If you're thinking about adding a hobie pro angler motor to your setup, you probably already know how heavy these boats can get once they're fully rigged. Don't get me wrong, the MirageDrive is an incredible piece of engineering, and it'll get you where you need to go, but after a long day of pedaling against a stiff headwind or a ripping tide, your legs are going to feel it. Turning a Pro Angler into a motorized beast is one of the best upgrades you can make, but it's not as simple as just slapping any old motor on the back and calling it a day.
The Pro Angler 12 and 14 are basically the SUVs of the kayak world. They're stable, they hold a ton of gear, and they have a massive footprint. Because they're so big, choosing the right motor setup depends heavily on how you fish and how much work you want to do during the installation. Let's break down the options so you don't end up wasting money on something that doesn't fit your style.
Why Motorize a Pro Angler Anyway?
You might hear some purists say that adding a motor takes the "kayak" out of kayak fishing. Honestly? Ignore them. When you've got a five-mile trek to your favorite honey hole, or you're trying to hold a specific position over a wreck in deep water, a motor isn't just a luxury—it's a tool that helps you catch more fish.
The biggest advantage is range. With a solid hobie pro angler motor configuration, you can explore areas that were previously out of reach. Plus, it saves your energy for the actual fishing. There's nothing worse than being too tired to stand up and cast because you spent two hours pedaling against the current. Also, having a motor gives you an extra layer of safety. If the weather turns nasty, being able to point the bow home and zip back to the ramp at 4 or 5 mph is a huge relief.
The Bow Mount Revolution
If you look at most professional kayak tournament rigs these days, you're going to see a bow-mounted motor. Specifically, the Motorguide Xi3 has become the gold standard for this. Why? One word: Spot-Lock.
Having a motor on the front of your Hobie that can GPS-anchor you in one spot is a total game-changer. Imagine you're fishing a bridge piling or a specific rock pile. Instead of constantly adjusting your rudder or pedaling to stay in position, you just hit a button on a remote and the motor does the work for you. It's like having an invisible anchor that doesn't require you to haul up a muddy rope every time you want to move ten feet.
Installation for a bow mount usually requires a mounting plate (companies like One98 or Newport make great ones specifically for the PA). You'll have to run some heavy-gauge wire from the bow back to your battery compartment, but once it's set up, it's hard to go back to anything else. The only real downside is the weight on the nose and the fact that it can be a bit of a reach to deploy and stow if you don't have a pull-cord system dialed in.
The Stern Mount Simplicity
On the other hand, you've got the stern-mounted options. This is where the classic Torqeedo Ultralight or the Newport Vessels NK series come into play. Mounting a motor on the back of a Pro Angler is generally easier for weight distribution. You're putting the weight of the motor behind you, which helps keep the bow from digging into the waves.
The Torqeedo is often the go-to for guys who want a premium, integrated feel. It's incredibly light and efficient, and it connects directly to your Hobie steering lines. This means you can steer the motor using the same handle you use for your rudder. It feels very natural. The downside? It's expensive. You're paying for that German engineering and the sleek, lightweight battery that comes with it.
If you're on a tighter budget, a basic transom-mount trolling motor with a DIY bracket can work, but steering becomes the tricky part. You'll either need to lock the motor straight and use your rudder to turn (which isn't very efficient) or rig up some cables to link the motor's head to your steering handle.
The Drop-In "E-Drive" Style
Then there's the Bixpy option. This is a much smaller, more compact hobie pro angler motor that actually replaces your rudder or can even be mounted to the MirageDrive well. It's not going to give you the top-end speed of a Torqeedo or the pulling power of an Xi3, but it's incredibly lightweight.
For the guy who still wants to pedal most of the time but wants a "boost" to get through a tough current or to troll while they eat a sandwich, the Bixpy is awesome. It doesn't get in the way, and it doesn't turn your kayak into a heavy boat. It keeps the "kayak feel" intact while providing that extra push when you need it.
Powering the Beast: Don't Skimp on Batteries
You can have the best motor in the world, but if you're trying to power it with a heavy, old-school lead-acid battery, you're going to be disappointed. Those things weigh a ton and lose power as the day goes on.
Lithium (LiFePO4) is the only way to go for a motorized Hobie. A 100Ah lithium battery weighs about 25-30 pounds, whereas a comparable lead-acid battery would be closer to 70. On a kayak, every pound matters. Lithium also provides a consistent voltage, meaning your motor will run just as fast at 10% battery as it did at 100%. It's a big upfront investment, but it'll last you ten years, and your back will thank you every time you load the boat into your truck.
Real-World Considerations and Legality
One thing people often forget when looking for a hobie pro angler motor is that as soon as you put a motor on a kayak, it's legally a "motorboat" in most states. That means you've got to register it, get your stickers, and potentially carry more safety gear like a fire extinguisher or a whistle. It's a bit of a pain, but it beats getting a hefty fine from a game warden.
Also, think about how you transport your kayak. A motorized PA with a battery and a bow mount can easily weigh over 200 pounds. If you're car-topping that, you might want to rethink your life choices. Most people with a motorized Pro Angler end up moving to a trailer. It makes the whole process of getting on the water way faster and saves your shoulders from the heavy lifting.
Which Setup is Right for You?
So, how do you choose? If you're a tournament angler who needs to hold position on a specific spot regardless of wind, get the bow-mount Motorguide Xi3. It's the most functional setup for actual fishing.
If you just want to cover long distances quickly and want a clean, professional-looking install, go with the Torqeedo on the stern. It's simple, fast, and stays out of your way while you're casting.
And if you're someone who mostly enjoys the exercise of pedaling but wants a "get out of jail free" card for when the wind picks up, the Bixpy is your best bet. It's the least invasive and keeps the boat light.
At the end of the day, adding a motor to your Hobie is about making your time on the water more enjoyable. There's something pretty special about clicking a remote and gliding silently across a glass-calm flat at sunrise without breaking a sweat. It might take a little bit of rigging and some extra cash, but once you've experienced a motorized PA, it's really hard to go back to just pedaling.