Newport Kayak Series 36 lb (24" Shaft) Review
A 36 lb, 12 V saltwater-rated kayak motor that draws 29 A and weighs 18 lb, with a 24-inch adjustable shaft and 5 forward speeds.
By Outdoor Spec Desk Editorial· Updated
This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.
Our verdict
The lighter, lower-draw Newport for solo kayaks and canoes on calm water. If you fish wind, current or tides, the 55 lb version is worth the extra 5 lb.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 29 A max draw, against 52 A for the 55 lb version, so a battery lasts longer
- 18 lb, 5 lb lighter than the 55 lb version
- 24-inch adjustable shaft and 5'6" cable for kayaks and canoes
- Freshwater and saltwater rated
Cons
- 36 lb of thrust struggles against wind and current with a loaded boat
- A 24-inch shaft is too short for most jon boat transoms
- Smaller 2-blade propeller, per Newport
Specifications
| Thrust | 36 lb |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 V |
| Shaft length | 24 in, height-adjustable |
| Mount | Transom |
| Speed control | 5 forward, 3 reverse |
| Steering | 6 in telescoping tiller handle |
| Battery meter | 5-point LED |
| Water type | Freshwater and saltwater |
| Max amp draw | 29 A (40 A circuit breaker included) |
| Weight | 18 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Who it suits
Solo kayak and canoe anglers on lakes and slow rivers who want the lightest Newport kayak motor and the longest run from a small battery. Newport lists a 29 A maximum draw, 18 lb weight, a 24-inch height-adjustable shaft and a saltwater rating.
Who should skip it
Anglers who fight wind or tide, or carry a partner and gear: the Kayak Series 55 lb has 55 lb of thrust; see Kayak Series 36 lb vs 55 lb. For a canoe with a taller transom, the NV-Series 36 lb has the same thrust on a 30-inch shaft.
What we could not confirm
Newport sells both thrusts on one product page with one set of photos, so our photo is the series photo; Newport says the 36 lb uses a smaller 2-blade propeller. Newport gives no run-time figure, which depends on the battery and speed.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does the Newport Kayak Series 36 lb weigh?
- 18 lb, according to Newport.
- How many amps does the Newport Kayak Series 36 lb draw?
- Up to 29 A, and it ships with a 40 A circuit breaker, by Newport's figures.
- Is 36 lb of thrust enough for a kayak?
- For a solo kayak on calm water it usually is. Newport also makes a 55 lb version of the Kayak Series for wind, current or heavier loads.
Sources
The specifications and claims on this page come from these manufacturer documents. Figures are the manufacturers' own unless the text says otherwise.
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