I fish out of a 2014 Nucanoe Frontier 10 . After fishing in it for over 10 years, i'm SUPER happy with my yak. It gets used & abused a lot while fishing the dream. I absolutely love the open deck. Stand and fish with ease. Very stable 39-1/2 inches wide. 500 lb.s max weight.Very affordable too. Fits in the fishing van perfectly! I run a Minn Kota Endura Max 45 with a Bull Nose rudder and a extended tiller handle. I highlly recommend purchasing a yak that accepts a motor for additional fun times 😃 Thanks for another great video and keep them coming!
All I have to say is: The Titan 12.5 X is one heck of a 'Yak. When I bought mine from Dan, he said it's a lot heavier than my old Titan 10.5, and he was Right! I had to buy a trailer for the 12.5, as it's Way too heavy to load up in the back of my truck now (With a 36 volt battery, NK300 motor, Blackbox and 8 rods, running lights and ANOTHER battery, 25 pounds of "necessary" fishing lures/tackle, a cooler for drinks/eats, and my 200 pounds, that only leaves about 50 pounds of "Free Weight" capacity!). Haha! By the way, I only have to get the back of my trailer in the water, and can DRIVE the 'Yak ALL the way up on the trailer. I don't know how much trust that NK300 has, but it's a LOT! and, even with all the weight, it cruises around 5-1/2 mph. Well over 6 mph at 100% throttle (glad I got the 55 amp battery instead of a smaller 30 or 40 amp one!). Lol Foot steering (like Greg B.) is nice, too! Thanks for all the Insight into the kayaks you mentions, Dan.
Great list and rundown brother! The only one I’d add to the list, not because it’s a great kayak 😅 but because it checks off the critical points and does so at a budget price… Jonny Boats Bass 100. It’s a forgotten about hybrid yak, but for being 10 foot, it’s incredibly stable and full motorized at $1500-ish, it’s a heck of a budget option.
I have run my SS127 with a 55lb minors on the back using foot steering and with my 55ld I-pilot bow mount (not at the same time). I also picked up a propel drive and adapted it. Very versatile rig. Rear mount with foot steering worked the best for me.
Thanks for this video man. I love my Titan X 12.5. Yeah it’s big and heavy, but I love fishing out of it nonetheless. I recently (yesterday) put an NK300 on the back. Haven’t had it out yet due to work, but I can’t wait. And for those who are curious, a Litime 36v 55ah will fit in the back compartment after removing the tray. The DIY install was super easy. I would certainly like to try out that XTR 130 though 😁
This is my first year fishing out of a pedal drive. I purchased a slayer max 12.5. I thought for sure I would be slapping a motor on sooner than later, but I have to say the pedal drive has been an absolute pleasure to fish out of! It seems to be just as easy to mount a motor on as the TitanX , at least it seems to be. I just feel unless you’re fishing tournaments. There’s no need for a motor on a pedal drive. Just my humble opinion with not much experience with kayaks.
I am caught between the PWR129 and the Coosa-X for my next kayak. While thinking long-term and trolling motors, it was great to see them both mentioned. But it didn't help with the decision 😂. But as always, great information 👍
I run a motor guide bow mount on my hobie mirage 12. I use a 100amp hour mighty max battery to run both motor and Lowrance elite fs9. I prefer the bow mount over the stern cause I can control my positioning from the front. Even when I upgrade to my next yak it will still be bow mounted just for me the control and positioning.
@@davidrogers220 I've personally started becoming more and more intrigued by stern mount and and anchor trolley. I love to cover more ground and fish more spots. Anchor keeps me in the spot if it gets windy
I’ve never used my anchor trolly on my hobie. It’s there never used. My choice it based on spot lock on windy days or river fishing and I can control from the wireless remote and the cruise controls set a speed and fish. I’ve tested stern mount maybe I’m just used to my bow mount. But sir my opinion based off my style of fishing and what I need my yak to do. Your video content I think spot on as for rating.
@@davidrogers220 im a bow mount guy. I'm never that far from a launch so I've always used bow mount. The Motorguide news today is a bit of a gut punch though. Looking forward to seeing what takes the xi3 place
The Pursuit paddles unbelievably well for it's size. I wouldn't go as far as calling it a full blown touring kayak, but in the kayak fishing market it's near the top. Drainage of the front hatch is a common complaint by Pursuit owners but should not be a deal breaker.
@ so if you compared it to the Wilderness Tarpon 140 or Eddyline Caribbean 14 it wouldn’t be on the same level? (I consider these pretty much touring sit on top kayaks)
Very informative as usual. Question: when’s the best time to buy one of the kayaks you mentioned? Is there a time of the year that usually has sales/savings? Budgeting for the Titan x 12.5 next year hopefully
Love the videos and a great source of info!! Any opinion on the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 non peddle drive as a stern motor mount rig? They are one of the more available options in western Canada that are suitable for big guys.
So I did the Xi3 on my U10 but had an issue with removing the handle....they put lock tote on the screws....which made the handle removal near impossible with out stripping out the insert.....but it works well.....
Fasteners with Loctite on them can be easily "released" (unscrewed) by the addition of heat. I use a carefully placed soldering iron on them, and it doesn't take long before they "Break-Lose"...! On anything around water, I use the Loctite 242 Blue (it also works Great on Gunsscopes, too!). Hope this helps.
@@MSmith-jf5wo the heat did not work had to fully remove the handle from the screws to get a vicegrip on the screw head and slowly unscrew...I wish the heat would have worked. Nucanoe and the Stern plate from One Connection are not compatible with the new rudder EPS mount that Nucanoe has...they need to coordinate this better...
The question for my next purchas is which new kayak is the fastest with the Xi3 motor? My Kaku Zulu fully rigged with my 210lbs self only gets 3.9 MPH with no current..... Would love to get a lil more speed without losing spotlock and Navigation by GPS.
@@SargesAdventures don't look past the PWR129. It's the fastest (as of right now) Speed on the PA14 is really good as well. The Titan X is also a lot faster than I thought it would be.
And I just don't have any experience or real info on the Tactical yet. Wouldn't be right for me to form hard opinions on it just yet. I would anticipate it being very quick though. I do like how it's laid out
G Hey brother thanks for the thorough review lots to choose from each one has their pros and cons my final choice has always started with usable weight capacity. My three choices I’m still sticking with is 3. Old town autopilot 136. 2. Nucanue unlimited just love the open deck option and putting on the strongest and fastest trolling motor. My new #1 choice is Bonafide XTR 130 fishing with gramps has one on order already, but is quite excited to get his lol. Do you have any opinions on the Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 or Bixby K1 jet motor or trolling motors compared to the motors seen at Icast Motorguide, Newport etc?
@@granvillej3316 keep in mind that the Unlimited weight cap is 400lbs. The 650 is what we are told to get with the scuppers plugged up. Not knocking Nucanoe at all. Just want to make sure people are aware
@@johnsavanyo not a fan of the setup personally. I only say that because of the price. You would be better off motorizing another kayak that has more fishing features and saving about 3k. It hasn't sold as good as they hoped it would. They should have just updated the Autopilot series in my opinion
@@ryanfuller9710 insurance purposes. It's a big liability. It's not because they don't want you too...it's because they can't legally until the kayaks are officially rated for it.
@@manny4491 yeah I don't anticipate it being a speed demon at all. I do like the way it is laid out though. I'm interested to see what the execution looks like
Great review thanks, can you give me your opinion on the Old Town Sportsman 106 power by Minn Kota as a viable fishing kayak (pros and cons). Really appreciate your feedback
@@philipmelo1786 it's good for sure. You may end up wanting a bigger one down the road though. I would love to see OT upgrade the motor for better speed and efficiency. The hulls are rock solid though and I love the Sportsman seats
I own one and really like it. I am considering selling just because I would like something faster. I do a lot of inshore fishing and sometimes it’s a haul to my spots. Planning to go with OT 120 pdl with bow mount motor.
@@mnarlis where have they said that? Not saying you are wrong, just saying that I have seen no official word on that. Will it float? Sure. Is it safe though? That's the issue.
@@thebeardedpaddler I was watching a RUclips video where Chad Hoover interviewed them at a show and asked them directly. I will find that video and provide it for you.That was the main reason I purchased mine two weeks ago.
@@mnarlis i would still caution. The 500lb cap on the Titan X is not the usable. You have to take the 172lb kayak weight off that to get to the usable capacity. Doesn't leave a ton of room for 2 motors, gear, batteries, plus the angler. If they said that then I wonder if they have backed off of that due to liability.
@@thebeardedpaddler ruclips.net/video/aXWEGGNxuEA/видео.htmlsi=T5maARULAW4WI9Sl This was one of the designers start at the 26.00 point where he states they built it just for that reason.
@@mnarlis i just reached out to Chad and he just said that "to his knowledge, Native has not gone as far to rate the Titan X for 2 motors" This video was from Icast23 and they didn't even know the weight of the kayak, or the true capacity of it. This doesn't mean that people aren't promoting it with two motors, but native themselves are not.
Why isn't the new kayak from Wilderness not mentioned? Winning best in show at i cast would think there would be more excitement around this one. I'm not sure if im missing something. The tactical pro 130 seems to be just as good if not better than the new bonafide. If you have any thoughts on this i would love to hear them. Maybe even a video. Thanks for the info and love the content
@@thebeardedpaddler someone shared an email they got from motorguide saying they are ceasing the brand motorguide and that any future production will be under the name of lowrance and simrad. Don’t know how true it is but thought I’d share.
@@thebeardedpaddler made a comment but somehow YT deleted it. Someone posted something saying MG emailed them saying they’re no longer going under the name MG but instead future products will be under lowrance and simrad. Don’t know if it’s true but thought I’d share.
Title is misleading. They only kayak to come motorized from factory is the oldtown autopilots. Besides the recent Brooklyn brand which is a bad copy of the oldtown.
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What do YOU think? Which kayak are you looking to motorize?
I fish out of a 2014 Nucanoe Frontier 10 . After fishing in it for over 10 years, i'm SUPER happy with my yak. It gets used & abused a lot while fishing the dream. I absolutely love the open deck. Stand and fish with ease. Very stable 39-1/2 inches wide. 500 lb.s max weight.Very affordable too. Fits in the fishing van perfectly! I run a Minn Kota Endura Max 45 with a Bull Nose rudder and a extended tiller handle. I highlly recommend purchasing a yak that accepts a motor for additional fun times 😃 Thanks for another great video and keep them coming!
Nice setup!
All I have to say is: The Titan 12.5 X is one heck of a 'Yak. When I bought mine from Dan, he said it's a lot heavier than my old Titan 10.5, and he was Right! I had to buy a trailer for the 12.5, as it's Way too heavy to load up in the back of my truck now (With a 36 volt battery, NK300 motor, Blackbox and 8 rods, running lights and ANOTHER battery, 25 pounds of "necessary" fishing lures/tackle, a cooler for drinks/eats, and my 200 pounds, that only leaves about 50 pounds of "Free Weight" capacity!). Haha!
By the way, I only have to get the back of my trailer in the water, and can DRIVE the 'Yak ALL the way up on the trailer. I don't know how much trust that NK300 has, but it's a LOT! and, even with all the weight, it cruises around 5-1/2 mph. Well over 6 mph at 100% throttle (glad I got the 55 amp battery instead of a smaller 30 or 40 amp one!). Lol Foot steering (like Greg B.) is nice, too!
Thanks for all the Insight into the kayaks you mentions, Dan.
@@MSmith-jf5wo for sure! It's a great kayak and still the most stable one I've stood on. I love the way it's laid out.
Great list and rundown brother! The only one I’d add to the list, not because it’s a great kayak 😅 but because it checks off the critical points and does so at a budget price… Jonny Boats Bass 100. It’s a forgotten about hybrid yak, but for being 10 foot, it’s incredibly stable and full motorized at $1500-ish, it’s a heck of a budget option.
I have run my SS127 with a 55lb minors on the back using foot steering and with my 55ld I-pilot bow mount (not at the same time). I also picked up a propel drive and adapted it. Very versatile rig. Rear mount with foot steering worked the best for me.
Thanks for this video man. I love my Titan X 12.5. Yeah it’s big and heavy, but I love fishing out of it nonetheless. I recently (yesterday) put an NK300 on the back. Haven’t had it out yet due to work, but I can’t wait. And for those who are curious, a Litime 36v 55ah will fit in the back compartment after removing the tray. The DIY install was super easy. I would certainly like to try out that XTR 130 though 😁
Same here! You will love the NK300. Be careful with the throttle starting out though!
Ask me how I know lol
This is my first year fishing out of a pedal drive. I purchased a slayer max 12.5. I thought for sure I would be slapping a motor on sooner than later, but I have to say the pedal drive has been an absolute pleasure to fish out of! It seems to be just as easy to mount a motor on as the TitanX , at least it seems to be. I just feel unless you’re fishing tournaments. There’s no need for a motor on a pedal drive. Just my humble opinion with not much experience with kayaks.
It's easy still. The biggest thing with the Titan is the access plates and the battery storage.
I am caught between the PWR129 and the Coosa-X for my next kayak. While thinking long-term and trolling motors, it was great to see them both mentioned. But it didn't help with the decision 😂. But as always, great information 👍
For trolling motors go PWR129. Just my opinion but it's the best option out there currently.
I've got an perception outlaw 11.5 and it's really easy to rig up both bow and Stern.
@@bigrayray74 it's not made to do it BUT I agree, it is not difficult and I have seen many do it.
I run a motor guide bow mount on my hobie mirage 12. I use a 100amp hour mighty max battery to run both motor and Lowrance elite fs9. I prefer the bow mount over the stern cause I can control my positioning from the front. Even when I upgrade to my next yak it will still be bow mounted just for me the control and positioning.
@@davidrogers220 I've personally started becoming more and more intrigued by stern mount and and anchor trolley.
I love to cover more ground and fish more spots. Anchor keeps me in the spot if it gets windy
I’ve never used my anchor trolly on my hobie. It’s there never used. My choice it based on spot lock on windy days or river fishing and I can control from the wireless remote and the cruise controls set a speed and fish. I’ve tested stern mount maybe I’m just used to my bow mount. But sir my opinion based off my style of fishing and what I need my yak to do. Your video content I think spot on as for rating.
@@davidrogers220 im a bow mount guy. I'm never that far from a launch so I've always used bow mount. The Motorguide news today is a bit of a gut punch though.
Looking forward to seeing what takes the xi3 place
Yeah I saw that today too. I was told we will still be able to get parts. Just going a different route they said.
How does the NuCanoe Pursuit paddle compared to other comparable kayaks?
The Pursuit paddles unbelievably well for it's size. I wouldn't go as far as calling it a full blown touring kayak, but in the kayak fishing market it's near the top.
Drainage of the front hatch is a common complaint by Pursuit owners but should not be a deal breaker.
@ so if you compared it to the Wilderness Tarpon 140 or Eddyline Caribbean 14 it wouldn’t be on the same level? (I consider these pretty much touring sit on top kayaks)
Very informative as usual. Question: when’s the best time to buy one of the kayaks you mentioned? Is there a time of the year that usually has sales/savings? Budgeting for the Titan x 12.5 next year hopefully
@@Flippinkickz after summer. You may not have options you want like color and inventory. But you can find some deals out there
I got my Titan X 12.5 last November at a 10% discount for Black Friday. Maybe they’ll do a better deal this year since it’s been out
Love the videos and a great source of info!! Any opinion on the Wilderness Systems Recon 120 non peddle drive as a stern motor mount rig? They are one of the more available options in western Canada that are suitable for big guys.
So I did the Xi3 on my U10 but had an issue with removing the handle....they put lock tote on the screws....which made the handle removal near impossible with out stripping out the insert.....but it works well.....
Fasteners with Loctite on them can be easily "released" (unscrewed) by the addition of heat. I use a carefully placed soldering iron on them, and it doesn't take long before they "Break-Lose"...! On anything around water, I use the Loctite 242 Blue (it also works Great on Gunsscopes, too!). Hope this helps.
@@MSmith-jf5wo the heat did not work had to fully remove the handle from the screws to get a vicegrip on the screw head and slowly unscrew...I wish the heat would have worked. Nucanoe and the Stern plate from One Connection are not compatible with the new rudder EPS mount that Nucanoe has...they need to coordinate this better...
They have always used the Loctite but have never had the issue with removing it. At least not that bad
Gotcha thanks
What about the Bonafide RVR119? I want to motorize mine this winter
You can absolutely motorize it.
The question for my next purchas is which new kayak is the fastest with the Xi3 motor?
My Kaku Zulu fully rigged with my 210lbs self only gets 3.9 MPH with no current..... Would love to get a lil more speed without losing spotlock and Navigation by GPS.
Right now looking at PA14 vs TitanX 12.5 vs XTR130 vs Tactical Pro 128.
@@SargesAdventures don't look past the PWR129. It's the fastest (as of right now)
Speed on the PA14 is really good as well.
The Titan X is also a lot faster than I thought it would be.
And I just don't have any experience or real info on the Tactical yet. Wouldn't be right for me to form hard opinions on it just yet. I would anticipate it being very quick though. I do like how it's laid out
G
Hey brother thanks for the thorough review lots to choose from each one has their pros and cons my final choice has always started with usable weight capacity. My three choices I’m still sticking with is 3. Old town autopilot 136. 2. Nucanue unlimited just love the open deck option and putting on the strongest and fastest trolling motor. My new #1 choice is Bonafide XTR 130 fishing with gramps has one on order already, but is quite excited to get his lol.
Do you have any opinions on the Epropulsion Spirit 1.0 or Bixby K1 jet motor or trolling motors compared to the motors seen at Icast Motorguide, Newport etc?
@@granvillej3316 keep in mind that the Unlimited weight cap is 400lbs. The 650 is what we are told to get with the scuppers plugged up. Not knocking Nucanoe at all. Just want to make sure people are aware
@@thebeardedpaddler yess sir thanks again!
How about the Old Town Bigwater ePDL+ 132 ??
@@johnsavanyo not a fan of the setup personally. I only say that because of the price. You would be better off motorizing another kayak that has more fishing features and saving about 3k.
It hasn't sold as good as they hoped it would. They should have just updated the Autopilot series in my opinion
😮 legit question: Why can we only run one motor for tournaments when we can use a 180 pro to get us there and the Xi3 to keep us on our spot?
@@ryanfuller9710 insurance purposes. It's a big liability. It's not because they don't want you too...it's because they can't legally until the kayaks are officially rated for it.
@@thebeardedpaddler makes sense!
I would like to hear your thoughts on The Wilderness System Tactical Pro 128
@@mda_fishing looking forward to seeing one
The only negative, I saw was, it only did 5 mph with the biggest baddest motor on it. The craft seemed like a contender for everything else.
@@manny4491 yeah I don't anticipate it being a speed demon at all. I do like the way it is laid out though. I'm interested to see what the execution looks like
@@thebeardedpaddler I thought, it would be a perfect yak for someone to hunt or fish out of with disabilities.
@@manny4491 definitely looking forward to seeing how it does. Only thing I've heard is that went really cheap on the wiring and breakers
Great review thanks, can you give me your opinion on the Old Town Sportsman 106 power by Minn Kota as a viable fishing kayak (pros and cons). Really appreciate your feedback
@@philipmelo1786 it's good for sure. You may end up wanting a bigger one down the road though. I would love to see OT upgrade the motor for better speed and efficiency. The hulls are rock solid though and I love the Sportsman seats
I own one and really like it. I am considering selling just because I would like something faster. I do a lot of inshore fishing and sometimes it’s a haul to my spots. Planning to go with OT 120 pdl with bow mount motor.
How about the Slayer Max 12.5
Slayer Max is just as good as any of them. The Titan X is just easier
Native has said Titan X12.5 will be fine with a bow and stern motor working together.
@@mnarlis where have they said that? Not saying you are wrong, just saying that I have seen no official word on that.
Will it float? Sure.
Is it safe though? That's the issue.
@@thebeardedpaddler I was watching a RUclips video where Chad Hoover interviewed them at a show and asked them directly. I will find that video and provide it for you.That was the main reason I purchased mine two weeks ago.
@@mnarlis i would still caution. The 500lb cap on the Titan X is not the usable. You have to take the 172lb kayak weight off that to get to the usable capacity. Doesn't leave a ton of room for 2 motors, gear, batteries, plus the angler.
If they said that then I wonder if they have backed off of that due to liability.
@@thebeardedpaddler ruclips.net/video/aXWEGGNxuEA/видео.htmlsi=T5maARULAW4WI9Sl This was one of the designers start at the 26.00 point where he states they built it just for that reason.
@@mnarlis i just reached out to Chad and he just said that "to his knowledge, Native has not gone as far to rate the Titan X for 2 motors"
This video was from Icast23 and they didn't even know the weight of the kayak, or the true capacity of it.
This doesn't mean that people aren't promoting it with two motors, but native themselves are not.
Why isn't the new kayak from Wilderness not mentioned? Winning best in show at i cast would think there would be more excitement around this one. I'm not sure if im missing something. The tactical pro 130 seems to be just as good if not better than the new bonafide. If you have any thoughts on this i would love to hear them. Maybe even a video. Thanks for the info and love the content
It's 2025.
HM: wilderness systems tactical pro 128
This list is for 2024. The tac pro and the Bonafide XTR will be reviewed as soon as I can get my hands on one
Also going to be interesting since Motorguide is being shut down.
@@thebeardedpaddler someone shared an email they got from motorguide saying they are ceasing the brand motorguide and that any future production will be under the name of lowrance and simrad.
Don’t know how true it is but thought I’d share.
@@thebeardedpaddler made a comment but somehow YT deleted it.
Someone posted something saying MG emailed them saying they’re no longer going under the name MG but instead future products will be under lowrance and simrad.
Don’t know if it’s true but thought I’d share.
@@Danxiong it's true but we don't know about the new motor until icast probably. I assume the bracket will be the same but we don't know that either.
Title is misleading. They only kayak to come motorized from factory is the oldtown autopilots. Besides the recent Brooklyn brand which is a bad copy of the oldtown.
@@30minforasn title doesn't state top 5 kayaks with motor.
It's top 5 kayaks to motor.
Sorry for the confusion
@ “top 5 motorized kayak of 2024”.