Month: October 2011

This is out second day testing of W500 kayak powered by a 2HP Honda gas outboard engine.
This time we tested it in tandem, with a second adult on board.
The W kayak seen in this video is loaded with about 390 lbs, which is over the maximum 360 lbs load we recommend.
The passenger in the front is effectively protected from spray by a cockpit cover made of half a small tarp that cost $5. Not a single drop of water got into the cockpit during this entire voyage, and the cockpit cover wasn’t really necessary.

We kept a W paddle on board to help us pole while launching and beaching in shallow water, and as a contingency plan.
The kayak was very stable, even when we turned at full throttle.

Read more about motorizing your fishing kayak >>

Following Sungjin Kim and Gary Thorberg, here is our beta version of a Power W500 kayak:

The 2HP 4-cycle Honda outboard gas engine is perfect for the job: It’s powerful, lightweight (28 lbs empty), user friendly (quiet), environmentally friendly (low emissions), and easy to use (throttle grip). Most importantly, one of the 2 models Honda offers features a 20″ long propeller shaft, which is an absolute requirement for the W500. Shorter shafts (e.g. 15″) won’t do.
The Power W500 went at high speed even when another passenger weighing 115 lbs came on board.
Driving it feels pretty much like driving an aquatic motorcycle – it’s fun, and exciting.
Getting used to steering with the tiller handle behind your back takes some time, but eventually it isn’t hard, and the sitting-riding position feels comfortable.

Watch the Tandem video »

Read more about motorizing your fishing kayak »