Hobie or Bassyaks w trolling motor?

[Jim in CT]

I might finally buy a kayak when I get my income tax return. Was leaning towards a Hobie, then I heard about bassyaks, a company that sells kits that put saltwater-compatible trolling motors on kayaks.

Thoughts on which is better? And why? I'm 6'1", plan on weighing no more than 210 soon...

We might rent a house on Fishers Island (NY) this summer, and that place is almost as good as Block, but a lot less known, because it's a lot less accessible. Kayak heaven...

[The Dad Fisherman]

Depends...do you want to exercise or not. that would probably be what guides your decision.

[Nebe]

Go with the hobie.
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[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Depends...do you want to exercise or not. that would probably be what guides your decision.

I don't mind a little exertion (my lawnmower is a commercial walk-behind, not a tractor, I'd rather walk than ride). I'd also rather not risk the trolling motor failing on me.

Any other considerations besides physical effort?

[Nebe]

Hobies don't have batteries that die
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[Nebe]

Also, they are super silent. A spinning propeller might spook fish.
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[BigBo]

Originally Posted by Nebe

Also, they are super silent. A spinning propeller might spook fish.
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Those flapping fins make as much or more noise than a trolling motor. I'm not advocating or putting down either. Just saying realistically, one is no more silent than the other.
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[Jim in CT]

Originally Posted by Nebe

Hobies don't have batteries that die
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Are Hobies made pretty well?

Heard nothing but good things about Hobies.

[BigBo]

Hobies are very well made. They have a premium price, but it's an investment that will last for years. They also hold a high resale value should you decide later on, it's not the sport for you.
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[Nebe]

I love mine.
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[The Dad Fisherman]

I love my hobie as well....
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[Jim in CT]

Thanks for the replies! I see that Hobies are not cheap. I wonder if/when others will be allowed to make a pedal drive, and if that will drive price down.

Now thinking about spots. I believe there is a boat ramp in Narragansett not far from Black Point/Bass Rock Rd/Hazard Ave? Too dangerous to kayak there? Or is that danger really resuming you are surfcasting?

[scottw]

saw this and thought I'd let you know that we have a Cuda 14 in the shop with a Bass Yak addition ready to go, just needs a battery, trying to move it out to accommodate new incoming boats so the price would be very attractive, also have the Predator coming in if you are looking for a motor

[BigBo]

You can take a look at the Native Slayer Propel 13. A friend of mine has one and likes it a lot. You peddle like a bicycle driving a propeller like a trolling motor. It allows you to maneuver in reverse.
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[danbrut]

I had a Bassyak a few years back with a battery. loved it,only it was too big for me, 14" I do like how you steer it with your feet.
I now have a 11" hobie and love it too. Peddle it, but my left hand has to steer the switch for the rudder. I am saving my money to drop a motor into my hobie. Maybe by Fall?

[Mr. Sandman]

Not a yak guy but I went fishing in a nice bassyak last summer at night. We cruised across a salt pond to get to a good surf spot that was nearly impossible to get to with a land vehicle. It was really quiet and moved right along. On the way back I had my light on and bass were jumping right next to the yak. It also got foggy and if I did not have my iphone with navioics gps I would have never gotten back!

I strongly believe these are technically "motor boats", and as such must be registered. Many yak guys disagree with me on this but I would look into it. I have to say though they are very cool. (The battery lasts a long time and it can be recharged at home for next to nothing.)

[Rockport24]

Yaks with trolling motors absolutely have to be registered in Mass

Honestly, the motor and battery and all that looks like too much of a hassle, just get the hobie