8 Best Kayaks with Trolling Motor, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want the most stable overall fishing kayak BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Motorized Kayak It features a 34-inch width for reliable stability while trolling.
• You need a portable boat without a roof rack Beyond Marina 12.5ft Inflatable Fishing Boat This inflatable model weighs only 60 pounds and fits in compact storage.
• You want to switch between pedaling and motor use Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak It includes both pedal drive and trolling motor compatibility for flexible propulsion.
• You prefer a stealthy look with a narrow hull BKC 12-Foot Motorized Fishing Kayak Its camo color and 34-inch width offer a low-profile, fast hull design.
• You need a wide platform for heavy gear loads Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized Kayak This 37-inch wide, 12-foot long kayak provides ample deck space and stability.

Our 8 picks

1 Best overall

BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Motorized Kayak

Best for: Anglers seeking stable, motorized fishing platforms

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Length

10.5 ft

Capacity

440 lb

Seat Type

Aluminum-frame seat

Fishing Features

Flush-mounted rod holders, gear tracks

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Motorized Kayak

This sit-on-top kayak features a 126-inch length and 34-inch width for a stable platform. It includes a trolling motor for hands-free propulsion, an aluminum-frame seat for support, and flush-mounted rod holders. The 68-pound weight aids transport. It suits anglers who need reliable gear tracks and dry storage hatches for tackle and coolers on lakes or rivers.

Pros

• Includes trolling motor for hands-free propulsion
• 34-inch width provides excellent stability
• Aluminum-frame seat offers all-day support
• Equipped with gear tracks and accessory mounts
• Comes with paddle and dry storage hatches

Cons

• 68-pound weight is heavier than inflatable options
• 126-inch length may be bulky for small cars
• No pedal drive system for dual propulsion

Good fit if

• You need a stable platform for standing or casting
• You want a complete package with motor and paddle
• You prioritize gear tracks and rod holders

Skip if

• You require a lightweight inflatable for easy transport
• You prefer pedal propulsion over motor power
• You need a compact kayak for narrow trails

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro Motorized Kayak is a solid choice for anglers who value stability and included motor power. It fits those who want a ready-to-use setup with ample mounting options for their gear.

2 Best budget

Beyond Marina 12.5ft Inflatable Fishing Boat

Best for: portable motorized fishing without a vehicle trailer

Propulsion

Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal (what this guide is about)

Construction

Drop-stitch PVC

Length

12 ft 6 in

Capacity

530 lb

Inflatable

Inflatable

Seat Type

Inflatable seat

View on Amazon: Beyond Marina 12.5ft Inflatable Fishing Boat

This 12.5-foot inflatable fishing kayak features a drop-stitch PVC build, an integrated motor bracket, and a 530-pound weight capacity. At 39.9 inches wide and 60 pounds, it packs into an included wheeled backpack. It suits you if you need a high-capacity portable kayak ready for a trolling motor mount without using a vehicle trailer.

Pros

• 530-pound maximum weight capacity
• Integrated motor bracket ready for motor mounting
• Drop-stitch PVC hull with anti-slip EVA deck pad
• Includes wheeled transport backpack and double-action pump

Cons

• Trolling motor not included with the bracket
• Uses an inflatable seat rather than a rigid metal frame
• Weighs 60 pounds uninflated before adding motor or battery

Good fit if

• You need a portable hull that stores in a backpack without requiring a trailer or roof rack.
• You want a 530-pound weight limit to support yourself, a motor, and heavy fishing gear.
• You plan to supply your own motor to mount on the included bracket.

Skip if

• You want a kayak that includes an electric motor in the box.
• You prefer a rigid hardshell kayak over inflatable drop-stitch PVC.
• You require an elevated aluminum frame seat instead of an inflatable seat.

Verdict: Beyond Marina 12.5ft Inflatable Fishing Kayak gives anglers a portable, 530-pound capacity platform equipped for an aftermarket motor mount. It fits paddlers needing compact storage and high stability without owning a vehicle roof rack.

3 Best premium

Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak

Best for: Solo anglers wanting pedal and motor flexibility

Propulsion

Pedal Drive, Trolling Motor, Pedal (what this guide is about)

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Construction

Double-layer PVC brushed material

Length

11 ft

Person Capacity

1 person

Inflatable

Inflatable

View on Amazon: Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak

The Spatium 11ft inflatable kayak combines pedal drive with a motorized fin option. It features a 360° rotatable seat on an 80cm rail for precise positioning. The double-layer PVC hull offers durability for lake and river use. You get hands-free propulsion and a stable platform for single-person fishing trips.

Pros

• Dual propulsion via pedal drive and motorized fin
• 360° rotatable seat with 80cm adjustment rail
• Double-layer PVC construction for impact resistance
• Built-in camera mount and fish measurement scale

Cons

• Single-person capacity limits group fishing trips
• Inflatable design requires setup and inflation time
• Motorized fin is an optional add-on, not standard

Good fit if

• You want pedal and motor options in one hull
• You need a seat that adjusts forward and back
• You fish alone on lakes or calm rivers

Skip if

• You need a rigid hull for high-speed travel
• You require a kayak for two or more people
• You prefer a permanent motor mount over a fin

Verdict: The Spatium 11ft Inflatable Fishing Kayak suits anglers who value flexible propulsion and seat positioning in a portable package. It is ideal for solo trips where you want to switch between pedaling and motor assistance.

4 Also great

BKC 12-Foot Motorized Fishing Kayak

Best for: Stealth fishing with a narrow hull

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Length

12 feet

Hull Type

Long, narrow hull

Seat Type

Adjustable upright kayak seat

Fishing Features

Multiple fishing rod holders, cupholder

Color

Camo

View on Amazon: BKC 12-Foot Motorized Fishing Kayak

This 12-foot sit-on-top kayak features a long, narrow hull designed for steady cruising with a built-in trolling motor. It includes an adjustable upright seat, a hand-operated rudder, and a paddle. The camo finish offers visual concealment. You get multiple rod holders and a cupholder for fishing. The 78-pound weight requires effort to transport, but the 34-inch width provides stability.

Pros

• Long, narrow hull aids speed and tracking
• Built-in trolling motor for hands-free propulsion
• Hand-operated rudder for precise steering
• Adjustable upright seat for comfort
• Camo color for stealth

Cons

• 78-pound weight is heavy for solo transport
• No electric motor control mentioned in specs
• Rudder is hand-operated, not foot-controlled

Good fit if

• You want a camo finish for stealth
• You prefer a stable, narrow hull for speed
• You need a hand-operated rudder system

Skip if

• You need a lightweight kayak under 60 pounds
• You require electric motor control
• You prefer a wide, ultra-stable hull

Verdict: BKC Brooklyn 12.0 Pro Camo suits anglers who prioritize a narrow, fast hull and a stealthy appearance. The hand-operated rudder and heavy weight define its practical use for steady, motor-assisted cruising.

5 Best storm surge

BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Trolling Motor Kayak

Best for: Anglers needing high capacity and motor power

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Length

12.5 ft

Capacity

558 lb

Seat Type

Raised adjustable seat

Use

Fishing

View on Amazon: BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Trolling Motor Kayak

The BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro is a 12.5-foot sit-on-top kayak designed for long-distance cruising with a built-in trolling motor. It supports up to 558 lbs and weighs 88 pounds. The hull tracks straight through chop while the extra-wide hand-operated rudder provides precise steering. You get ample storage via dual hatches and a rear cargo area. This setup suits anglers who need stability and power for large lakes or bays.

Pros

• Built-in trolling motor for smooth propulsion
• 558 lb total weight capacity
• Extra-wide hand-operated rudder for control
• Dual water-resistant storage hatches
• 12.5 ft hull cuts through chop

Cons

• 88 pound weight makes it heavy to carry
• Manual rudder requires hand operation
• No pedal drive system included

Good fit if

• You want a stable platform for large lakes
• You need high weight capacity for gear
• You prefer motorized propulsion over pedaling

Skip if

• You need a lightweight boat for solo carrying
• You prefer pedal-driven steering
• You fish in very narrow, shallow creeks

Verdict: The BKC Brooklyn 12.5 Pro Trolling Motor Kayak fits anglers who prioritize stability and power for covering large bodies of water. Its high capacity and motor integration make it a solid choice for serious fishing trips.

6 Best 1-person

BKC 13-Foot Motorized Solo Fishing Kayak

Best for: Solo anglers needing motor assistance and storage

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Seating Style

Sit-on-top

Length

13 feet

Hull Type

Extra-long, narrow hull

Seat Type

Adjustable upright seat

Fishing Features

Three fishing rod holders

View on Amazon: BKC 13-Foot Motorized Solo Fishing Kayak

The BKC PK13 is a 1-person sit-on-top kayak built for distance. Its 13-foot extra-long, narrow hull cuts through water efficiently. A built-in trolling motor and paddle provide propulsion. The 34-inch width offers stability while fishing. You get an adjustable upright seat, hand-operated rudder, and three rod holders. It includes dual water-resistant hatches and bungee cargo space for your gear.

Pros

• 13-foot extra-long, narrow hull for efficient tracking
• Built-in trolling motor for hands-free propulsion
• Hand-operated rudder for tight steering control
• Three fishing rod holders for gear management
• Dual water-resistant hatches for secure storage

Cons

• 88-pound weight makes transport difficult
• 34-inch width limits speed compared to wider models
• No pedal drive system for hands-free paddling

Good fit if

• You want a single kayak for long-distance fishing trips
• You prefer motor assistance over pedaling
• You need secure storage for electronics and snacks

Skip if

• You need to carry the kayak alone regularly
• You prefer a sit-inside design for cold water
• You want a pedal drive system for hands-free movement

Verdict: BKC PK13 Solo Fishing Kayak suits anglers who prioritize range and motor assistance. It is a practical option for solo trips where tracking and storage matter more than quick maneuverability.

7 Best black

Haswing Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor

Best for: black remote-controlled bow-mount propulsion

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Length

20 inches

Use

Fishing, Boats

Color

Black

Mount Type

Bow Mount

Water Type

Freshwater

View on Amazon: Haswing Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor

This black 12V bow-mount trolling motor provides 55 pounds of thrust and features a 48-inch aluminum shaft. You control speed and direction with a rechargeable wireless remote operating up to 164 feet away. Built with a sacrificial anode for fresh or saltwater use, it fits watercraft setups weighing up to 2,750 pounds.

Pros

• Delivers 55 pounds of thrust on a 12V electrical setup
• Includes a rechargeable 2.4G wireless remote with a 164-foot range
• Equipped with a sacrificial anode for saltwater and freshwater durability
• Features variable speed motor tuning to reduce battery draw

Cons

• Cruise control system does not include GPS spot lock
• Requires manual directional corrections against wind and current

Good fit if

• You want a 55-pound thrust bow-mount motor with handheld wireless control
• You need corrosion resistance for both freshwater and saltwater use
• You want variable-speed throttle adjustments to extend battery run time

Skip if

• You require GPS-based automatic spot-lock anchoring
• You need a complete kayak package rather than an individual motor unit

Verdict: Haswing Cayman 55lb 48-Inch Bow Mount Motor delivers remote-controlled 12V propulsion for anglers outfitting craft up to 2,750 pounds. It suits boaters wanting saltwater-ready variable speed without automated GPS anchoring.

8 Best length 12 ft

Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized Kayak

Best for: Anglers needing stable motorized fishing platform

Propulsion

Trolling Motor (what this guide is about)

Length

12 ft

Use

Fishing

Size

Length 12 Ft

Dimensions

144 × 37 × 25 inches

Weight

152 pounds

View on Amazon: Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized Kayak

This 12-foot fishing kayak integrates a Minn Kota trolling motor for hands-free propulsion. It measures 37 inches wide and weighs 152 pounds, offering a stable platform for anglers. The design includes four 18-inch accessory tracks and multiple flush-mount rod holders. You get an extra-large rudder for precise control in forward and reverse directions. It is built for serious fishing trips where stability and motorized convenience are key.

Pros

• Integrated Minn Kota trolling motor for electric propulsion
• Four 18-inch tracks for versatile accessory mounting
• Extra-large rudder provides excellent boat control
• Two forward and two rear flush-mount rod holders

Cons

• 152-pound weight makes transport and handling difficult
• No pedal drive system for alternative propulsion
• Limited to motor-only steering without manual paddle input

Good fit if

• You want a stable, motorized platform for fishing
• You need precise rudder control in currents
• You prefer hands-free trolling while fishing

Skip if

• You need a lightweight kayak for solo carrying
• You require pedal drive propulsion
• You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable craft

Verdict: Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized is a heavy, stable choice for anglers who prioritize motorized convenience and rudder control over portability. It suits those who fish from a stationary or slow-moving position and need a wide, stable deck for gear.

Specifications side by side

Is a Trolling Motor Worth the Trade-off?

A trolling motor adds propulsion without paddling. The BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro includes this power for steady cruising. The Haswing Cayman offers remote-controlled 12V thrust for larger craft. You gain range and speed on big water. However, weight increases significantly. The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot weighs 152 pounds. You must handle heavier loads. The motor also requires mounting space on the bow or transom. This setup suits anglers covering large areas who prioritize steady movement over quick maneuverability.

Worth it if

• You want to cover large bodies of water without fatigue
• You need steady, remote-controlled propulsion for precise positioning
• You can handle the added weight of the motor and battery

Skip it if

• You prioritize lightweight portability and easy transport
• You prefer quick maneuverability in tight spots
• You want to keep your setup simple and paddle-only

How we selected these motors

We identified kayaks with trolling motor propulsion by scanning Amazon listings for explicit mentions in titles or feature lists. We only included one size or variant from each product family to keep the comparison clear. All details come directly from the published specifications and feature lists on those pages. We do not physically handle or test these products ourselves.

The list is ordered by availability first. Next, we sorted by overall rating weighted by the number of ratings. Finally, we ranked items by how many of our specific criteria their specs met. This method ensures you see the most relevant, highly-rated motorized options first, based strictly on the data provided by the manufacturers.

How to choose the right motorized kayak

1. Check hull width for stability

   Hull width is the primary factor for lateral stability. A wider deck resists tipping when you cast or move gear. The BKC Brooklyn 10.5 Pro measures 34 inches wide, offering a balanced platform for most anglers. If you need extra room for gear or higher capacity, the Beyond Marina 12.5ft Inflatable Fishing Boat provides 39.9 inches of width. The Spatium 11-Foot Inflatable Pedal and Motor Kayak offers an even wider 48-inch stance. Choose a wider hull if you prioritize steady casting positions over speed.

2. Match length to your range

   Kayak length affects tracking and speed. Longer hulls cut through water more efficiently, making them better for covering large lakes or rivers. The BKC 13-Foot Motorized Solo Fishing Kayak measures 156 inches, providing excellent range for solo trips. The BKC 12.5 Pro Trolling Motor Kayak and BKC 12-Foot Motorized Fishing Kayak both offer substantial lengths for steady cruising. Shorter boats are more maneuverable but may require more effort to maintain a straight course. Select a longer hull if you plan to travel significant distances.

3. Consider construction for transport

   Construction type determines how you store and transport your kayak. Hard-shell models like the BKC Brooklyn series offer rigid durability but require roof racks or a garage. Inflatable models, such as the Beyond Marina 12.5ft and Spatium 11-Foot, deflate for compact storage. The Beyond Marina weighs only 60 pounds, making it easy to carry without a trailer. The Spatium model is also inflatable, offering flexibility for solo anglers. Choose inflatable construction if you lack vehicle storage or need to pack the boat into a small trunk.

4. Evaluate weight for handling

   Weight impacts how easily you can load and launch the kayak. Heavier boats are often more stable but harder to maneuver on land. The Old Town Sportsman AutoPilot 120 Motorized Kayak weighs 152 pounds, indicating a heavy, stable platform for stationary fishing. The BKC 12.5 Pro weighs 88 pounds, offering a balance of stability and manageability. Lighter options like the Beyond Marina at 60 pounds are easier to handle alone. Check the weight spec to ensure you can safely load the boat onto a trailer or roof rack.

5. Verify motor compatibility

   Not all kayaks include a motor; some require aftermarket mounting. The Haswing Cayman 12V 55lb Trolling Motor is a separate unit designed for bow-mount installation on craft up to 2,750 pounds. Many hard-shell kayaks on this list, like the BKC Brooklyn models, are designed to integrate motor power directly. Ensure your chosen kayak has the necessary transducer wells or mounting points for your motor. If you buy a separate motor, verify the hull material can support the weight and vibration of the trolling motor.

Frequently asked questions

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