A kayak motor gives you range: you reach the fishing grounds sooner, push against current or wind without wearing yourself out, and hold position while you fish. Today's lithium electric motors are light, quiet — key for not spooking the fish — and easy to fit. Here's what to look for to choose well and what options you have.

In one line: for kayak fishing, a lithium electric motor is the usual choice: quiet, light and with no fuel maintenance. Look at the power, the battery range (Wh), the weight and compatibility with your kayak.

Galaxy fishing kayak with a lithium electric motor fitted
An electric motor adds range to your kayak without giving up quietness.

Why add a motor to your kayak?

Motorising your kayak saves effort and gives you freedom: you cover more distance, cope with wind and current, and can hold position over the fish or move slowly while fishing. With an electric motor, you do it quietly and without fumes too.

What to look at when choosing a motor

Power and thrust

Power (in W) and thrust determine how much the motor "pulls". More power helps with load, wind or current. For fishing, efficiency and quietness often matter more than raw power.

Battery and range

The lithium battery sets the range (measured in Wh): the more Wh, the more hours on the water. Also weigh up the weight of the battery and how easy it is to charge and carry.

Weight and mounting

A light motor is easier to handle and store. Check how it mounts on your kayak (stern, central box, bracket) and that it's compatible with your model.

Saltwater-ready

If you fish at sea, choose anti-corrosion materials designed for saltwater, which stand up better to heavy use in salt.

Options to motorise your kayak

3li lithium electric motor for a kayak
Lithium electric motors combine contained power, quietness and low weight.

3li motors (lithium, made in Europe)

The 3li brand makes quiet lithium electric motors with an excellent power-to-weight ratio. For kayaks, its options are:

  • ✔ 3li Ultra EVO STG: a brushless kayak motor with a digital-display remote control and a man-overboard system (it stops if you fall in). Quiet and efficient.
  • ✔ 3li MK2 series (1CV and 2CV): more power for a kayak, with lithium batteries of 750-1,100 Wh depending on the range you need.

If you're into float tube (not a kayak), the brand's reference is the 3li STG-PP1: a three-phase brushless motor weighing just 850 g (with the aluminium fin included), available in a 24V version with a 750 Wh battery or a 42V version with 1,100 Wh, and an average speed of 5.5-6.2 km/h. Saltwater-ready.

Other options available at Galaxy

  • ✔ Bixpy motors: modular, versatile systems (with configuration options) to adapt to different kayaks.
  • ✔ Packs with a Torqeedo motor on Alborán kayaks: the premium option, ready to fish with a motor as standard.

An ideal base to motorise: the Galaxy Alborán FX3 comes ready to fit an electric motor (as well as a fin or propeller pedal drive and a paddle), so it's an excellent starting point if you want to motorise your fishing.

Electric, and not petrol?

For a fishing kayak, lithium electric is the usual choice: quiet, no fumes, light and no fuel maintenance. It's what we recommend for most anglers. Petrol rarely makes sense on a kayak due to weight, noise and regulations.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a licence to fit a motor to a kayak?

It depends on the motor's power and the regulations in force in your region. In many cases a low-power electric motor doesn't require registration, but it's worth checking before buying, based on your area and use.

How much range do I need?

Think about your outings: for normal days out, a 750-1,100 Wh battery usually gives plenty of margin. The more Wh, the more hours on the water, though also more weight.

Can I fit a motor to any kayak?

Not all in the same way. Models like the Alborán FX3 come ready for a motor. Check your kayak's compatibility (stern, central box or bracket) before buying the motor.

Ready to motorise your kayak?

Discover the electric motors and the 3li kayak range available at Galaxy.

See 3li kayak motors