Whether you’re traveling with your kayak or storing it, trying to keep it clean and dry can sometimes be difficult. However, there are many cockpit covers for kayaks that may be able to help minimize how much water or debris gets inside your yak. 

Since many types of kayaks exist, you will come across many different cockpit covers too. It’s important that you get a well-made product that protects the cockpit, stays in place and shows durability. In our product selection, we tried to pick out different styles of covers so you will be able to find which is the best cockpit protection for your kayak. In addition, don’t miss out on the buying guide if you want to learn more about the features you should look for.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Kayak Cockpit Cover

man in trolling motor kayak

A number of factors need to be taken into consideration while purchasing a cockpit cover. Cockpit covers play a crucial role in keeping your kayak neat, clean, and tidy. Without a cockpit cover, the cockpit will start accumulating dirt and other impurities. Here are some factors that you need to carefully consider if you wish to purchase the best quality kayak cockpit cover for your kayak needs:

Size and Fit

This is perhaps the most important thing – you need to get the right size for it to work well. You should measure the cockpit before buying (width and length) and compare it with the sizing charts manufacturers provide. Additionally, it’s a good idea to see what others had to say, especially if they own the same kayak model as you. You need to take into consideration the model of the kayak as well. Some cockpit covers go perfectly well with almost all types of kayaks. Snug-fitting cockpit covers are ideal in most cases. However, if you want to firmly attach the cover to the cockpit, you might have to use straps. Most manufacturers will have size guides posted on their website to help you get the right fit the first time around. Make sure you check this out first before purchasing.    

Material

Most kayak cockpit covers are made from either neoprene or nylon. Neoprene is much more durable than nylon, but it’s also heavier and lacks waterproof properties. On the upside, neoprene is stretchy and ensures a tight fit. Nylon, on the other hand, is waterproof, but it’s extremely lightweight. So, depending on where you’ll be storing your kayak will largely depend on whether you need a neoprene or nylon cockpit cover.

Water-Resistance

What good is a kayak cockpit if it is not waterproof. Water will slip into the cockpit if the cover is not water-resistant. Kayak cockpit covers made from high-quality nylon can stop the water from entering the cockpit. Some products are fully waterproof, while others can leak (depends on the material and how it fits). If you need a waterproof kayak cover, nylon is your safest bet – it will protect the cockpit from rain and snow. However, if you’re keeping the kayak on a wall mount in your garage, then you don’t have to worry too much about this.

Cord or Clip

Every cockpit cover will come with a set of cords to prevent movement. Your job putting it on is much easier with bungee cords because they are easy to tighten. Some cords are long and go around the hull, which gives extra stability to the cover. In addition, a cockpit cover for traveling can have a clip that you use to attach it to the shock cords on your kayak. That way it won’t accidentally fall off and get lost while driving. In relation to this, you can read more on how to strap a kayak to your roof rack, so you get it safely to your destination.

Best Kayak Cockpit Cover Reviews

1. Seals Cockpit Seal Cover

seals kayak cockpit cover

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Pros Cons
Tear-resistant cargo cover material with superior UV protection Make sure you use the websites sizing chart as sizing can be confusing
The strap around the hull Setup may be difficult
Tear-resistant

Specs

    • Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 5 inches (available in a variety of sizes)
    • Size: 1.2 to 7.0 deck size 
    • Weight: 1.95 pounds
    • Material: Nylon
    • Use: Outdoor

The Newport Vessel Kayak Series is way different than other competitor models like Minna Kota and Motor Guide. This Newport’s vessel comes with an impressive 55 pounds thrust which offers enough power for a 2700-pound boat and more than enough for any kayak. 

One of the main reasons that make Newport Vessel stands out from the rest is its resistance to saltwater. This is quite a rare feature to find in most trolling motors as many of them can’t be used in saltwater. This Newport Vessel Trolling Motor is made up of aluminum, stainless steel, and zinc for enhancing its performance in saltwater.  

It is equipped with a 30-inch adjustable shaft to translate that energy to the shaft which is a good length to consider. The adjustability feature also proves to be quite useful as it is able to fit all the inflatable boats, kayaks, fishing boats, and transom-inflatables. 

Like most of the competitor motors, Newport Vessel is equipped with a 6-inch telescoping handle and eight different speeds, five forward and three reverse, which makes the ride quite smooth. Unlike the older Newport models, this 55 lbs. thrust trolling motor provides sturdy clicks to let you know when you have changed gears or have turned the motor off. This is quite important as well because the motor is so quiet at low speed that there are chances you will leave it on which in return will drain the battery. 

This trolling motor has a composite fiberglass shaft to rely on, and the head and the prop are designed for saltwater. High-quality construction material along with the excellent design is used to make this trolling motor future-proof and long-lasting for years. 

Battery life is also reported to be very good especially at low-speed settings. Most importantly, when people have had any problem with the motor, their customer service proved to be quite outstanding.

2. Minn Kota Endura C2 Endura C2 55 Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Endura C2 55

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Pros Cons
Excellent Battery Life No twist ability
Work well in saltwater
Easy to maintain
8 speeds, five forward and three reverse
Lifetime warranty on the shaft
2-year warranty on the motor
6-inch telescopic handle
Quiet and cool

Specs

  • Shaft length: 30 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 55 lbs. 
  • Weight: 22 pounds
  • Peak Power draw: 50 Amps
  • Lever lock bracket
  • 6-inch telescopic tiller
  • Power prop

This is one of the best Trolling Motor for kayaks in 2020. Minn Kota Endura C2 works efficiently in saltwater without degrading the performance of the motor. This Minn Kota model offers a thrust of 55-pounds which gives you enough speed to range over eight gears, five forward and three reverse, for quick and smooth transit during fishing. 

Minn Kota Endura C2 is a package of both design and functionality. It comes equipped with a powerful shaft along with prop and offers comfortability with hand control. This feature makes it work for a longer time and takes less time to fight weeds. 

This trolling motor generates less heat, less noise, and runs cool with commutators, windings, and large brushes. The motor is designed to conserve less power and extend battery life. This Minna Kota Endura C2 motor comes with a composite shaft that is indestructible and is guaranteed for life. It does not break, corrode, or bend on an impact. It’s 55 thrust model features a two prop system which has the capability to take thick stuff without draining the battery.

It is also equipped with a 6 inches ergonomic telescoping handle which allows convenient and comfortable steering. It has flared, swept-back blades that provide reliable performance in the water. 

Another impressive feature is its lever lock bracket which is stronger than the routine brackets and delivers rock-solid mounting. Special construction material is used to resist UV damage, flex, and warping. The bearing system of this Minn Kota motor is also quite innovative that produces fewer RPMs which in return cuts down the fish-spooking noise.

Minn Kota Endura C2 is quite famous among sailors and kayakers. It is praised for its efficient performance in water and affordable price. All in all, this trolling motor is designed to last longer and offers quiet and cool power.

3. Goplus 46 55 and 86 Lb. Thrust Trolling Motors

GoPlus Trollling Motor

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Pros Cons
Works in both saltwater and freshwater Poor throttle quality
Good Battery Life Motor is heavy
Offers customers a choice between different thrust options
Cool and quiet power system
Multi-adjustment angle adjustment aluminum mount
3 propeller blades
10 Point LED light battery indicator

Specs

  • Shaft length: 36 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 46 lbs. 55 lbs. and 86 lbs.
  • Weight: 19.4 pounds 22 pounds and 
  • Peak Power draw: ~35 Amps
  • 6-inch telescopic handle
  • Sturdy and Durable

GOPLUS’s electric trolling motor is a welcome addition to the trolling motor industry, offering a choice of 46, 55, and 86 lbs. thrust in an affordable package. Each of these models features a 36 inches long shaft, although each one of them offers different thrusts. However, all of these models provide more than enough speed and thrust for a kayak, and for most people in a ‘yak, the additional thrust just means shorter battery life. 

Each model comes equipped with a 6-inch telescoping and adjustable handle which makes you control the motor comfortably and with a lot of ease. It has eight speeds, five forwards and three reverse, so you can quickly speed up and down when needed. 

This GOPLUS trolling motor features a 3-blade propeller and 10-point LED lighted battery indicator that shows how much battery is left for the motor. The prop head is made up of aluminum, while the blades are made up of plastic. The shaft is constructed using fiberglass which is tough and non-corroding. 

Its adjustable shaft handle provides you an easy way to freely change the position of the motor while the depth control can help you ensure that the propeller is at the right so that you can adjust your speed easily. 

All things considered, we can say that GOPLUS provides one of the most easy-to-use motors that is smooth, powerful, and well-controlled. 

4. Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Trolling Motors

Minn Kota C2 30 trolling motor

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Pros Cons
Short adjustable shaft Designed for freshwater
Excellent build quality Its ability to expand makes it a little fragile when the person handles it rough
Good Battery Life
Lightweight
Easy to steer and control
It can expand to suit individual preferences
Lever lock bracket
Lever lock bracket

Specs

  • Shaft length: 30 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 20 pounds
  • Weight: 17 lbs. 
  • Peak Power draw: ~50 Amps
  • Telescoping Tiller
  • Power prop
  • Sturdy and Durable

Minn Kota is a brand that believes in the originality of its products. They have designed their Endura C2 30 with thorough research and to make it even more reliable they offer a warranty of 2 years for this product. This trolling motor is a great combination of design and functionality, a complete package that will not disappoint you. 

It provides 30 pounds of thrust which is more than enough for a kayak. The Endura C2 30 delivers the power to its prop through a 30-inch fiberglass shaft. The composite shaft is indestructible and comes with a warranty of a lifetime. It is also flexible on impact and will not corrode or kink. It offers the usual 8 speeds, five forward and three reverse. 

The Endura C2 30 also comes equipped with a 6-inch telescopic handle and a tilt twist which provides you steering and speed control. A simple twist of this tiller revs up the throttle. 

The best feature of this trolling motor is it’s cool and quiet power which is able to dissipate the heat and cool down the motor. Its quiet power maximizes the motor life, prolongs the battery life, and tone down the spooky fish noise. 

Know that the Endura C2 30 is designed for freshwater use. That being said, there are still plenty of people who will take this motor at places where it is not intended. So, if you decide to do the same, make sure that you rinse it with clean water after use and anticipate some corrosion.

5. Haswing W20 20 lb. Trolling Motor

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Pros Cons
Ultra-lightweight Poor construction material
Excellent battery life Some customers experienced a warranty-related issue
Short adjustable shaft
Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater
Noiseless operation
Total control over speed and direction

Specs

  • Shaft length: 23.6 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 20 pounds
  • Weight: 8 lbs. 
  • Peak Power draw: 12 Volts
  • Telescoping Tiller

Haswing W20 trolling motor is a tough portable device, which is suitable for kayaks, small dinghies, canoes, and other small boats. It offers 20 pounds of thrust which does not offer high speed but is enough for a smooth ride. Moreover, this small electric motor will surely maximize your battery life, hence more time on the water. 

Haswing W20 comes equipped with a durable cast aluminum shaft, weighs only 8 pounds, and is the lightest in its class. Given the ultra-lightweight of this trolling motor, if you are already near the max capacity of your ‘yak, you may want to explore this trolling motor. The W20 model also features an LED-based battery level indicator.

Haswing claims that the head and prop of this trolling motor is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater. W20 motor is equipped with a forward and reverse switch, and a high and low gear which are available with the twist of your wrist on the tiller handle. This provides you plenty of control over your speed and direction in the water.

Some customers have complained about the poor construction material of this trolling motor, which is a trade-off for its exceptionally lightweight manufacturing.

6. Saturn 55 lb. Short Shaft Trolling Motor

Saturn short shaft trolling motor

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Pros Cons
Lightweight and compact Heavy
Custom-cut short shaft Poor build quality
Made out of composite material for added durability
Suitable for freshwater and saltwater
Ultra-quiet and efficient
Extendable handle

Specs

  • Shaft length: 26 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 55 pounds
  • Weight: 17 lbs. 
  • Peak Power draw: ~50 Amps
  • Adjustable Tiller
  • Special Composite Shaft
  • Adjustable Depth Collar
  • Sturdy and Durable
  • 1-year warranty

The Saturn short shaft offers 55 lb. of thrust and is designed to work for kayaks, short dinghies, small boats, inflatables, and canoes. This trolling motor is suitable to be used both in saltwater and freshwater. Just make sure to rinse your motor with fresh and clean water after you have used it in saltwater to extend motor life. 

Saturn short shaft comes equipped with a 26-inch composite shaft, which provides enough length to submerge its propeller without causing any trouble for kayakers. It can be tilted in different positions and up or down 45 degrees, meaning it is really comfortable to use and very easy to store and transport. Just like any other competitors, this trolling motor has eight speeds, five forward and three reverse, which allows plenty of control over your speed. 

Saturn short shaft features an extendable handle, so you do not have to worry about reaching for throttle while it’s mounted on the transom behind you. The handle can extend up to 13.8 inches. The overall motor operation is very cool and quiet 

It only weighs 17 lbs. which is pretty lightweight compared to other similar motors in the market. It also features an LED-based battery level indicator which alerts you to the battery life.

7. Minn Kota Traxxis 55 lb. Trolling Motor

Minn Kota Traxxis Series

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Pros Cons
Easier to mount and dismount Heavy
Tiller handle can move up to 45 degrees Suitable for freshwater only
Good speed adjustment ability Some customers have complained about the coverage in the manufacturer’s warranty
Digital Maximizer Technology for better battery life
Good build quality
Provides option between two separate shaft sizes

Specs

  • Shaft length: 36 and 42 inches Composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 55 pounds
  • Weight: 29 lbs. 
  • Peak Power draw: ~50 Amps
  • Adjustable Tiller
  • Quick-cam Depth Adjuster
  • Indestructible Composite Shaft
  • Sturdy and Durable
  • Power Prop

This trolling motor is from the Traxxis series of Minn Kota and is one of the best transom mount trolling motor for a kayak or canoe. The motor is designed with high-quality features and is available in two separate shaft sizes of 36 and 42 inches. 

This Traxxis motor provides a thrust of 55 pounds and is intended for freshwater only. But, if you still have to take it to saltwater, then you should expect some corrosion and reduced service life. 

This trolling motor features a variable throttle that gives you that precise control to avoid problems like leaving the nearly silent motor on and draining the battery. Just like other top-notch trolling motors, its tiller handle also extends, keeping you in control comfortably. 

Minn Kota is a renowned brand and is famous for using high-quality construction material for their products, this Traxxis motor is no different as well. The motor weighs 29 pounds which is comparatively heavier than some other trolling motors. It should be of concern to you if the stern of your kayak is already riding low in the water. 

Its battery comes with a digital battery level indicator light. The motor is also equipped with Digital Maximizer technology which improves battery life.

8. Watersnake FWDR44-48 Shadow Bow Mount Foot Control Motor

Watersnake bow mount water

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Pros Cons
A perfect combination of features and quality No optional navigation or sonar electronics
Powerful motor with decent thrust Lightweight construction can be a problem for some customers
Foot control mechanism Only suitable for small and lightweight vessels
Lightweight
Bow Mount
Easy installation
Affordable price
Low power consumption
Durable

Specs

  • Shaft length: 48-inch composite shaft
  • Thrust: 18 pounds
  • Weight: 36.5 pounds 
  • Peak Power draw: 11-44 Amp
  • 3-blade weedless propeller
  • Potted Circuit Board
  • Foot Control with a variable speed control unit
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty

Watersnake FWDR44-48 Bow-Mount Foot Control Motor allows you to control the direction and speed of your boat with just a touch of your foot. It offers a variable speed foot control unit. 

This bow-mounted trolling motor features a 48-inch composite shift and is designed to be used in freshwater. It comes equipped with 3 stainless steel propeller blades that are strong and has a weedless design. If you are planning to fish in areas where there is underwater grass, this trolling motor can be a good option for you. 

This watersnake shadow motor offers 44 pounds of thrust so its ideal to work for small boats, kayaks, and even canoes. The mounts are light in weight, easy to install, and easy to stow. 

Another impressive feature of this bow mount trolling motor is the placement of a potted circuit board which is fully waterproofed and sealed in the motor casing for extra protection. These Watersnake Shadow motors are strictly designed to withstand the harsh water conditions associated with saltwater fishing.

This watersnake trolling motor offers customers more reliability and power for fewer dollars. The motor is constructed from high-quality construction material and is proven to be dependable and super quiet on the water.

9. Watersnake T18S 24-inch Asp Motor

Watersnake t18 s trolling motor

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Pros Cons
Extremely light in weight 2-speed settings
Super low power consumption Lightweight construction might become a problem for some customers
Portable Design flaw with mounting bracket
Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater Doesn’t offer high speed in the water
Easy installation
Sleek design
Affordable price
Extendable handle
1-year warranty

Specs

  • Shaft length: 24-inch heavy-duty alloy shaft
  • Thrust: 18 pounds
  • Weight: ~10 pounds 
  • Peak Power draw: 7-15 Amp
  • Heavy Duty Nylon Transom Bracket Mount
  • 2-blade weedless propeller
  • Adjustable Tiller handle
  • Encapsulated Electric circuit and shaft

The Watersnake T18S is super light in weight and is a portable trolling motor. Because for some people, weight is everything in water sports. This trolling motor is an incredible option for such enthusiasts as it comes under 10 pounds. 

This trolling motor comes equipped with a 24-inch heavy-duty alloy shaft and 2-blade propeller. This will help power kayaks through the water stealthily just like a water snake. The motor offers 18 lbs. of thrust which is not that powerful compared to other similar trolling motors but it is durable and quiet and enough to power a kayak. 

There is a high and low-speed control gear, a forward and reverse switch and an extendable handle for easy steering. This Watersnake trolling motor has an anti-impact clip system in the mount and an optional bracket which is ideal for use on kayak deck mount. 

This 12-V trolling motor is designed to be used in freshwater as well as saltwater. This is because of the protective coating of the motor which preserves it from the corrosive effects of the salt.

10. Cloud Mountain 8 Speed Trolling Motor

Cloud Moutains trolling motor

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Pros Cons
Reinforced nylon bracket The feel of the handle is not so great
High tensile strength A somewhat wonky mounting mechanism
Corrosion-resistant adjustable fiberglass shaft The power reader looks very dated
Offers 7 different thrust settings to choose from 36, 40, 46, 50, 55, 60, and 86 pounds
A dependable and affordable product
Stainless steel hardware
1-10 point battery indicator
Ergonomic extendable handle

Specs

  • Shaft length: 28-inch composite fiberglass shaft
  • Thrust: 36 – 86 pounds (7 different options)
  • Weight: 16.1 – 22.3 pounds 
  • Peak Power draw: 29.5 – 48.5 Amp (Different for different thrust options)
  • Stainless steel hardware
  • 10 point LED Battery indicator
  • 8 speeds
  • Suitable for freshwater and saltwater

Cloud Mountain introduced some remarkable trolling motors that come in a number of different thrust options form 36 all the way to 86. If you are looking for some extra power from your motor, then this Cloud Mountain trolling motor is a great option.

The motor features a reinforced nylon bracket, which guarantees elevated durability, resistance, and stability. This versatile trolling motor has a 28-inch composite shaft made up of fiberglass. The shaft allows correct placement in various water conditions and a high-powered resistance to decomposition. This shaft can be positioned from a seated position as well. 

Moreover, this trolling motor has all stainless steel hardware, so it works equally well in both saltwater and freshwater conditions. The motor also features a 10-point LED battery level indicator that allows you to keep an eye on your battery life during your ride on the water. But know that the battery itself is not included in this trolling motor package so you will have to buy a battery separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fast will a Kayak go with a Trolling Motor?

Typically, most kayaks will go as fast as 5mph with a good trolling motor. Higher thrust trolling motors are designed for bigger boats with larger payloads. However, the trolling motors that are designed for kayaks will cover 3-4 mph on average. 

Do I need to register my boat if I use a Trolling Motor?

In most states, yes. Once you have installed a trolling motor on your kayak or boat, you will either need to register it or get a license. 

Is it easy to add a trolling motor on your kayak? How is it done?

Yes, it is easy to install a trolling motor on your kayak. But for this, you will need a mount to attach your motor which either comes with your motor or you have to buy it separately. Know that, some vessels already comes with a motor mount. 

How long do the trolling motor batteries last?

This usually depends on how much power you consume on average to move across the water. If you have a light-weight which does not consume much battery power, your batteries will last for a long time between 5-6 hours or even more. 

But if you have a heavy motor that consumes a lot of power, your battery power may run out only in 2 hours. 

What lb. thrust trolling motor do I need?

To know how many pounds of thrust you will need for your kayak, it is important to know the loaded weight of your boat. A general rule is 2 pounds of thrust per 100 loaded pounds. For example, if you have a 2000 pound fully loaded boat, then you will need a thrust of (2000/100) * 2 = 40 pounds of thrust.

Conclusion

After reading this blog post, we hope that you have a better idea of how to find a good trolling motor for you kayak which best fits your need. 

You will need to consider a lot of factors before choosing a trolling motor for your kayak. For example, you will need to consider where you are intending to use this motor, how much thrust you will be needing for your kayak, what type of control you will like, and most importantly how much do you want to invest in a trolling motor. It is possible that you may not find the best of everything in one single product as the idea of trolling motors to be used on kayaks is still new and evolving. But all the above mentioned trolling motors are good enough to make your experience in water more joyful.

Also, remember that you may need to consider registration of your vessel or a license for it as per the law in your state once you have installed a trolling motor on your kayak. 

Michael Holding
 

Michael is an outdoor adventurer and a kayaking enthusiast who loves to share his experiences with others. He is the Chief Editor at XgearHub.

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