I am a fishing enthusiast and I want to install an electric propulsion system on my kayak. How should I choose?

Posted by Fengyukun on November 22, 2025

Author: APISQUEEN

Focusing on lightweight electric propulsion system solutions for water sports such as kayaks, inflatable fishing boats, and paddleboards.

1. Why is an electric propulsion device needed when using a kayak for fishing?

For many anglers, kayaks are a quiet, lightweight, and flexible fishing platform.

However, in practice, you might encounter these problems: paddling against the wind is exhausting, and getting back to shore can be agonizing; fast river currents make precise positioning difficult; and after a long fishing session, your stamina noticeably declines.

That's where a small electric propeller can completely transform the fishing experience. It allows you to reach your fishing spot more easily, drift stably, and quickly reel in your line and return home.

2. Main Types of Electric Thrusters

Before deciding to purchase, it's essential to understand the different types of thrusters and their advantages and disadvantages:

For kayaking enthusiasts, APISQUEEN's lightweight underwater propulsion system is the ideal choice.

It's easy to install, doesn't damage the boat's structure, provides stable and quiet thrust, and won't interfere with fishing.

3. Key Factors in Selecting an Electric Thruster

① Thrust – Approximately 2 pounds of thrust are required for every 100 pounds of load.

Thrust represents the force a propeller can generate, usually measured in pounds (lbs).

The greater the thrust, the stronger the ship's acceleration and wind resistance.

☞User Experience:

▌For every 100 lbs (45 kg) of load (including person, equipment, and boat), at a speed of 8-15 km/h, approximately 2 lbs (1 kg) of thrust is required.

Examples:

● Single-person kayak + equipment total weight 300~440 lbs (136~200 kg), speed 8-15 km/h → 30–40 lbs (9~18 kg) of thrust

● Two-person fishing boat, speed 7-15 km/h → 35–45 lbs (15.88~20 kg) of thrust

For slow fishing on lakes or casting with a steady hand, a 30-pound thruster is sufficient.

If you frequently fish in windy, wave-filled, or saltwater environments, a 40-pound thruster is recommended.

Therefore, the APISQUEEN U92 Pro Two Set is ideal for the two scenarios mentioned above.

Special Note:

If you are simply walking slowly on the lake or using it only to assist your rowing, with a required speed of approximately 2-4 km/h, then only 5-10 pounds (2.2-4.5 kg) of thrust is needed. In this case, the inexpensive APISQUEEN U2 Two Set underwater propulsion unit is sufficient.

② Voltage and Battery

Common propulsion systems are 12V or 24V.

● 12V System: Lightweight, easy to install batteries, suitable for low-speed kayaks.

● 24V System: Provides greater thrust, but battery costs are slightly higher.

Recommended Batteries:

● Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries (economical and durable);

● Lithium iron phosphate batteries (lightweight, efficient, and fast-charging).

Instructions for selecting APISQUEEN thruster batteries:

③ Environmental compatibility – Seawater requires corrosion-resistant materials.

If you are using a propeller at the beach, be sure to choose a model that is marked "Saltwater Use".

④ Portability and Installation – Does it support quick-release, waterproofing, and corrosion resistance?

For anglers, "quick installation + detachability" is paramount.

When purchasing, please confirm the following:

● Does it support quick-release brackets?

● Motor cable waterproof rating (IP68 recommended);

● Does it include a remote control?

● Is the weight suitable for single-person transport?

Many kayak enthusiasts now prefer "underwater propulsion modules"—they can be directly fixed to the bottom or side bracket of the kayak, taking up little space and not interfering with casting.

4. Recommended Combination Schemes

5. Practical Experience: Choosing a Propeller from an Angler's Perspective

As fishing enthusiasts, we value not so much "powerful specifications," but rather: quietness, portability, ease of use, and stability.

I recommend:

● Choosing an adjustable-speed propeller for precise drift control;

● Propeller blades should ideally be designed to prevent tangling with weeds;

● A battery life of ≥2 hours is recommended to avoid battery anxiety halfway through the fishing trip;

● A built-in battery level indicator on the propeller provides a more intuitive view;

● For night fishing, consider a control module with lighting or USB output.

6. Recommended Brands and Products

Currently, common brands on the market include:

Bixpy: Compact and portable, but relatively expensive;

Haswing: High cost-performance ratio, feature-rich;

Newport: An American brand, reliable and durable;

APISQUEEN: Focuses on lightweight design, no modification required, compatible with kayaks and inflatable boats.

APISQUEEN Underwater Thruster Features:

● No drilling required for installation, can be fixed in minutes;

● Supports both fresh and seawater use;

● High-efficiency brushless motor + intelligent electronic control;

● Integrated waterproof structure, small size, low noise;

● Suitable for fishing, fish finding, photography, recreation, and other purposes.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a 12V propeller sufficient?

Yes, it's sufficient. A single-person boat can operate for 3–5 hours.

Q2: Can it be mounted on an inflatable boat or paddleboard?

Yes, simply use a suitable mounting bracket or modular base.

Q3: Is the propeller noisy?

The noise level of a brushless motor is typically less than 40dB, which will not affect fishing.

Q4: Is the propeller susceptible to water damage?

Choosing the IP68 waterproof design allows for complete submersion operation, ensuring safety and reliability.

8. Make Your Propeller Your Silent Power for Fishing

Fishing is not only an art of patience, but also an art of equipment.

Adding a suitable electric propeller to your kayak not only saves energy but also allows you to easily reach fishing spots that others can't.

✅ If you want a lightweight, quiet, waterproof, and easy-to-install kayak propeller,