What Size Electric Motor for a Kayak?

Selecting the right electric motor for a kayak may look simple, but most buyers quickly discover it’s not just about power. It’s about balance — weight, thrust, battery life, mounting style, and how you plan to use your kayak. In this blog, we break down every important factor in a friendly and practical way so you can make a confident choice.

Understanding Why Motor Size Matters for Kayaks

Choosing the correct electric motor size determines how smoothly your kayak moves, how long your battery lasts, and whether your trip feels effortless or frustrating. Many first‑time buyers search for “best motor size for kayak,” “kayak electric motor guide,” “kayak thrust requirements,” and similar keywords because they want something powerful enough to move through currents without draining the battery.

Kayaks are small, lightweight vessels, so they don’t need overly strong propulsion. A huge motor can create drag, reduce control, and add unnecessary weight. A motor that’s too small, however, struggles in windy or flowing water. That’s why understanding thrust, voltage, and efficiency is essential.

What Is Thrust and How Does It Affect Kayak Performance?

Thrust is the primary number buyers look at when comparing electric motors. It measures how much force the motor generates to push your kayak through the water. In most cases, kayaks require 18–55 lbs of thrust, depending on size, load, and environment.

Here’s a simple but reliable rule:

• 18–30 lbs thrust → For small kayaks, calm lakes, and ultra-light setups.
• 40–55 lbs thrust → For heavier kayaks, fishing gear, or mild currents.
• 55+ lbs thrust → Usually unnecessary unless upgrading to large tandem or pedal kayaks.

More thrust does not always equal more speed. Water resistance, hull shape, and propeller design limit your maximum speed. Most kayaks top out at 4–6 mph, even with strong motors.

How Kayak Weight Influences Motor Size?

Your kayak’s total weight — including you, gear, battery, and motor — is one of the biggest factors in choosing motor size. A lightweight touring kayak with minimal gear moves easily, while a fully loaded fishing kayak can weigh more than double.

A good guideline:

For every 100 lbs of total weight, you need about 2 lbs of thrust.

This keeps your kayak moving steadily in most situations without oversizing the motor. When buyers overestimate thrust, they often end up with a heavier, more expensive setup that drains batteries faster.

Battery Voltage and Why It Matters

Many kayak motors run on 12V systems, which makes them affordable and easy to install. Higher‑voltage systems such as 24V or 36V deliver more power but are usually unnecessary for kayaks.

12V System (Most Common)

• Light and easy to maintain
• Works with most trolling motors
• Ideal for 18–55 lbs thrust

24V System

Not needed unless running 70–80 lbs thrust motors

Adds battery weight and cost

36V System

Used on boats, not kayaks

For most buyers searching “What size electric motor for a kayak?”, 12V is the best choice.

Motor Types: What Works Best for Kayaks?

There are three popular motor types that kayak owners usually consider.

1. Trolling Motors

These are the most common due to their quiet operation and easy speed control. Benefits:

• Efficient at low speeds
• Good thrust range for kayaks
• Widely available

2. Brushless DC (BLDC) Motors

Many premium kayak drives now use BLDC motors because they offer:

• Higher efficiency
• Lower noise
• Long lifespan

United Motion Inc. specializes in compact BLDC motors suitable for marine applications. Their motors are energy‑efficient and ideal for specialized kayak setups.

3. Integrated Kayak Drive Systems

These are designed specifically for kayaks and come with steering pods, mounts, and waterproof housings. They cost more but deliver the best user experience.

Speed Expectations With Different Motor Sizes

A common misconception is that more thrust dramatically increases speed. In reality, speed increases only slightly unless the hull is made for high performance.

Typical kayak speeds with an electric motor:

• 18–30 lbs thrust: 3–4 mph
• 40–55 lbs thrust: 4–5 mph
• High-end BLDC kayak drives: up to 6 mph

Currents, wind, and hull length all affect these numbers.

Mounting Considerations

Choosing where to mount your electric motor affects steering and comfort.

• Stern Mount (Most Common)
• Easy installation
• Works well with trolling motors
• Bow Mount
• Better steering
• Rare for kayaks due to size
• Pod/Through-Hull Mount
• Cleanest design
• Best for fishing kayaks

How Long Will Your Battery Last?

Battery runtime is one of the biggest concerns for buyers. They want the right balance between power and endurance. A typical 12V 100Ah lithium battery paired with a 30–55 lb thrust motor lasts about 2–5 hours depending on speed. Running at lower speed settings significantly improves runtime. Choosing an efficient motor — especially a BLDC motor — can extend your battery life by 20–30%.

Brushless Motors for Kayaks: Why They Are Becoming Popular

Buyers increasingly search for “BLDC kayak motor,” “brushless kayak motor,” and similar terms because brushless motors solve many common pain points:

• They are quieter
• They consume less energy
• They have fewer maintenance issues
• They produce smoother power delivery

United Motion Inc. provides several brushless motor solutions adaptable to kayaks, including compact BLDC motors for marine propulsion, offering high torque and superior efficiency.

Comparing Different Motor Sizes

Below is a simplified comparison chart to help buyers understand which motor size fits their needs:

When to Choose a Larger Motor?

You may want to consider a slightly larger motor if:

• You often fish in windy lakes
• You carry 25+ kg of extra gear
• You paddle in mild currents

However, kayak hulls are not designed for high speeds, so going beyond 55 lbs thrust offers little benefit.

Real-World Use Cases

Calm Lakes

A 20–30 lb thrust motor is more than enough for cruising and sightseeing.

River Fishing

40–50 lbs thrust helps navigate currents and wind.

Open Water or Long Trips

A BLDC pod motor setup gives excellent efficiency and quiet operation, making it ideal for long-range travel.

How United Motion Inc. Supports Kayak Builders and OEMs?

United Motion Inc. provides customized BLDC motors for marine and outdoor equipment manufacturers. Our advantages include:

• High-efficiency motor design
• Compact and lightweight builds
• Reliable performance in wet environments
• Custom voltage and torque options

Our engineering team also supports OEM partners in designing complete propulsion systems.

View our BLDC motors: United Motion Inc. Website