Hello, just received my Texas Power Paddle and thought I'd share my experience.
Model: "Marlin Intergrated Rudder Propulsion Kit
https://shop.texaspowerpaddle.com/collections/propulsion-systems/products/integrated-rudder-propulsion-kitHow I use it:
- I am using the motor in calm coastal waters to ferry my family around to different beaches - not to fish
- I fit it to a Hobie Compass Duo using the Marlin Rudder Kit
How it performs:
- In the Compass Duo, at full power, with me pedaling quite gently on the Mirage, carrying 1 wife, 2 kids, a loaded cooler box and a dog (probably 200kg) I average about 3-4MPH. With my wife and I paddling and no extra weight I imagine we could average 5MPH indefinitely will taking breaks whenever we want to. 1 hour of running uses about 40% of the battery (brand new, so I presume their 2hour estimate is quite accurate).
Why its great:
A lot of very shallow water, rock and beach landing around us. With the rudder pulled up using the stock rudder retraction system (which also folds up automatically if impacted) the motor is fully nestled in cavity between the rudder and the hull. It is completely protected and I don't need to worry about it when dragging the kayak onto the beach or hitting a rock. As designed, it runs in extremely shallow water.
Also the speed control which attaches onto the stock Hobie rudder control is ultra simple and does not require any extra attachments or loose controls. Although I havn't used the Bixpy or Torqueedo, this system is undoubtedly the least invasive and essentially keeps the kayak running as stock - no need to swap out mirage drive, no need to drill any holes, no need to add bars/tillers, no need to attach and remove motor every time. Super simple and low friction.
Installation:
Instructions said 15 minutes. Took me under 5 minutes, and I have a hard time with Ikea. Excellent manual and online instruction videos. No decoding Swedish logic necessary.
Comparison with Torqueedo/Bixpy:
Not sure where one of the above posters got the idea that the Torqueedo was cheaper... as listed Bixpy $1350, Power Paddle $1800, Torqeedo 403A $1800 (all including mounting kits). But lets look at what you're really buying - the battery . Included battery: Bixpy 378wh/25.2v, Power Paddle 615wh/16v, Torqeedo 320wh/29.6v.
Now I presume the Power Paddle will be the least efficient because the motor is mounted very shallow -but I doubt it is more than a couple % difference. But basically, if we consider that the Power Paddle drains its battery in 2 hours (already probably minimum to be practical for most use), the Torqueedo & Bixpy might out run it, but will just run out of batteries impractically quickly. In fact, the Torqueedo 403A seems downright silly - too much motor for a little battery - the 403AC makes much more sense with a 915wh battery, but pushes the price up to $2,300.
So, I think the Power Paddle has a really good mounting system with very little tradeoff.
If you want to save money, I guess the Bixpy seems like a really good deal.
If you want to turn your kayak into a speedboat I guess the 403A
C at $2,300 is probably the way to go....