By Noah P.

Montana

I finally got the Torqeedo 1103 out for a run. 2 people, motor and gear put us at 450-500 lbs. The torqeedo at top speed, calm lake, gave us 5.5-6 mph.  All went well. The boat/motor combo was responsive and smooth. I do like that with the electric motor, when you have it turned off it is truly off vs the neutral on a gas outboard that still gives a bit of forward propulsion. I used the torqeedo as a trolling motor as we moved around the outskirts of the lake.

I am attaching pictures of what I decided to use for securing the oars to the boat. Most oar holders seemed a bit flimsy for what I wanted. I found these koplin ATV rhino grips used to secure axes/shovel etc to a ATV. They work perfectly to hold the oars and there is basically zero chance of them falling out. I also attached the metal loops shown to clip the oar lanyard into for an added security measure in case the oar is dropped when you are pulling it out of, or putting it into the holders.

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By Wendy Gronbeck

Michigan

When the current and wind kick up, it’s a workout, but I enjoy it. Feels very safe. I paddled clear out to Lake Michigan one day. Took an hour. Took 2-1/2 hrs to return as the wind came up. Brutal trip back. Lotsa good photography outings in the bayous. I can get it in and out of my Outback easily. Not always easy to get to the water without dragging it a bit. I much prefer solo paddling.

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By Austin Rykbost

South Carolina

One step closer to the vision! It’s only 30 lbs, all aluminum, super lightweight. I will be adding two eyelets on each rail so that I can clip two dogs on each one. I will also do a small 8″ light bar at the front. Going to paint it black and put hydro turf on the deck to keep it cool and have traction on it for the dogs and for when I’m getting on an off. Gap in the front is for ease of boarding so I don’t have to step over the rail.

 

 

 

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By Travis Lee

N. California

I’m a commercial fishing kayak, and I fish the ocean off the coast. I rigged my S4 with a motor and a big cooler, and it works for me. Over all very happy. I landed 7 halibut in 2 hours today. I transport my S4 on top of my minivan. All in all, bang for the buck “I am STOKED”.

 

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By Austin Rykbost

South Carolina

I hunt feral hogs (wild pigs) in wetlands around the state, and I got an S4 to serve me in my hunting trips, and other outdoor activities. I wanted a lightweight motorboat that could carry my three dogs on board, but I also wanted to be able to paddle it.
I picked up my new S4 at the factory.
Took it out S4 out yesterday evening and the afternoon before, it did great!
I am currently figuring out the front platform for my hunting dogs. I’ve decided the size I made is right, now just working on shimming it on the bottom so it has plenty of contact points and is solid Lol. One of my dogs was the test subject!
I went out with my cousin yesterday who weighs 260lbs at 6’7 and I was paddling the two of us easily without him helping. I do think the two flat hulls allow it to move easier than a traditional kayak or boat.
Lots of plans for it, since I plan to spend 95% of my time with a full hunting load of about 600lbs total. I have a friend that has a 9.9 and a 15hp outboard he said I can try out. I will just have to check the shaft length. And I will build an aluminum reinforced transom mount for it I did see that it has to be a 20″.
The water I’ll be in has stumps and cypress knees in the shallow areas so if the motor hits one it will kick up and drop back down.
Due to the extra force that would put on the transom I have an idea based on a W500 I saw with diamond plate on top the rear hulls. The way I plan to set it up, the weight in the front should counter balance the weight of the heavier motor and the extra torque and speed will allow me to maneuver through swift water with a full load.
I plan to hunt spots that are a 45 minute ride, and I’m hoping to achieve high teens or around 20mph to get there in an efficient amount of time.
After reading on the website about the guy that had to stop at 20mph due to the kayak being too light, I think I will be in better shape since I’ll have a full load to weigh it down.