Kayaking is awesome. Its a simple fact. But, like most things in life, I find myself wanting to incorporate electricity.
Tragically I lost my (crappy) kayak in a big flood about 2 years ago, and I've been wanting a new one ever since. I've got some money set aside, but I haven't made any decisions yet. My main criteria are that it allows for the mounting of an electric drive system. Also, I'd like to be able to bring a dog or two with me (which points more to a canoe, which I've never liked, but I feel like with a fairly powerfull electric drive my feeling might change). The way I see it my drive options are;
Trolling motor. I have 3 of Minn Kota 1.3kw 36v trolling motors from an ebay find, with they weigh ~20lbs each and are made for pushing much larger craft at low speed. They also have no mounting provisions at all. I feel like these aren't really suited to a kayak or canoe, more like a houseboat or pontoon boat.
Through-hull propeller drive, similar to what is used on RC boats. I could use a small, light, but super powerfull motor like a big turnigy and an RC boat ESC....but I have zero familiarity with through-hull seals or proper prop selection for such a thing. My understanding is they typically use very small props at high speeds which may cause cavitation if used to push a large craft at slower speeds.
Electric (airplane) propeller drive, similar to a fan boat. Light weight, no water contact with any moving part, zero off resistance, and simple direct drive. Downside may be lower efficiency and loud noise.
Paddle wheel, easy to build, could be powered from drill motor or geared down RC motor, fairly lightweight with good power handling ability. Downsides are lots of off resistance, and it would look funny, lower eff. than a modern propeller. May cause launch issues.
It seems to me like the simplicity of a direct drive airplane propeller wins. And a just a few pounds it would have virtually zero effect on the portability of the craft. The sound may be annoying, but with a motor capable of 3kw vs a human 100w I feel like the fun factor would be worth it. Plus, there should be no speed limitation within the range likely to be encountered, versus a trolling motor which very quickly reaches it's design speed.
SO....which motor and propeller combination is going to be best for my situation? Battery will be 8s, or 16s if a suitable controller exists. I know larger, slower props typically have higher efficiency. Turnigy? Astro? I know there are some RC guys here that can help me out
Tragically I lost my (crappy) kayak in a big flood about 2 years ago, and I've been wanting a new one ever since. I've got some money set aside, but I haven't made any decisions yet. My main criteria are that it allows for the mounting of an electric drive system. Also, I'd like to be able to bring a dog or two with me (which points more to a canoe, which I've never liked, but I feel like with a fairly powerfull electric drive my feeling might change). The way I see it my drive options are;
Trolling motor. I have 3 of Minn Kota 1.3kw 36v trolling motors from an ebay find, with they weigh ~20lbs each and are made for pushing much larger craft at low speed. They also have no mounting provisions at all. I feel like these aren't really suited to a kayak or canoe, more like a houseboat or pontoon boat.
Through-hull propeller drive, similar to what is used on RC boats. I could use a small, light, but super powerfull motor like a big turnigy and an RC boat ESC....but I have zero familiarity with through-hull seals or proper prop selection for such a thing. My understanding is they typically use very small props at high speeds which may cause cavitation if used to push a large craft at slower speeds.
Electric (airplane) propeller drive, similar to a fan boat. Light weight, no water contact with any moving part, zero off resistance, and simple direct drive. Downside may be lower efficiency and loud noise.
Paddle wheel, easy to build, could be powered from drill motor or geared down RC motor, fairly lightweight with good power handling ability. Downsides are lots of off resistance, and it would look funny, lower eff. than a modern propeller. May cause launch issues.
It seems to me like the simplicity of a direct drive airplane propeller wins. And a just a few pounds it would have virtually zero effect on the portability of the craft. The sound may be annoying, but with a motor capable of 3kw vs a human 100w I feel like the fun factor would be worth it. Plus, there should be no speed limitation within the range likely to be encountered, versus a trolling motor which very quickly reaches it's design speed.
SO....which motor and propeller combination is going to be best for my situation? Battery will be 8s, or 16s if a suitable controller exists. I know larger, slower props typically have higher efficiency. Turnigy? Astro? I know there are some RC guys here that can help me out