Torqeedo has done it again innovating motorization of small watercraft with electric propulsion. The New Torqeedo 1417-00 Spare Battery at 915 Wh 31 Ah which packs in 3X the power as the stock 1416-00 320 Wh 11 Ah Ultralight battery. Unlocking both distance and run time with all of the same features as the stock battery plus. The overall dimensions of the 1417 battery is the exact same but it has a bit more weight to it.

“Game Changer”

If you do a ton of kayak angling on large bodies of water I would recommend picking up the 1417 battery as your main and using the 1416 the which is included with the Ultralight 403 as your spare. In my previous article I went over the Travel 1415-00 battery for use as a spare battery. At 530 Wh 18 Ah this was efficient and allowed much more distance running the ultralight 403 all day long. Although with the included 1416 battery you can run all day long at slow speeds. The larger capacity allowed for running against tides and up rivers at a much wider open throttle.

The term “Game Changer” is often used in the industry for little things. This battery is a true”Game Changer”. Using the motor as you would previously paddling speed you will easily have a run time of 24 hours.

Why an Expensive Battery?

If you are not familiar with Torqeedos’ High Performance Lithium batteries, here are some reasons why they are top of the line. Torqeedo Inc. only uses high quality LiFePo (lithium iron phosphate) cells from Japan and the USA to have the most stability that lithium batteries can have. Therefore being safe to use on small watercraft. Torqeedo Inc has engineered The Battery Management System or BMS which balances the reactions necessary to charge the cells and output power to the motor. Torqeedo packs the cells separately in steel cylinders which unlike most lithium cells are packed in foil or coffee bags. The steel cylinders are the utmost protection without being as costly as ceramic cylinders. All Trorqeedo battery housings hold a Waterproof to IP67 rating. Meaning the battery can withstand being submerged in under 3.3 feet of water for 30 minutes. Any type of water in lithium batteries can lead to problems such as BMS hardware corrosion or creating electrolytic gas which is highly explosive.

If the battery becomes submerged for longer than 30 minutes you may want to send it to Torqeedo to be serviced.

The on board GPS is a computer within the battery. This computer communicates with the throttle controller to display your current speed and distance to charge. The new 1417 battery is also  compatible with the Torq Trac module and app like the previous battery’s.

Torqeedo Website Link

MSRP $899

Its not a Cuda or a Coosa its a Cruise. Known as Jackson Kayaks budget friendly fishing kayak the Cruise now has a cousin. Jackson Kayak Unveils Cruise FD at Icast 2017. The Cruise FD with both a face lift and the new Flex Drive (FD). The peddle Flex Drive allows the kayaker to propel the kayak using his or her feet instead of a traditional double bladed kayak paddle. The idea is to allow the kayak angler the ability to fish hands free. Although you need at least one hand to steer it is as hands free as a human propelled craft can get.

The Flex Drive

The new innovative Flex Drive from Jackson Kayak is unique in the entire industry. Its dagger board recessing lower unit is great for use in shallow bodies of water. Also in waters with obstructions below the water line such as rocky rivers, submerged timber, and even surf landing on the beach. All of the main gearing is located above the water line in the pedal drive. This was done for the feeling that no worries of water infiltration into the gear box. The kayak is molded with an access panel for the prop to recess into and the ability to clean if fowled with debris.

The Cruise FD

In appearance the new Cruise FD has a Cuda HD feel. With the new HD style hatches and molded in gear tracks it resembles the HD. Seems like it will be the best pedal drive setup for river running and fishing in areas with many obsticals. It features a high low seat that is adjustable sliding front to back.  Recessed Gear Tracks and the HD rod tip protectors. The steering is a push pull type if system instead of turning a handle.

The Cruise is  a recreational style pedaling kayak. At this point there isn’t an angler edition. Although before angler specific kayaks there was a solution. Install a rod holder!

Pretty impressive. I cant wait to get out on the water with the demo.

Specs:

11′-10″ L

30″ Wide

Cruise FD

Eric Jackson unveils the new Jackson Kayak Blue Sky Boat Works at Outdoor Retailer 2017. This “Boat” has just about everything a kayak angler could dream of but its a boat! A catamaran style hull with a flat open deck. Included with tons of gear track, built in wheels,  a dual rudder system, a “back porch” for cooler or crate. Power pole ready.

But here is where its at. The angler 360 seat. Rotates 360 so you can fish off the side the rear and the front. Fully adjustable and looks really comfortable too!. Also built in is the Jackson Kayak Flex Drive!

Its the “Fast Stable Fishing Machine”

These types of boats may even change the way we fish again. Personally I’m hoping for a modified craft that can take the rough water out in bays in the future.

Check out Eric Jackosn’s walk through! Also check out http://www.blueskyboatworks.com/ for additional information. Available by summer of 2018!