New kLite kayak fishing electric outboard from ePropulsion

The silent, clean and precise operation of electric motors has always been attractive to those who like to do their fishing from a kayak, and now ePropulsion has customized their popular eLite outboard to appeal to those who enjoy one of the fastest-growing activities in recreational fishing.

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The new kLite 750 is a ‘rudder style’ electric outboard, where the wide, tapered shaft holding the motor also steers the boat and holds the motor’s integrated 378 Watt hour battery, so there is nothing extra for a kayaker to lug around. The entire unit weighs in at under 15 lbs (6.8 kg).

Multiple features for kayak fishers

With its specifically designed mounting bracket, the kLite has a number of features kayak fishers will appreciate:

• Anglers simply snap the motor onto a mounting pin on the kayak, connect the steering lines and cables, and are ready to fish,
• A spring-tensioned mechanism delivers up to 300W in reverse, ensuring the propeller won’t kick up and spook fish,
• The mechanism also gives way smoothly if it encounters underwater obstacles, rocks or during manual lifting,
• The kLine operates in less than seven inches of water (18 cm) and can be adjusted deeper for big water,
• The rudder design steers even when the throttle is off and the kayak is being propelled by paddle,
• A separated sun-shaded colour monitor mounts out of the way on the console, deck, or track, so anglers can keep their eyes on the water,
• The low-profile throttle tucks beside the seat without snagging clothing,
• The unit includes a grab handle in case the mount blocks the kayak’s existing carry handle.

The kLite has plenty of power for moving a kayak, fisher and gear through the water, with three modes available at the tap of a switch. Go Mode delivers 500W continuous power (.75 hp) for general cruising while Sport Burst provides 750W (1 hp) for up to 60 seconds and is great for shooting rapids or to punch through rips. When the fisher has arrived at the waters where they they want to cast or dip a line, Fish Mode provides precise low-end control.

“When we showed our original prototype at ICAST (the world’s largest sportfishing trade show), the interest was substantial,” said Tom Watson, president of ePropulsion Americas. “The eLite has already been revolutionary for tenders and small craft, and we are confident that the kLite is going to take kayak anglers to new and exciting places.”

Latest of ePropulsion innovations

ePropulsion was founded in 2012 by current CEO Danny Tao and fellow students, graduates, faculty and advisers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. They launched their first motor, the Spirit 1.0, at the METStrade marine industry trade show in 2014, where their brushless, direct-drive technology was the first in the market.

Their low power (1 to 6 kiloWatts / ≈3 to 10 hp) Spirit and Navy outboards and pod drives established and built a reputation for high quality and value which the company has built on. Their product line now includes electric propulsion solutions for everything from small dinghies to runabouts, workboats, sailing catamarans and 12 metre (40 ft) ferries.

In 2022 they introduced the H-Series range of inboards catering to boatbuilders and the commercial market. The 60-250kW (80 – 350 hp) motors enable vessels between 60 to 100’ (18 to use a battery electric zero emission propulsion system.

The I-Series followed, with lower-powered inboards (10 – 40kW / 15 – 55hp) designed for smaller vessels including sailboats, day boats, narrowboats and canal boats. The X-Series introduced in 2023 brought similarly powered outboards to the market: 12, 20 and 40 kW (≈16, 30 and 55 hp).

The motors are complemented by ePropulsion’s E-Series and G-Series lines of lithium iron phosphate (LifePo or LFP) batteries that provide exceptional energy density, extended cycle life and increased safety. The modular technology of their eSSA products (ePropulsion Smart System Architecture) enables safe, reliable connection of all components while saving time and reducing complexity.

Electric propulsion for just about any boat owner or builder 

In 2024 they introduced the eLite rudder style outboard, which has been a major success. The kayak-customized kLite now takes things to the next level with a product aimed at a very specific segment of the boating public. According to the American Sportfishing Association, more than two and a half million anglers in the US fish from kayaks, making up a market worth somewhere between half a billion and 600M dollars (€440M – 525M). Market intelligence firm Ken Research estimates that kayak-designed electric propulsion systems account for about 10% of that with US$50m–70m in annual sales.

ePropulsion is now in the position of being one of the global leaders in electric propulsion, with a product range that will be key to the electric transition in the coming years. What they have built is a brand known for quality and innovation that makes it easier and easier for just about any recreational or commercial boat owner – along with new and established boatyards – to have a full electric vessel that reduces noise, carbon and toxic emissions on our waterways and in the air that we breathe.

ePropulsion website
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Main photo by Richard R on Unsplash