly (or with wireless foot control option) to free up hands to focus on other things. With 360 degree electric steering speed controls and propeller speeds of up to 1200rpm max underwater, it’s reliable and quick so you can enjoy your fishing trip without any worry. Elevate your experience with Cayman 12V 55lbs Trolling Motor.
Sleek, Tough Design
The first thing that struck me about this motor was how surprisingly compact it is for something packing 55 pounds of thrust. Newport Vessels has clearly designed this with kayakers in mind – it’s not just a smaller version of their boat motors. The 30-inch shaft length is just right for most kayaks, sitting at that sweet spot where it’s deep enough to stay submerged but not so long that it becomes unwieldy.
The build quality feels robust with its stainless steel and zinc hardware, which is reassuring when you’re out in saltwater environments. I’ve accidentally bumped it against rocks a couple times (oops), and it’s held up impressively well. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, and the whole unit has this purposeful, no-nonsense aesthetic that I appreciate. It’s not trying to be flashy – it’s built to work.
Powerful, Silent Performance
For something so compact, this little motor really delivers when it comes to power. The 55 pounds of thrust is more than enough to move my 12-foot kayak through the water, even against moderate currents or wind. I was particularly impressed with how it handled on a somewhat choppy lake day where paddling would have been exhausting.
What really surprised me was the noise level – or rather, the lack of it. This thing purrs rather than roars, which is crucial when you’re trying not to spook fish. The variable speed control is smooth and responsive, though I found the transition between the lowest speeds to be a bit jumpy sometimes. The LED battery indicator has been incredibly useful, saving me from that dreaded “stranded with no power” scenario that I may have experienced once or twice with previous setups.
Tech Under The Hood
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Thrust | 55 pounds |
| Shaft Length | 30 inches |
| Voltage | 12V |
| Control Type | 6-inch telescoping handle with 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Construction | Stainless steel, zinc, and composite materials |
| Battery Indicator | Yes (LED display) |
| Weight | 23 pounds |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
Pros
- Impressive 55lb thrust in a compact design specifically for kayaks
- Very quiet operation – perfect for fishing
- The 30-inch shaft is ideal for most kayak setups
- Highly responsive variable speed control
- LED battery indicator helps prevent getting stranded
- Saltwater-ready with corrosion-resistant materials
- Relatively lightweight at 23 pounds
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to some basic kayak motors
- Can be slightly jumpy between the lowest speed settings
- Battery not included (though this is standard for most motors)
- Installation might require some additional hardware depending on your kayak
- The 30″ shaft may be too short for some higher-sitting kayaks
Real User Experiences
Looking through the Amazon reviews, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most users giving this motor 4 or 5 stars. The quiet operation and power-to-weight ratio seem to be the most appreciated features.
One reviewer noted: “This motor has completely changed my kayak fishing. I can cover so much more water now and the battery lasts all day. Very impressed with the build quality too.”
Another user mentioned: “Installation was straightforward on my Hobie. The power is incredible for such a small motor and it’s whisper quiet. Perfect for sneaking up on those wary bass!”
The few critical reviews primarily mentioned issues with getting the right mounting setup for their specific kayak models, which seems more about compatibility than the motor itself.
Who Should Buy This?
For beginners: This might be a bit of an investment if you’re just starting out with kayaking. However, if you know you’ll be spending significant time on the water, it’s user-friendly enough to be a good first motor with room to grow into.
For intermediate users: This is really the sweet spot. If you’ve been kayaking for a while and know you want motorized assistance, this offers excellent value and performance that will meaningfully enhance your experience.
For advanced users: You’ll appreciate the power-to-weight ratio and the thoughtful design touches. It might not have all the bells and whistles of the highest-end motors, but it delivers where it counts and won’t disappoint on performance.
You Might Also Like
If you’re looking at trolling motors, these other options might interest you as well:
Power Up Your Kayak Today!
If you’re ready to take your kayaking experience to the next level with reliable power, excellent maneuverability, and whisper-quiet operation, the Newport Vessels Kayak Series Trolling Motor is definitely worth the investment.
- ELECTRIC MOTOR – Our Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor system is aimed at serious fisherman who require the versatility of guiding their motor via hand remote or wireless foot controller. It is designed and engineered to run efficiently with variable speeds for more precise, smooth adjustments, and improved control of the motor. It’s a quieter motor for easier fishing. Rest easy and spend more time catching and less time chasing the fish with Cayman, a trolling motor with all the power you need!
- SPEED CONTROL – Precisely dial in your desired speed as you go fishing and easily speed up and slow down as needed. You can even cruise control to maintain a constant, consistent speed so you can focus on fishing and other tasks. With a smart user interface like this, it will make fishing trips super easy and more convenient.
- ADJUSTABLE DEPTH COLLAR – The Black Cayman has an adjustable depth collar on the 54” cast alloy aluminum shaft and a stabilizer and lift-handle for the motor. These full motor pilot control features on this fishing engine enable you with a lot of flexibility to regulate speed, propulsion, and steering so you can fish and boat around from any position, especially when dealing with winds, waves, and currents.
- MULTIFEATURED MOTOR – This motor comes with various features, including a remote controller, durable brush motor, aluminum shaft, LED battery power reader, wireless control reset key, bow-mount, stow/deploy pedal, side door, motor stabilizer and lift handle, 3 blade propeller, and replaceable fin. Right on top is a power reader display, placed conveniently and easily readable to see the status of the 105AH deep cycle battery that produces 1.5 hour top speed thrust continuity.
- REMOTE CONTROL – Cayman electric trolling motor includes a remote control for easier controlling of the motor from within 164 ft distance. Control speed and turns wirelessly (or with wireless foot control option) to free up hands to focus on other things. With 360 degree electric steering speed controls and propeller speeds of up to 1200rpm max underwater, it’s reliable and quick so you can enjoy your fishing trip without any worry. Elevate your experience with Cayman 12V 55lbs Trolling Motor.