Newport Kayak Series 55 lb (24" Shaft) Review
A 55 lb, 12 V saltwater-rated transom motor built for kayaks and canoes, with a 24-inch adjustable shaft, 5'6" battery cable 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 55 lb Newport to buy for a fishing kayak or canoe, thanks to the 24-inch shaft and long cable. On a jon boat or inflatable with a taller transom, the NV-Series 55 lb with its 30-inch shaft fits better.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 24-inch shaft sized for kayaks and canoes, shorter than the 30-inch shaft on the NV-Series 36, 46 and 55 lb
- 5'6" cable for flexible battery placement
- Freshwater and saltwater rated
- 60 A breaker in the box
Cons
- 52 A draw empties a 50 Ah battery quickly at full speed
- A 24-inch shaft is too short for most jon boat transoms
- Brushed motor, per Newport
Specifications
| Thrust | 55 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 | 52 A (60 A circuit breaker included) |
| Weight | 23 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Who it suits
Kayak, canoe and pedal-boat anglers who want the most thrust Newport makes for small hulls. Newport describes the Kayak Series as an update to the NV-Series sized for kayaks and canoes: a height-adjustable 24-inch shaft, a 6-inch telescoping handle and 5'6" of cable so the battery can sit where it balances the boat. It is rated for freshwater and saltwater and ships with a 60 A breaker.
Who should skip it
Jon boat and inflatable owners with a taller transom: the NV-Series 55 lb uses a 30-inch shaft; see Kayak Series 55 lb vs NV-Series 55 lb. Paddlers who want lighter weight and longer battery life should consider the Kayak Series 36 lb, which draws 29 A and weighs 18 lb.
What we could not confirm
Newport sells both thrusts under one product page and one set of photos; our photo is that series photo, and Newport says the 55 lb has a larger 3-blade propeller. Newport's highlight list mentions a 60 A breaker for the series, while the box list gives 40 A for the 36 lb and 60 A for the 55 lb; we use the box list.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the shaft on the Newport Kayak Series?
- 24 inches, height-adjustable, according to Newport.
- What battery does the Newport Kayak Series 55 lb need?
- One 12 V deep-cycle marine battery; Newport suggests a 12 V 50 Ah battery. Max draw is 52 A.
- Can the Newport Kayak Series be used in saltwater?
- Yes. Newport rates it for freshwater and saltwater.
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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