Old town predator xl, minkota

I'm still in evaluation process and I was wondering if anyone has an Old town Predator XL with the Minkota drive.  Interesting concept.  I tried searching for it with the forum search function but I'm not sure I'm using it correctly since whenever I use the search function, it always says, sorry not found no matter what subject I put in.  I think besides needing an education on kayak fishing I also need an education on how to use a forum.  Anyway, I'm curious what people think of using an electric motor on a kayak. 

It was just announced last week, so it's highly unlikely that anyone will have one yet.  As for electric motors, they could be useful in freshwater or protected marine environments, but probably never useful for a surf launch.  If you get something with an electric motor, make sure you bring a paddle and are capable of using it in the event of a failure.

The search function can be a real pain on this site sometimes.

Thanks.  I figured it would have to be in an up position to go through shallow water.  Plus there's the weight you add with it and the disadvantage of paddling the extra weight.  I'm still focused on a pedal kayak but trying to evaluate all options.

The Predator, Propel, Torque, and even the Mirage Drive need to be pulled for a surf launch.

IMHO the Bassyaks conversions with the "lift kit" are a better option for that- or even the rear Torqueedo kit. So far I absolutely L-O-V-E it on my Commander 120, but its not a surf launching type of kayak. I could really appreciate a MinnKota on a SOT in the salt though! I'm really liking the looks of this thing though.

even the Mirage Drive need to be pulled for a surf launch.

No way.  Super fun to launch with the drive in.

I'm still in evaluation process and I was wondering if anyone has an Old town Predator XL with the Minkota drive.  Interesting concept.  I tried searching for it with the forum search function but I'm not sure I'm using it correctly since whenever I use the search function, it always says, sorry not found no matter what subject I put in.  I think besides needing an education on kayak fishing I also need an education on how to use a forum.  Anyway, I'm curious what people think of using an electric motor on a kayak.

One thing I've found is that the search seems to be context-aware. So if you are in a particular sub-forum, it will only return results from that sub-forum, which can be very limiting. To search in general for something, click "Forum" in the main site menu (even if it's already selected), then type into the search box and click Search. That should search everything.

even the Mirage Drive need to be pulled for a surf launch.

No way.  Super fun to launch with the drive in.

Yeah no joke. That's a good part of the reason I invested in a mirage drive setup!

even the Mirage Drive need to be pulled for a surf launch.

No way.  Super fun to launch with the drive in.

Yeah no joke. That's a good part of the reason I invested in a mirage drive setup!

Ha! Ya got me there!  In all honesty, I have not had the opportunity to do an actual "surf launch" in my Hobie. I have either been going out of Sunset or Depoe. I assumed this was the common practice for those with the Mirage Drive. Anyway, I still don't see how that's a winning proposition with most electric drives.

The Predator, Propel, Torque, and even the Mirage Drive need to be pulled for a surf launch.

IMHO the Bassyaks conversions with the "lift kit" are a better option for that- or even the rear Torqueedo kit. So far I absolutely L-O-V-E it on my Commander 120, but its not a surf launching type of kayak. I could really appreciate a MinnKota on a SOT in the salt though! I'm really liking the looks of this thing though.

I have a friend who copied the Bassyak's retractable design for his electrified Tarpon 140 (for sale if anybody is interested) and has launched it at Pacific City several times. He paddles for the launch and landing and fingertips the speed knob the rest of the time. Works well for him. He incorporated a saltwater rated MinnKota.