I'm back with another kayak motor review, this time taking a deep dive into the Newport Vessels NK300. This is my first experience with a Newport Vessels NK300 motor, so I was excited to see how it performs.
Before we jump in, I've also reviewed the Bixpy K1 kayak motor and the Torqeedo Travel Ultralight, which is also an 1100W motor, similar to the Newport's 1300W rating. Be sure to check those reviews out if you haven't already. I'm also putting together a side-by-side comparison of all three motors, showcasing where they fit in the market.
All these tests have been done on the same boat – a big shoutout to Bonafide for sending out the PWR 129. This kayak is designed for kayak motors, making it super easy to swap them out and test them. Using the same boat, same hull shape, and consistent weight ensures the most accurate testing conditions for comparison.
Unboxing Newport Vessels NK300 and Initial Impressions
Let's get this bad boy unboxed! Big thanks to Zpro for providing the 36 amp battery, clocking in at 1152 watt-hours. That’s about an hour at full throttle, similar to what I got with the other motors I’ve tested, like the Torqeedo Travel Ultralight.
Inside the box, we found:
- Installation kit
- Controller
- Mounting bracket
- Battery quick disconnect
- Battery cable
- Tools for installation
- Throttle (with two keys)
- Data cable
- Cables for foot control steering (a nice touch!)
- Aluminum anodized reverse lock
- Lift handle and pulleys
- Lift and reverse lock cables
- Mounting hardware
- The Newport Vessels NK300 motor itself
One of the cool things about this motor is that it comes with everything you need for foot control steering. While I didn't need it on the PWR 129 (it’s already rigged), it's great that they include it.
Newport Vessels NK300 Specifications and Pricing
Before hitting the water, let’s run through the specs:
- Power: 1300W (3 horsepower equivalent)
- Input Voltage: 36V DC
- Amperage: 37A
- Motor Weight: 25.5 lbs
- External Battery: 36V
- Sound Level: 40 dB (on water)
- Minimum Battery Recommendation: 36V DC 30 amp-hour lithium
It's important to note that the Newport Vessels NK300 requires a lithium battery. Newport offers their own battery setup, but the motor itself comes in at $1,199. Adding the battery and quick disconnect kit brings the total to around $2,300. One of the advantages here is that you're not locked into a proprietary battery. If you have a battery issue in the field, you can grab a 36V lithium battery from most outdoor retailers. However, this also means you don’t get the integrated battery technology you might find in some other systems.
Installation and Setup of the NK300
The installation was pretty straightforward. I already had the previous mount from the Torqeedo Travel Ultralight review, so it was a quick swap. If you want to see a full walkthrough of how I rigged my PWR, I have a separate video that covers that. The process is pretty similar for all these stern-mount motors.
The throttle display shows voltage, battery level, throttle percentage, and watt draw. There's also an indicator for neutral, reverse, and forward. The throttle itself is shorter than some others I’ve used, which is a great design choice to prevent it from snagging on anything.
On the Water Performance
Finally, it was time to hit the water! The conditions were calm, similar to my other motor tests. I attached the key to my life jacket and dropped the motor in. The display came on as soon as I plugged it in.
Right off the bat, I was impressed with the speed. At full throttle, I was drawing just under 1300W and hitting 6.6 mph. The steering was responsive, and the direct-drive motor meant instant throttle response. It was also incredibly quiet.
One thing I noticed was that the battery level dropped significantly after just a few minutes of full-throttle running. I’ll need to do more testing to get a real sense of battery range. I also put the motor through a durability test, running it across some logs. It kicked up and went back down as it should, and a post-test inspection showed no damage.
Newport NK300 Kayak Motor – Who is this for?
Overall, I’m pleasantly impressed with the Newport Vessels NK300. The speed, quiet operation, and responsive throttle are all top-notch. Installation is typical for a stern-mount motor. Durability seems solid, though long-term testing, especially in saltwater, will be the real test.
This is a serious motor for serious kayak anglers. If you're looking to cover more water, go faster, and maximize your time on the water, this is definitely worth considering. Tournament anglers and those who prioritize hands-free fishing will benefit greatly from this setup.
Check out my full comparison video between the Newport NK300, the Bixpy K1, and the Torqeedo Travel Ultralight kayak motors. I’ll break down where each motor fits in the market and help you decide which one is right for you. Or watch the individual reviews below for the best kayak motors on the market!
