Kayak Trolling Motor Review: Powering Through the Waters
I’ve been kayak fishing for years, and honestly, paddling can get exhausting when you’re trying to maintain position or cover large areas. That’s why I finally decided to try out the Newport Vessels Kayak Series 36lb Thrust Trolling Motor. After using it for several trips on my local lake and even a day out on slightly choppy bay waters, I think I’ve got a pretty good feel for what this little powerhouse can do.
The motor arrived quickly and packaging was decent, though not anything special. I was a bit concerned about installation since I’m not particularly handy, but I was pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it turned out to be. Let me walk you through my experience with this kayak motor and whether I think it’s worth the investment.
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution (Battery Not Included)
Sleek, Simple Design
The first thing that struck me about this trolling motor is how compact yet sturdy it feels. It’s clearly designed with kayaks in mind – lightweight enough (around 18 pounds, I think) not to throw off your balance, but solid where it counts. The 24-inch shaft is shorter than regular trolling motors, which is perfect for kayak applications since you don’t need the extra length.
The mounting bracket has a nice low profile, and while it took me a bit of fiddling to get it properly attached to my kayak, once secured it felt really solid. I particularly appreciate the adjustable depth collar that lets you position the motor at just the right depth depending on water conditions. The white and black design is understated, which I prefer over flashier options that might scare away fish.
Power When You Need It
This little motor definitely punches above its weight! With 36 pounds of thrust, it had no trouble propelling my 12-foot kayak through the water, even when loaded down with my fishing gear and a small cooler. The 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) give you plenty of control, though I found myself mostly using the lower forward speeds to conserve battery life during longer outings.
I was impressed with how quietly it runs – on the lowest setting, you can barely hear it humming. This is crucial for fishing, as I didn’t want to spook any potential catches. The telescoping handle feels a bit stiff at first but loosened up after a few uses, and the directional control is pretty intuitive.
Battery life depends on your speed settings, of course. I used a 35Ah deep cycle marine battery (not included with the motor), and at medium speeds, I got around 5-6 hours of runtime, which was more than enough for my needs. At full throttle, that time drops considerably, maybe to 2 hours or so, but honestly, I rarely needed that much power.
The Nitty-Gritty Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 36 pounds |
| Voltage | 12V DC |
| Shaft Length | 24 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 18 pounds |
| Speeds | 8 speeds (5 forward, 3 reverse) |
| Control | Telescoping handle with directional control |
| Construction | Composite fiberglass shaft, aluminum motor housing |
| Propeller | 2-blade composite propeller |
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design specifically for kayaks
- Impressive 36 pounds of thrust provides good power
- Very quiet operation, great for fishing
- 8 speed options offer good control
- Saltwater compatible with zinc anode and stainless steel hardware
- Adjustable depth collar for versatility in different water conditions
- Solid construction quality for the price point
Cons
- Battery not included, which adds to the overall cost
- Mounting brackets might require some modifications depending on your kayak
- Telescoping handle can feel a bit stiff initially
- Not as powerful as higher-end models (but adequate for most kayakers)
- No built-in battery meter, so you’ll need to monitor usage carefully
- Limited warranty period compared to some competitors
What Others Are Saying
Looking through the Amazon reviews, the sentiment is generally quite positive. The motor currently has a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating from over 140 reviews, which suggests most users are satisfied with their purchase.
One reviewer noted: “Great little motor. Perfect size for my kayak and has plenty of power. I’ve used it about 10 times now on small to medium-sized lakes and it gets me where I need to go. Battery life is good if you don’t run it at full throttle the whole time.”
Another customer mentioned some challenges: “Good motor but mounting was a pain. Had to get creative with how I attached it to my Old Town kayak. Once mounted though, it works great. Just wish the instructions were clearer about installation options.”
Several reviews highlighted the value proposition, with one stating: “For the price point, you won’t find a better kayak trolling motor. Not as fancy as Minn Kota but does the job well and has been reliable so far.”
Who Should Buy This Motor?
For Beginners: This is actually an excellent choice if you’re new to kayak motors. It’s straightforward to operate, reasonably priced, and provides enough power without being overwhelming. The multiple speed options let you get comfortable gradually. Just be prepared for some trial and error with mounting if you’re not mechanically inclined.
For Intermediate Users: You’ll appreciate the balance of performance and value here. It has enough features to satisfy most recreational kayakers and anglers without breaking the bank. If you’re regularly taking medium-length trips on calm to moderately choppy waters, this should serve you well.
For Advanced Users: You might find this motor somewhat limiting. If you’re frequently navigating strong currents, covering very long distances, or need precise electronic control, you may want to invest in a higher-end model with GPS capabilities or foot control. That said, some experienced kayakers still keep this as a reliable backup motor.
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Power Up Your Kayak Adventures Today!
Ready to ditch the paddle fatigue and add some serious range to your kayak trips? The Newport Vessels 36lb Thrust Kayak Trolling Motor offers a great balance of power, portability, and price that makes it worth considering for most recreational kayakers. Click below to check current pricing and get yourself out on the water with less effort and more enjoyment!
- Kayak Shaft: 24-Inch Fiberglass Shaft Allows For Variable Depth Placement, While Offering A Lifetime Of Dependable Performance
- Variable Speed: 8 Speeds (5 Forward & 3 Reverse) With 6-Inch Telescoping Handle Puts You In Total Control Of Your Ride
- Saltwater Rated: Durable All Aluminum Motor Head W/ Corrosion Resistant Magnesium, Zinc, And Stainless-Steel Hardware For Saltwater Use (Lead-Acid Dc 12V)
- Extra Long Cables: 5'6" Battery Cables Allow For Versatile Battery Placement For Optimal Weight Distribution (Battery Not Included)