Kayaking is a very popular sport that we all love to do in our leisure time or can be used for fishing. There are many ways to power a kayak, such as using a paddle or a sail. But if you want to cover a long distance in a short time, the best way is to use a trolling motor.
These trolling motors are small, quiet, and powerful, so they are popular in kayaking. However, it is very difficult to find kayaks that come with a trolling motor. Most of them come with a normal motor, but you can separately buy a trolling motor and install it on your kayak if you want to upgrade.
Since the search is tiring, we have listed the best kayaks with trolling motors and the ones that can be upgraded with a trolling motor. We have considered several factors, analyzed their features, and then came up with these 10 amazing kayaks.
If you are looking for a kayak that can be easily transported, this BOTE Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak is an excellent choice. Constructed with the AeroBOTE technology, this kayak, which is 12’6″ inches long, can be stuffed into a travel bag. Moreover, in the packed condition, it just weighs 50 pounds.
Not only is the kayak inflatable, but it can also be used as a paddleboard. For better stability, the company provides a 4-chambered construction with this model. Furthermore, the PVC construction ensures that the kayak is light and waterproof. The kayak can withstand a maximum capacity of 300 lbs.
To attach a trolling motor, you need to ensure that the kayak is inflated to the maximum pressure of 12-15 PSI. The Watersnake T18 trolling motor can then be attached for 18 pounds of thrust. Also, it has a shaft length of 24 inches, which makes it perfect for shallow water.
PORTABLE – Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
COMPATIBLE – It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
STYLE – Electric motor with 18lbs thrust, Kayak Bracket Mount included.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
One of the best compact kayaks being sold is the Old Town Sportsman 106. This kayak is powered by the Minn Kota motor, providing up to 45 pounds of thrust. Moreover, the motor provides intuitive forward and reverse controls which makes this the perfect kayak for fishing.
This Old Town kayak also comes with anglers, including four accessory tracks, a universal transducer, and rod holders. Also, you can get a fish finder installation, which is sold separately. Apart from these, you also get handy convenience features like cushioned floor pads and a custom tackle box.
The seat is made from dual-layer Textilene mesh, which helps the user remain cool and comfortable throughout the day. Moreover, you also get adjustable foot braces for better maneuverability.
As mentioned, the kayak is very compact and is just 10 feet long. It can withstand a maximum weight of 525 lbs and gear of 404 lbs. Additionally, the Minn Kota motor adds an extra weight of 17 pounds. Totally, the entire setup will weigh 121 lbs.
One of the best kayaks is the Sea Eagle FishSUP 126. It is our pick for the best multipurpose kayak as it can be configured with a bunch of different accessories to make it very versatile.
This inflatable kayak is 12’6″ inches long, 6″ thick, and 40″ wide. Designed for fishermen, this kayak can be used as a paddleboard as well. Moreover, it has a fast inflation time of 7 minutes and has a maximum load capacity of 2 people. Also, the kayak comes with an EVA foam deck pad which prevents the kayaker from slipping.
You can easily attach a motor that can provide up to 55 pounds of thrust. In addition, you can use the Minn Kota Endure Trolling Motor with this kayak. In fact, you get a removable transom at the rear for the same. The company also provides convenient grab and carry handles for transporting the kayak from one place to another.
Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller
Digital Maximizer: Provides up to 5 times longer run time on a single battery charge. These variable speed trolling motors let you dial in your exact speed, and they deliver only as much power as you need, helping to conserve your battery for a full day of fishing
Power Prop: For 3-1/4″ motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer
No kayak list would be complete without a kayak from Brooklyn Kayak Company. The BKC TK122K is perfect for families who wish to kayak along with their friends and family.
BKC provides 2 soft padded seats, 2 waterproof hatches, and 2 adjustable aluminum paddles. You also get 4 built-in rod holders, 2 paddle parks, and a bungee cargo tie-down. The rod holders are perfect for keeping multiple baited lines in the water, making this kayak perfect for fishermen too.
Stability is one of the strong features of this kayak. It is manufactured from a single folded High-density polyethylene material which allows the kayak to support up to 770 lbs, even in the harshest conditions. Moreover, you also get water-resistant storage hatches to store all your dry valuables.
The kayak is 12’8″ inches long, 34″ inches wide, and weighs around 74 lbs. With the help of the trolling motor mount from BKC, you can attach a powerful motor, such as the Minn Kota motor. With the help of the motor, you get 5 different thrust levels.
Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
Power Prop: For 3-1/4″ motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
Indestructible Composite Shaft — for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructable composite shaft. It’s a Minn Kota exclusive, and we it for life.
Another light, portable, and inflatable kayak is the Sea Eagle 380x. Despite being an inflatable kayak, it is very robust and can withstand harsh conditions. The kayak is designed to carry 2 to 3 people and can withstand a maximum capacity of 750 pounds.
This kayak is very durable as it is made from 1,000-denier, polyester-supported, high-pressure fabric. Not only is this material resistant to punctures, but it also works very well in both wet and dry conditions. The pro package includes the hull, 2 paddles, 2 inflatable seats, and a carry bag. Moreover, you also get a hand pump, repair kit, and an instructions manual.
Along with the kayak, you can use the Watersnake Venom SX. This powerful motor offers 34 lbs of thrust, more speed options, and works in saltwater as well. The motor also comes with portable chargers and battery packs, making it the perfect companion for the Sea Eagle 380x.
STURDY SIMPLE DESIGN: Our Watersnake Venom SXW electric motors provide saltwater anglers with a versatile range of tiller-steer transom-mount motors that are loaded with clever features. The shafts on all Venom SXW motors are an extra-tough composite constructed specifically for use in saltwater marine environments. The tiller handles are telescopic for versatility, comfort and control.
CONTROL + FEATURES: The 34lb motors have a two-blade propeller. The 54lb motors each run a three-blade propeller. All propeller shafts are stainless steel and the props have a weedless design, so you can push the boundaries during your next adventure. All the motors run on 12V power and operate with 5 forward and 3 reverse speeds, which are controlled with the tiller handle throttle.
ELECTRIC POWER: 54 lbs thrust, 12 Volt motor, 13-54 Amps / 34 lbs thrust, 12 volt motor, 7.5-34 amps. Battery Not Included. Each motor is suited to boats ranging from small tenders and tinnies up to dedicated estuary and inshore sportfishing boats.
VERSATILE TRANSOM MOUNT: The compact and stylish new Venom motor head design incorporates a new thicker ergonomic grip for the tiller handle. The new head design also includes a digital voltage meter display, so you can keep track of your battery’s condition. The grips on the alloy transom mount have also been upgraded, making it even easier to attach and secure the motor before you utilize the fast multi-tilt positioning bracket.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
Another company known for making quality kayaks is Wilderness Systems. The Wilderness Systems Radar 115 is one of the best fishing kayaks that come with a trolling motor. The kayak comes works with the Wilderness Helix MD motor drive system and Helix PD pedal drive. The Helix MD is much better as it has features like current speed, expected range, and remaining battery life.
The motor is light and weighs just 15 pounds. What’s more impressive is that you get 8 hours of battery life from the motor, which can also reach speeds of 6 mph and a range of 20 miles.
The kayak comes with the S.M.A.R.T. hull technology, which provides the best stability, maneuverability, acceleration, tracking, and responsiveness on the market. Moreover, you get comfortable and adjustable seats made using the AirPro Max technology. Also, the company provides padded footrests which can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of paddlers of different sizes.
Wilderness Systems also provides essential angling features with this kayak. In addition, you get SlideTrax rails, paddle park, multiple hatches, and a tank well storage.
7. Best for Comfort: Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
One of the most popular sit-on-top fishing kayaks is the Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing kayaks. The kayak is light and just weighs 50 pounds. Being 10 feet long, it is the perfect choice for beginners as it is very stable and can be maneuvered easily.
Pelican has included carrying handles, a bottle holder, and paddle tie-down with this model. Moreover, it also comes with fishing accessories like a rod holder. In addition, the ERGOFIT G2 seating system is innovative and ensures that the padded seats and backrest provide the user with maximum comfort at all times.
You can easily attach a trolling motor separately to the kayak. The Newport Vessels NV-Series 55lb Thrust Saltwater Transom Mounted Trolling Electric Trolling Motor is an excellent choice and works well with this kayak.
EFFICIENT POWER: 55lb Thrust – this 12v electric trolling motor provides excellent power and efficiency for any boater. The high quality build allows the motor to run all day long without overheating, or making noise to spook fish
FEATURES: This motor features a 30 inch shaft, a 5 LED battery meter, a 6 inch telescoping tiller handle, and 3 blade propeller. The mount angle, height, and direction can all be adjusted and locked into place when needed
SPEED: This motor has 8 speeds, 5 forward and 3 reverse. The motor is designed for trolling, so the top speed of this motor is about 4mph, but depends on your boat shape, weight, water, wind, and other factors. Our 3 Blade Propeller gives the motor great low end torque to get the boat moving
BATTERY: The NV 55lb motor requires one (1) 12V Lead-Acid Deep Cycle or Lithium Deep Cycle battery (battery not included), 50ah recommended. The motor also includes a 50amp circuit breaker which is recommended at all times to protect from battery voltage surges. Max Amp Draw: 52A
QUALITY & RELIABILITY: All Newport motors are made to high quality stainless steel, magnesium, and zinc hardware to withstand fresh water and salt water environments. We stand behind every product we make with industry leading customer service and a 2 year warranty
The bottom is flat, which may cause issues with draining water
If you are looking for a kayak with a large storage capacity, look no further than the Classic Accessories Colorado Inflatable Fishing Pontoon Boat. The kayak is 108 inches long and weighs 71.5 pounds.
Made from abrasion-resistant PVC, the heavy-duty kayak also has a nylon top and a steel tube frame. Furthermore, you also get bronze oarlocks, cold and heat-resistant bladders, and aluminum oars. Also, you get a lot of storage space in the form of mesh pockets, zippered pockets, drink holders, and mounts.
To ensure that you can easily inflate the kayak, the company also provides a tube hand pump with 3 nozzles. With the help of the motor mount, you can easily attach a trolling motor such as the Watersnake T18 Trolling Motor.
PORTABLE – Watersnake Saltwater Electric Outboard Motor is the ultimate in lightweight portability, weighing only 4.85lbs (2.2kg). Watersnake’s simple design keeps the weight down while delivering quality and performance.
COMPATIBLE – It is the ideal trolling motor to use on kayaks, canoes, small dinghies, and inflatable boats. Please note: Battery not included.
DESIGN – 24” shaft, adjustable mount fitting that makes for easy attachment, and anti-impact clip system. This easy to steer motor uses a hand tiller with an extendable handle, high and low speed control, forward and reverse switch and two blade weedless propeller design.
STYLE – Electric motor with 18lbs thrust, Kayak Bracket Mount included.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Necessity is the mother of invention. Created by anglers to be used by anglers. If you’re not satisfied with your Watersnake Electric Motor, contact your distributor to be taken care of.
The Perception Pescador 12 is one of the safest and most comfortable kayaks currently available on the market. The kayak’s impressive stability and handling make it one of the best choices for paddlers of all abilities. It is 12 inches long and weighs 85 pounds.
Perception has provided an ergonomic mesh captain’s chair, which is removable. Moreover, you also get lots of storage. There is large storage space at both the front and the rear. Additionally, storage space is provided under the seat as well. You can also make use of the kayak’s rod holders if you wish to enjoy a hands-free paddling experience.
The kayak comes with the Pilot Drive pedal system. You can swap it out for a trolling motor such as the Minn Kota Endura Transom Mount Trolling Motor. With the help of the trolling motor, you can easily enjoy a comfortable day on the water.
Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
Power Prop: For 3-1/4″ motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
Indestructible Composite Shaft — for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructable composite shaft. It’s a Minn Kota exclusive, and we it for life.
The last kayak on our list is the Brooklyn Kayak Company’s PK13 kayak. The kayak is 13 inches long and weighs 80 pounds. Like other BKC kayaks, this kayak is comfortable, stable, durable, and safe.
With the kayak, you get a large front watertight hatch and rear cargo area to store any gear that you might need. It also comes with flush-mounted rod holders, which allow you to easily control the kayak. Moreover, the Roto-Molded Piece High-density polyethylene material ensures that the kayak can easily handle rough weather while supporting a maximum capacity of 550 lbs.
BKC has provided an innovative pedal drive system with the kayak. However, you can also attach the Minn Kota Motor with the help of the company’s trolling mount. The motor will relieve you of the burden of pedaling, which makes kayaking much more fun and enjoyable.
Lever Lock Bracket: This solid 10-position bracket features a quick-release lever lock and reinforced composite material that resists flexing, warping, and UV damage
Telescoping Tiller: Get easy, comfortable, intuitive operation of your trolling motor with the six-inch telescoping tiller.
5 Fwd/3 Rev Speed Settings: Five speed settings for forward and three speed settings for reverse.
Power Prop: For 3-1/4″ motor diameters, this prop delivers extra power to push throw heavy vegetation. Includes prop pin, nut and washer.
Indestructible Composite Shaft — for Life: At the core of your Minn Kota trolling motor is an indestructable composite shaft. It’s a Minn Kota exclusive, and we it for life.
Slow-moving rivers; flat-water lakes and ponds; coastal waters with light waves
Pelican Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak
10’ L x 37” W
325 lbs
50 lbs
Lakes, Rivers, Ocean
Classic Accessories Colorado XT Pontoon Boat
9’ L x 56” W
400 lbs
68 lbs
Lakes, Rivers, Ocean
Perception Pescador 12
12’ L x 33.75” W
475 lbs
85 lbs
Slow-moving rivers; flat-water lakes and ponds; coastal waters with light waves
BKC PK13
13′ L x 33.25″ W
550 lbs
80 lbs
Lakes, Rivers, Ocean
How to Choose The Best Kayak with Trolling Motor?
Before you head out to buy a kayak with a trolling motor, there are a few important factors that you need to consider. Here are a few factors that you should consider while selecting the best kayak suited for your needs.
Kayak Weight
It is no surprise that kayaks that come with a trolling motor are very heavy. Despite the kayak being light, the motor can add a considerable amount of weight to the kayak. These types of kayaks can weigh anywhere between 50 pounds and a few hundred pounds.
Irrespective of the kayak’s weight, you will also need to purchase a kayak cart or a trolley to transport your kayak from one place to another. Moreover, you also need to transport the kayak from the water body to your house. For this purpose, a sedan or SUV will be perfect. These cars will require a roof rack to handle these fishing kayaks.
Lastly, you must also be comfortable with the kayak’s weight. The kayak’s weight determines the ease with which you can maneuver it while paddling. Therefore, this must be the most important factor to consider while finalizing your selection.
Seat Design
By design, we mean the seat design that the kayak comes with. The kayaks on our list have seats that are much comfortable as compared to the seats found in cheaper kayaks that are meant for recreational purposes. While choosing a kayak, do pay close attention to the position of the seat and whether it is removable or not.
Most kayaks come with fixed seating positions. However, some of the costlier options come with multiple seat positions useful for taller, shorter, and older people. Kayaks that come with multiple seat positions usually offer three positions, low, reclined, and high.
The low seat position is best suited for when you are paddling or fishing. The lower seat position reduces the drag and makes the kayak much more efficient to use. On the other hand, the higher seat position is useful when you cannot use the kayak much. Furthermore, the higher seat gives you a better vantage spot, which is useful when your fishing. Lastly, the reclined position is used when you want the ultimate comfort from your kayak. In fact, this position is very popular amongst kayakers who are taking a break from this strenuous activity.
Removable vs. Fixed Seat
As mentioned earlier, some kayaks offer the customer the option to remove one of the seats. Removable seats are useful for kayakers who occasionally require additional storage space in their kayak or are looking to replace the seat with a different option.
However, do remember that even removable seats are mounted very well on the kayak. Therefore, you will require a lot of time and effort to remove these seats. If you don’t use removable seats, kayaks with fixed seats are a great and cheaper alternative.
Storage
The storage layout is an important factor to consider while buying a kayak with a trolling motor. You must pay attention to the storage, as you will need space to store all your kayak gear.
If you fish a lot, you will need a lot of storage to store all the kayak fishing gear. As you become more experienced, you will definitely acquire more gear and tackle, no matter what you use the kayak for. One of the best storage layouts is side rails and tracks. These rails and tracks allow the kayaker to attach fishing accessories. Moreover, you also get a lovely foundation to change and modify your setup as you become more experienced.
On the other hand, you can also choose a kayak that offers storage in the inner wall of the cockpit. This storage area is waterproof and can be used for storing extra clothes. Apart from these storage layouts, all kayaks also have one sealed storage hatch. Therefore, while choosing a kayak, choose one that is waterproof and protected from UV radiation.
Price
When it comes to buying any product, one of the most important factors to consider is the price. As expected, the higher the kayak price, the better are the features offered with it.
Conclusion
Kayaks with a trolling motor are very popular as they are easy to handle and fun to use. Understandably, finding the right pick for you might be challenging. Our top picks are the BOTE Deus Aero Inflatable Kayak and the Old Town Sportsman 106. These kayaks handle very well, have good features, and are overall well-rounded. Otherwise, depending on your needs, you can choose one of the other kayaks from our list.
Please do share your experience with us in the comments sections below.
