Bassyaks vs. Old Town Predator Minkota

Still in the research phase of deciding which kind of kayak to get.  Since my knees can give me problems sometimes, I'm having second thoughts on the Hobie or Propel system.   I'm considering a motorized yak (with apologies to purists, but I assume the purists have good knees).  I've looked at the factory mounted motors that Bassyaks does in the Jackson series of kayaks and also the Old Town Predator Minkota model that should be out soon and I wondered if anyone has an opinion on one or the other?  Thanks.

Just out of curiosity, if you are planning on going with a motorized kayak to start, why a kayak?  Why not a 12ft aluminum boat?  You could probably even get one cheaper then a kayak.

I have heard the Ocean Kayak torque is a pretty solid boat too.

I'm a Bassyaks fan (owner), but if you are on the fence, you owe it to yourself to see (demo) a Predator XL before choosing. You are welcome to take my Bassyaks Commander 120 out sometime if you want.

So many kayaks to choose from.  Seems the more I learn the more indecisive I get.  I thought about getting an aluminum skiff but ultimately I want to fish in the ocean and I think I'd feel more secure with an SOT kayak than an open hull fishing skiff. 

I will check out the Ocean Kayak torque though I really like the looks of the seat in the Predator XL. 

You're not going to be able to launch a motorized Yak into the ocean unless you're putting in somewhere protected, like depoe bay

You're not going to be able to launch a motorized Yak into the ocean unless you're putting in somewhere protected, like depoe bay

... and why is that? Admittedly though... it would require paddling out a bit before deploying the motor. With the pull of a t-handle, the motor will tilt down nearly instantly. That's one of the main advantages in my mind about the BassYaks version.

You're not going to be able to launch a motorized Yak into the ocean unless you're putting in somewhere protected, like depoe bay

Not true - it depends on how your motor is mounted. My buddy who copied the Bassyak's design (motor mounted at the stern with a tip up mount) has launched at Pacific City a couple of times, and through some decent surf.

If the motor is water PROOF, then sure, go for it.  If not, you either have to have it stowed, or you're risking it failing.  It's just like fish finders, they're "water proof", but tend to fail if you don't stow them for surf launch/landing.

I would not write off the use of a Hobie prematurely. The forces on the knees when doing moving the Hobie pedals across their 50 degrees of arc and a distance of only 12 inches per stroke are less than that of walking. The "exercise" is on par with the effort involved with walking but there is greater use of the muscle that wraps around the knee and supports it. It is why the USA ski teams have used summertime bicycling for conditioning.

With the electric drives the designs fall into two camps, the ones that are fixed in position, and the ones that can be raised up for coming into shore or will bounce up if you hit something. The Torqeedo and Bassyaks fall into the second category and would be the ones I would be considering for use with a kayak.

A good part of the cost of the Torqeedo is in the lithium-ion battery that is included along with the motor, GPS, and other electronics designed to provide the maximum distance per charge. A 40 Ah lithium sells for $580 and is what I would be adding to the cost of any other system.

Going with a sealed lead acid battery the weight penalty is much greater. A 50 Ah 22NF will weigh 40 lbs. as compared to a 40 Ah lithium battery with a weight of 15 lbs.  I would question whether it would be possible to right a flipped boat with a 40 lb. battery inside and also whether it would be easier to flip with the battery in place - it might make it easier to flip or it might make it more stable.

The setup with the Torqeedo only adds a total of 15 lbs. to the load on the kayak so it can be used on anything. But with a 40 lb. lead acid battery and heavier motor it would be a good idea to get a boat with more length and less drag. For example Torqeedo in developing their performance stats used a Hobie Revo 13 and not none of the Pro Angler boats or an Outback.

I installed a Bassyaks on a Trident 13 last year.
It runs quietly and there is no vibration!
I got Amstron batteries: AP-12220EV/12V 22Ah.
Medium size but mighty!
The Bassyaks is a neat unit and works well with the Trident.
I appreciate that the motor comes completely out of the water and easy to take off/on.
Makes putting out downrigger/gear for trolling a breeze.
It's fast if one wants that, but trolling at about 2 knots, battery last way longer.
The Trident/bassyaks makes for a nice fishing platform.
If anyone wants pics I can do that.
I fish Lake Pend Oreille in Northern Idaho for Gerrard rainbow trout, bull trout, kokes and macks. And, small mouth in the summer.
A fun unit!!
Grant

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful replies.