BUZZBAIT [BOATS]
ALTERNATIVE POWERED KAYAKS GO THE DISTANCE BY RIC BURNLEY
GO, BABY GO!
B O A T S | T A C K L E | G E A R | CL O W N F IS H | P R O FI LE | S E C R E T L I F E O F | C ON S E R V A T I ON
D
emo day at my local paddle shop is a candy store for kids who like to paddle. Every major make and model of human-powered watercraft is rigged up and ready for tire-kicking and test driving. Last
summer the idyllic scene was upended as motorized paddleboards and kayaks zoomed between the pad- dlers. While the industry’s emphasis has always been on the first word in paddlesports, more companies are expanding their alternative-powered offerings to include a new wave of enthusiasts. Whether it’s electric, pedal or wind-powered proplusion, one thing is for sure: “Kayak anglers are re-
ally about fishing more than paddling,” says Stephen Komarinetz from Bassyaks, a company that makes motor conversion kits. That’s what is at the heart of the trend. “Powered kayaks offer options, so you can concentrate on things other than paddling,” adds Nick
Wiltz from WindPaddle. To see the evidence, just look to your local waters—kayak anglers have been the first to embrace pro-
peller-powered kayaks. “A motor allows me to fish places I could never reach,” says Wilderness Systems’ pro, Jeff Little, “when I get there, I switch to using a paddle.” To meet the need, kayak manufacturers have come up with wild ways to power a paddle craft. Jim
Czarnowski, a designer at Hobie Kayaks explains, “Ensuring the main customer needs are met without compromising propulsion is the biggest challenge to designing a kayak that can use more than one type of motor.” Not only does the system have to power the kayak, it has to allow for fishing. Ocean Kayak’s Torque integrates a Minn Kota trolling motor in the stern of the boat that can be removed when it’s not needed. “The Torque has been immensely popular since its introduction,” says
22…KAYAK ANGLER
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