Kayak Propulsion: Paddle vs Flipper vs Propeller vs Motor

Kayaks might be known as paddle crafts but that only scratches the surface these days. As more and more people discover the versatility of these popular crafts, there are more and more ways to get them around a lake, river, or coast. So, what is the best way to propel your kayak? Let us count the ways.

Of course, you can always paddle your ‘yak. But you can also get your lower half in on the action and propel with pedals using flippers or propellers. You can even attach a trolling motor to your vessel for even more oomph. Whatever way you choose to move (paddle, fin, propeller or motor), here are some things to consider for kayak propulsion:

Pros & Cons of Paddle Propulsion

Paddling a kayak uses a two-bladed oar that propels you through the water with paddler power. 

Advantages:

• Stealth & Control - You really can hardly beat a paddle kayak for a quiet and controlled approach. As you hone your technique, you can get where you are going efficiently by quickly starting, stopping, and turning your kayak. It almost becomes an extension of your body.
• Simple & Inexpensive - A paddle is a simple, low-maintenance way to propel your kayak. Most kayaks will come with a paddle, regardless of any other forms of propulsion. You should always have one handy. (As they say, you don’t want to be up a creek without a paddle.) 
• Good exercise - Paddling your kayak is a wonderful way to get in shape. It is a full-body workout as you pull yourself through the water.  

Disadvantages:

• Draining - Depending on what you plan to do on your kayak, it can be exhausting to paddle all day. Especially if you are adding an activity like fishing, you are bound to tire quickly. Having another form of propulsion, like pedals (which lets your lower half take some of the heavy lifting) or a trolling motor (which lets the engine do the work), makes a day on the water easier. 
• Hands-on - Another challenge of paddling if you are doing another activity like fishing or photography is that a paddle requires your hands. Some kayakers have become really adept at doing things one-handed so that they can steer & paddle their kayak while also enjoying other activities, but many kayakers prefer a hands-free option like a pedal kayak or motor.

Pros & Cons of Flipper / Fin Propulsion

Flipper drives, also referred to as Fin drives, propel a kayak through a system of vertical shafts and semi-flexible flippers or fins that move back and forth (like a scissors kick in swimming). This motion has also been described as the way penguins move through water. 

Advantages:

• Efficient - Kayakers who use fin propulsion find it to be an extremely efficient method. The easy, back-and-forth motion is akin to walking. This natural movement (different from the circular, bike-like motion of a propeller drive) makes hours on the water less taxing.  
• Skinny water - A flipper or fin propulsion drive is particularly good in shallow or weedy waters. The system allows the fins to pop up when they hit an obstruction so they aren’t damaged. In addition, the slim, straight fins don’t trap aquatic plants and weeds like a prop can. (No fouling the prop with a fin system). 

Disadvantages:

• Reverse issues - The biggest disadvantage of the flipper or fin system is that it doesn’t allow instant reverse like the prop. This is problematic if your hands are busy pulling in a big catch. (Some fin / flipper propulsion systems have devised a shift feature that allows you to reverse, but it isn’t “instant”.)

Pros & Cons of Propeller Propulsion

A propeller drive moves the kayak through the water in a motion similar to a boat motor. The kayaker applies the force to turn the propeller through the circular motion of the pedals (like riding a bike).

Advantages:

• Instant Reverse - One of the biggest advantages of the propeller system is that it allows you to instantly reverse the kayak with a simple backward push of the pedals. This will enable you to make micro-adjustments easily and quickly. It is beneficial when you have a fish on the line and you don’t want to run into docks or structures. 
• Powerful - Propellers are powerful additions to propel your kayak. A prop sends your kayak through the water with precision and speed. 

Disadvantage:

• Deeper draft - The biggest disadvantage of a propeller is that it requires more water underneath your ‘yak. If you are hoping to fish particularly skinny water, a paddle or fin might be better. The fixed propeller can get damaged if you hit the ground and the prop can get tangled in the weeds.

Pros & Cons of Trolling Motors

Trolling motors are small motors that can be attached to a kayak. You can get bow, stern, and even side-mounted motors to help you really power up your craft.

Advantages:

• Speed/power - As you can imagine, adding a motor to your kayak will make it faster. This power can help you go longer distances and stay out longer.
• Less exhausting - Because you aren’t relying on person-power, it is less draining to the pilot of the kayak. If you want to preserve your energy for fishing, a trolling motor can be a great help. It also helps you cover more fishing ground in less time.

Disadvantages

• Registration / Fees - Regulations can change as soon as you put a motor on your kayak. Most states do not require paddle / pedal craft to be registered (or fall under motorized vessels). This changes when you add a trolling motor. Be sure to check your local regulations and don’t run afoul of the law. 
• Less Stealthy - Running a motor is going to compromise your stealth factor. Those fish are going to hear you coming. Now, you don’t have to run the trolling motor as you approach fish so there are ways around this, but be aware of your stealth factor when running an engine. 
• Deeper draft - Like the propeller propulsion mentioned above, the trolling motor has a prop in the water. You will need to be aware of your draft. You can easily hit bottom or get caught in the weeds if you get too skinny.

Best of the Best?

Still trying to figure it out? Brooklyn Kayak Company has the answer. Pick one of their kayaks that offers all the options. That is right, you can experience the best of all worlds. Most of BKC’s new fishing pedal kayaks are equipped to handle all types of propulsion. They come with a propulsion system that accepts both the propeller AND the fin systems. You can easily switch out the propulsion method that works best for your chosen activity. If you need to get skinny, grab your fin. If you really want to get somewhere fast, attach the powerful prop. And if you want to up the power with a trolling motor, BKC kayaks come ready to attach a motor with the integrated screw assembly. And we have motorized kayaks with trolling motors already installed. Whatever you need, Brooklyn Kayak Company has you covered.