Newport Vessels NK180 Pro Trolling Motor: In-Depth Review

The Newport Vessels NK180 Pro is an electric Trolling Motor that has been catching the attention of kayak anglers looking to up their fishing game. As an upgrade to the earlier NK180 model, this new Pro version says it’s got better performance, uses less battery, and comes with some new features. We’ve put this motor through its paces in all sorts of water conditions to see if it lives up to the hype.

What’s in the Box?

When you unpack the NK180 Pro, you’ll find:

• The trolling motor unit
• A wireless remote control
• Mounting hardware
• Quick-connect system
• User manual

Key Features

The NK180 Pro comes packed with features aimed at making your time on the water easier and more productive:

1. Brushless Motor: This type of motor is meant to be quieter and use less battery power.
2. 24V System: Provides a good balance of power and battery life when paired with good 24 Volt battery.
3. Wireless Remote: Lets you control the motor from anywhere in your kayak.
4. Quick-Connect Mounting: Makes it easier to put the motor on and take it off your kayak.
5. Improved Propeller: Designed for better efficiency and speed.
6. Compatible with Various Kayaks: Works with many popular fishing kayak models.

Speed and Power

Newport Vessels says this motor can hit speeds up to 6 mph. In our tests, the actual top speed varied depending on the kayak and how much weight it was carrying. On average, we saw speeds between 5.3 and 5.7 mph.

• On a Jackson Knarr FD (a pretty heavy kayak), we consistently hit 5.6-5.7 mph.
• With a Native Slayer Max Propel 12.5, fully loaded with tournament gear, we reached 5.3 mph.
• The motor had no trouble moving larger kayaks like the Hobie PA 14, even in currents and choppy water.

These speeds are impressive for a kayak motor and definitely faster than you’d typically paddle or pedal.

The NK180 Pro showed it had plenty of power. It handled well in rivers with decent current and areas with lots of boat traffic making waves. Some users even reported using it for offshore trips up to 7 miles out, which speaks to its capability.

Battery Life and Efficiency

One of the big selling points of the NK180 Pro is its improved battery efficiency. We found this claim to hold up in our testing:

• With a 50Ah battery, we could fish for a full day (8-10 hours) and still have plenty of charge left.
• Some anglers reported being able to fish for two full days on a single charge with moderate use.
• The motor seemed especially efficient at lower speeds, using less power than the older model.

This improved efficiency is a big deal for kayak anglers. It means you can stay out on the water longer or travel further without worrying about your battery dying.

Noise Levels

Newport Vessels says the NK180 Pro is 25% quieter than the previous model. In our testing, we found it to be noticeably quieter, especially at lower speeds. However, there’s a catch:

• The brushless motor does make a distinct whining noise.
• Some users found this whine to be louder than the hum of traditional brushed motors.
• At higher speeds, the noise level increases, but it’s still not loud enough to be a major problem for most fishing situations.

Ease of Use

Installation

The NK180 Pro comes with a quick-connect mounting system, which is supposed to make installation easier. For the most part, we found this to be true:

• Most users, including our team, were able to install the motor in under an hour.
• All the necessary hardware is included, which is nice.
• The quick-connect system does make it easier to put the motor on and take it off.

However, there’s a potential snag:

• Some kayak models might need a custom mounting plate, which could make installation trickier and take more time.
• If you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, you might want to get help with the initial setup.

Control and Operation

The wireless remote control is a key feature of the NK180 Pro. Here’s what we thought of it:

• The remote is intuitive and responds quickly to commands.
• It’s easy to adjust speed and direction from anywhere in the kayak.
• The new design gives better control at lower speeds, which is great for trolling or moving in tight spaces.

Some users mentioned that it took a little time to get used to the sensitivity of the controls, but most got the hang of it pretty quickly.

Durability and Build Quality

We used the NK180 Pro in both fresh and saltwater over several months. Here’s what we observed:

• The motor feels solidly built. The materials seem high-quality and durable.
• After repeated use, we didn’t see any significant signs of wear or corrosion.
• Several anglers reported using the motor in tough conditions (like long runs or offshore trips) without issues.

While our testing period wasn’t long enough to judge long-term durability, the initial impressions are positive. The motor seems built to handle the challenges of serious kayak fishing.

Value for Money

The Newport Vessels NK180 Pro isn’t the cheapest kayak trolling motor out there. But when you look at what you’re getting, the price starts to make more sense:

• The improved battery efficiency could save you money in the long run (you might not need to buy extra batteries for long trips).
• The speed and power it offers are at the top end for kayak motors.
• The build quality suggests it should last a while if taken care of properly.

For casual anglers who only fish occasionally, the NK180 Pro might be more motor than you need. But for serious kayak fishermen, especially those who fish in tournaments or go on long trips, the features and performance could justify the cost.

Pros and Cons

To sum things up, here are the main pros and cons we found with the Newport Vessels NK180 Pro Trolling Motor:

Ratings

Here’s how we’d rate the Newport Vessels NK180 Pro Trolling Motor in key areas:

• Performance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) The speed and power are impressive for a kayak motor, and the battery efficiency is excellent.
• Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Solid construction and good initial durability, but long-term performance remains to be seen.
• Features: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) The wireless remote, quick-connect system, and improved propeller design are all valuable features.
• Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Generally easy to install and operate, but some kayaks might need custom mounting solutions.
• Price: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) It’s on the expensive side, but the performance and features help justify the cost for serious anglers.

Real-World Performance

To give you a better idea of how the NK180 Pro performs in real fishing situations, here are some scenarios we tested:

1. Long-Distance Runs: We took the motor on a 5-mile run to reach a distant fishing spot. The NK180 Pro handled this with ease, maintaining a good speed throughout the journey. By the end of the trip, we had only used about half of our 50Ah battery.
2. Fishing in Current: We tested the motor in a river with moderate current. The NK180 Pro had no trouble holding position or moving against the current when needed. This made it much easier to fish specific spots without constantly adjusting our position.
3. Trolling: The improved control at low speeds made trolling a breeze. We were able to maintain a consistent speed, which is crucial for effective trolling. The quiet operation at these lower speeds seemed to help us avoid spooking fish.
4. Rough Water: On a windy day with choppy water, the NK180 Pro showed its power. It pushed through waves and wind that would have made paddling or pedaling a real chore. This opened up fishing opportunities that might have been off-limits with human-powered propulsion.
5. All-Day Fishing: We took the NK180 Pro out for a dawn-to-dusk fishing trip. Using the motor throughout the day for positioning, trolling, and traveling between spots, we still had about 30% battery life left at the end of the day. This was impressive and would give confidence for multi-day trips.

Comparison to Previous Model

For those considering upgrading from the original NK180, here are the main improvements we noticed in the Pro version:

• Speed: The NK180 Pro is about 0.5 mph faster on average.
• Efficiency: Battery consumption is noticeably lower, especially at speeds under 5 mph.
• Noise: While the type of noise is different (more of a whine than a hum), it’s generally quieter, especially at lower speeds.
• Control: The new remote offers better precision at lower speeds.
• Mounting: The quick-connect system is an improvement over the previous model’s mounting method.

Long-Term Considerations

While our testing period didn’t allow for years of use, there are some long-term factors to consider:

• Maintenance: Like any marine equipment, regular maintenance will be key to longevity. This includes rinsing with fresh water after use in saltwater, checking connections, and keeping the propeller clean.
• Battery Life: While the motor is efficient, the long-term health of your batteries will play a big role in performance. Investing in quality lithium batteries and maintaining them properly will help ensure consistent performance.
• Warranty: Newport Vessels offers a 2-year warranty on the NK180 Pro. Some users reported positive experiences with customer service, but others mentioned delays in warranty claim processing.
• Future Upgrades: As kayak motor technology continues to advance, consider how future-proof this investment is. The NK180 Pro’s features are competitive now, but technology moves fast.

Who Is This Motor For?

After extensive testing, we have a good idea of who might benefit most from the Newport Vessels NK180 Pro:

• Tournament Anglers: The speed and efficiency can give you an edge in competitions, allowing you to reach fishing spots quickly and stay out longer.
• Long-Trip Enthusiasts: If you enjoy multi-day kayak fishing trips, the battery efficiency of this motor could be a game-changer.
• Anglers Fishing Large Bodies of Water: The power and range of the NK180 Pro make it suitable for those who fish large lakes, reservoirs, or even coastal waters.
• Older or Physically Limited Anglers: The motor’s power can help those who might struggle with paddling or pedaling long distances.
• Tech-Savvy Anglers: If you enjoy having the latest gear and appreciate the fine control offered by the wireless remote, this motor will appeal to you.

On the flip side, the NK180 Pro might be overkill for:

• Casual Weekend Anglers: If you only fish occasionally on small, calm waters, a less powerful (and less expensive) motor might suit you better.
• Minimalist Kayakers: If you prefer a simple, uncluttered kayak setup, adding this motor and its associated battery might not align with your style.
• Tight Budget Anglers: While the performance is great, the price point might be hard to justify if you’re on a strict budget.

Final Thoughts

The Newport Vessels NK180 Pro Trolling Motor is an impressive piece of equipment that can significantly enhance the kayak fishing experience for serious anglers. Its combination of speed, power, and efficiency opens up new possibilities, whether you’re looking to cover more water, fish in challenging conditions, or compete in tournaments.

The improved battery life is a standout feature, potentially changing the game for long fishing sessions or multi-day trips. The quiet operation, especially at lower speeds, is another plus that could help in stalking wary fish.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The price point puts it out of reach for some anglers, and the installation process might be challenging for those less mechanically inclined. The distinct whine of the motor, while not a dealbreaker, is something to be aware of.

For kayak anglers who spend a lot of time on the water and are looking to upgrade their propulsion system, the NK180 Pro is definitely worth considering. It offers performance that can compete with more expensive brand-name alternatives, potentially offering good value despite its higher price tag.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Newport Vessels NK180 Pro Trolling Motor will depend on your specific needs, fishing style, and budget. For those who can make use of its capabilities, it has the potential to transform your time on the water, opening up new fishing opportunities and enhancing your overall kayak fishing experience.