Kayak - Could you, would you, should you?

[punchanello]

I'm in the market for a Malibu Stealth 9. So to all the Yakkers out there, could you, would you or should you install an electric motor on one?

The first challenge I see is that you'd need to build some kind of bracket for it on the back and come up with some clever ways to wire it.

Has anyone attempted a mod like this before?

Apart from the obvious features I have chosen the Stealth 9 because of the manageable size (fits on my small car, easy to carry), but if mounting a leckie is an issue I might have to rethink it.

[Hazell]

The messing around and weight of a battery would make it pointless in my opinion.

Spend the extra cash on a Hobie instead

I put mine on the roof of my little old Festiva using the removable type of surfboard roof-racks. It's actually easier than using my wifes new Forrester.

[danh124]

Originally Posted by Hazell

The messing around and weight of a battery would make it pointless in my opinion.

Spend the extra cash on a Hobie instead

I put mine on the roof of my little old Festiva using the removable type of surfboard roof-racks. It's actually easier than using my wifes new Forrester.

spent years on a kayak doing the yak tournaments and just rec fishing, a lecy would be a advantage but i totaly agree with the above.
even a 55lb could flip a small yak if driven wrong, given the extra wieght and higher COG.
HOBIE ARE THE WAY TO GO.
seriously the PA are an awsome yak but any of the hobies are good to go.
Hobie also sell a pre rigged elec kit that fits in the pedal recess.
were are you mate i can put you n touch with a mate of mine who is a dealer.
ps, i am not a dealer etc etc just my opinion stated above, i am mates with some of the hobie crew...there endeth disclamer.

[yakkindan]

+1 for PA. or consider the sport or outback but as for the question at hand. weight issues would prevent it being worthwhile. you also gotta consider the stated weight capacity of the yak. that could cause serious safety issues. and here in SA ya gotta rego the bugger if ya got a leccy.

[kaleidonova]

and you get some exercise

[punchanello]

The cost is a big issue with a Hobie. Clearly it's the best option but my funds are limited.

I'll definitely check it out though, danh. I am in Canberra but also regularlyy on teh South Coast if you can recommend a dealer.

Thanks mate.

[Jazman]

At only 2.7m I would think long and hard about whether a Stealth 9 has the capacity (for the motor, but more importantly the battery) to cope with an electric. Why not just paddle?

The pedal hobies are great but you don't need one. The best kayak for you is the one that gets you on the water

[Donkey]

G'day Punchanello,

I wouldn't bother with the electric. I'm not sure where you are, but legally in vic it will then be a power boat and you'll need to register it and you'll need a license and also all the extra safety gear. And besides once you add on the cost of a decent deep cycle battery and the electric motor and all the other gear you'll need, you will be pretty close to a good second hand hobie anyway. If you can save a little extra it will definately be worth it.

cheers

[danh124]

im not familiar with the south coast hobie dealers but sailing scene in sydney and mclean outdoors on the north coast would be a good start.
Im nearly sure that canbera has a dealer.
Check out the yak forums for a second hand bargin.
i just sold my PA including livewell and sounder for $2500

[Breamobsession]

You couldn't, you shouldn't and i wouldn't

[TheChief]

Originally Posted by Breamobsession

You couldn't, you shouldn't and i wouldn't

You can and I have. My outback came 2nd Hand with a modified side mounted 33lb Minn Kota. I haven't used it a lot because I need a new battery and have been playing around with the neatest way to wire it in. The previous owner ran the wires on the outside upto the battery inside the front hatch.

Would I do it again to a new Yak. Dunno will let you know when I use it more!
Fishing in a pedal powered Yak makes things a million times easier compared to using a paddle.

[Breamobsession]

Well proven wrong as usual Nice work.

[mickthe]

Pedal power in a Yak is a massive advantage for fishing if casting and retrieving is your thing, it's so good it does feel like cheating from a kayaking persective...... trolling does bore me at times now but some good fishing to be had still!

Electric? Nah I wouldn't...... although maybe on a super stable canoe

Mick.

[bargeass]

Almost defeats the purpose of a yak in my books...
And for the cost of a leccy you could get a 2nd hand hobie no doubt.

[TheChief]

Originally Posted by bargeass

Almost defeats the purpose of a yak in my books...
And for the cost of a leccy you could get a 2nd hand hobie no doubt.

What about a 2nd hand Hobie that already comes with one? and still was cheaper than a new Hobie. I got a pretty good deal!

It's handy to have. Would I go to the trouble of setting it up myself....Probly no.