Solar-powered kayak attachment nixes need for paddling

Although this isn't the first time we've heard "solar-powered" and "kayak" used in the same sentence, the SPK-1 does its darnedest to make us shake our heads in disbelief. This "outrigger attachment" essentially hooks onto any medium / large-sized kayak and relies on the sun to charge up the 12V deep cycle marine battery. From there, a Minkota trolling motor provides the power your kayak needs to move about in the water, leaving you with nothing better to do than kick back, enjoy a book and keep an eye on any incoming yachts. Sure, you could consider the $1,100 adornment an exemplification of indolence, but we think it's more like training wheels... only, for your kayak.

[Thanks, Rich H.]

[Fernando @ Nov 27th 2007 9:01AM]

Damn, when I read the headline and saw the pic, I did shake my head in disbelief :P

[4cr JaXs @ Nov 27th 2007 2:20PM]

Really? Cause when I saw it I thought "AWESOME"!

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Nov 27th 2007 9:15AM]

Doesn't that defeat the whole purpose of kayaking?

[4cr JaXs @ Nov 27th 2007 2:21PM]

And what exactly is the "purpose of kayaking"?

[Jonathan Bergeron @ Dec 3rd 2007 12:55PM]

the purpose of kayaking is to get a work out (i.e. rowing) while enjoying nature.

[oshean @ Nov 27th 2007 9:24AM]

Let's see you do an Eskimo roll in that. With the attachment it's no longer a kayak, it's now a catamaran and it's now motor driven which, in Texas, would require it to then have registration tags. I wouldn't want to hassle with TPWD.

[RC @ Nov 27th 2007 9:29AM]

Good for disabled persons, stability on long trips, and a little extra help when you can't quite make it yourself.

[Chris @ Nov 27th 2007 9:47AM]

or you could use a jet powered kayak and not paddle :]

http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/man-sticks-jet-engine-in-kayak-somehow-survives/

[Ian @ Nov 28th 2007 5:47PM]

fuck yea man.. specially when you see a guy using it in the Arctic and dodging icebergs every 50 feet or so. WHILE racing a car thats on land and winning. fucking insane

[stinkycheese @ Nov 27th 2007 9:54AM]

Hmm. That looks like an inefficient (and small) solar panel to be very effective. And so when you're out for a few hours and your 100lb battery goes dead in the middle of the lake, you're in kind of a bind since the outrigger is exactly where your paddle should go.

[RC @ Nov 27th 2007 11:25AM]

Hopefully paddlers know not to rely solely on a solar panel and outboard motor to get them where they need to be.

[Gary Lutchansky @ Nov 27th 2007 3:26PM]

And certainly don't risk going out in the kayak unless the sun is shining.

[randy @ Nov 27th 2007 10:14AM]

What's wrong with gas?

[JuggleNuts @ Nov 27th 2007 10:44AM]

Yeah? So does an umbrella and a slight breeze.

[RC @ Nov 27th 2007 11:24AM]

Try getting in a kayak with an umbrella powered by a breeze - you might find the weather conditions a bit too severe for kayaking.

[Jayce^ @ Nov 27th 2007 11:53AM]

There have been several versions of this for years. I like the ones that keep the panel on the back of the boat, with the motor near your rudder, instead of having to use a Cat setup.

[jimmyfinch @ Nov 27th 2007 8:09PM]

No kind of fancy paddle technique will save you if you capsize with one of these attached.

[Delvis343 @ Nov 27th 2007 8:11PM]

Doesn't this defeat the purpose of going kayaking?

[Delvis343 @ Nov 27th 2007 8:14PM]

That was already said, sorry. How will this change the world?

[Nicolette @ Nov 28th 2007 9:12PM]

no it would only enhance the ride ! I think it's quite innovative.

[granny down east @ Nov 28th 2007 12:43AM]

I wonder if I could rig the solar panels on the Bimini top, and use the power for the MinnKota. Would make trolling in the flats *almost* a free ride (after the $1100 up front, heh). Add a remote for the trolling motor. I am getting soooo excited...

[jeff zucker @ Nov 28th 2007 12:59AM]

This is a great idea. A lot of serious kayakers want to log some serious mileage, and when your on the trail of a pod of Orcas, and your busy with camaera gear, this is the hot ticket!!
I can't wait to test it!

[Don.Carlson @ Nov 28th 2007 12:26PM]

This is a motor and battery folks. The solar panels will do nothing unless you sit in full sun for 3 days. 2 X 5.5Watt panels - useless really - pure marketing to appeal to the uninformed.

[Daniel Lunsford @ Nov 28th 2007 6:02PM]

While the voltage is correct for this application, the panels can't provide enough current to recharge the battery at the same rate that it's being used. If this kayak actually works, it's only because he's using a pre-charged battery and running it till it dies.

[Nicolette @ Nov 29th 2007 6:29PM]

I read that your supposed to charge the battery before you go. The panels are for the extension of battery life. It's cleaner than fuel, right ?