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Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=66310		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  rubber_duckie_ [ Sun Apr 05, 2020 3:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
So I finally got around to picking up one of these Bixpy Motors for my Kayak. Wanted to share some thoughts on this.

Overall, this thing is pretty awesome. It's super easy to install, no drilling or modifications needed to your Kayak. It does require the Hobie Power Pole Adapter. They used to make a PA specific adapter, but that is no longer available.

It's cheaper than the Torqueedo, but still pretty pricey. The Bixpy kit along with the Adapter was a bit above $1,300. I had to spend an additional $100 on the Hobie Power Pole mount. So about $1,400 in total. Still about $400 less than the Torqueedo.

Now with that said, my biggest complaint is the lack of infinite speed control similar to the Torqueedo. The Bixpy has 10 forward speeds, and 3 reverse. I really wish I had the infinite speed control as I do a ton of trolling, and I want those minor adjustments incase wind becomes a factor.

It's not the end of the world though. At the slowest speed, I was getting around 1.5MPH which is about as slow as I would go trolling.

The only other feedback I have is regarding the clamp in the back. When the pole is down, the clamp holds it in place. You can see what I mean here.

Image

When you pull the cord to lift the motor out of the water, you cannot just set it back down and have the clamp reset.
Image

I had to assist with my paddle to lock it back in place.

I thought about maybe taking that clamp off and putting a magnet in place.

Last thing is that you can easily remove the pole that holds the motor for travel, or if you hit a lake that does not allow motors at all. The whole thing is held by 2 screws shown in the first image.

With it off, you just have the power pole and the small black adapter.

Image

All in all this thing is pretty awesome. Let me know if you have questions, would be happy to answer.

/No I'm not sponsored by Bixpy or any company.

Image
Author:  Swfinatic [ Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
Thanks for the feedback.

Can someone more computer savvy than me (which isn't saying much lol) tell me why I can't see the images? I can only see a square icon with the text "image" next to the icon. No pics. I'm guessing it's a setting on my computer?
Author:  rubber_duckie_ [ Tue Apr 07, 2020 10:07 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
Try clicking these links

https://i.imgur.com/lySFOsy.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PmaZefF.png
https://i.imgur.com/9CEiEI5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/I4wOZXd.jpg

See if that helps.
Author:  cowmeat [ Tue Apr 14, 2020 9:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
How do you steer it? Do you still have to use the rudder?
Author:  oldyaker [ Tue Apr 14, 2020 3:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
Would forward throttle work to re-clamp the pole?
Author:  Swfinatic [ Tue Apr 14, 2020 3:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
I was finally able to see the pics by using my phone and not my computer. I see what you mean about the clamp and that being an issue. I don't think a magnet would work since that Bixpy shaft is likely aluminum. The install looks good and doesn't look complicated at all.

I'm interested in the performance feedback. Not so much the top speed but how long it lasts you and at what speeds. For example I've heard the Torqueedo in that kayak at slightly less than half speed or about 2.5 mph will go 6 hours. Curious to see if you have that kind of duration out of the Bixpy. I know weight/load is also a big factor.

Let us know when you can.
Author:  rubber_duckie_ [ Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
cowmeat wrote:
How do you steer it? Do you still have to use the rudder?


Yeah the rudder steers is.

oldyaker wrote:
Would forward throttle work to re-clamp the pole?


Nah, basically what I do is take my spare paddle I have with me, and kind of push the top of the poll while releasing the string. I can re-clamp it that way, but it's not the most eloquent.

Swfinatic wrote:
I was finally able to see the pics by using my phone and not my computer. I see what you mean about the clamp and that being an issue. I don't think a magnet would work since that Bixpy shaft is likely aluminum. The install looks good and doesn't look complicated at all.

I'm interested in the performance feedback. Not so much the top speed but how long it lasts you and at what speeds. For example I've heard the Torqueedo in that kayak at slightly less than half speed or about 2.5 mph will go 6 hours. Curious to see if you have that kind of duration out of the Bixpy. I know weight/load is also a big factor.

Let us know when you can.


So I was able to take it out a little over a week ago for a slightly extended time. I was on the water for about 5 hours. I took about 20 minutes on speed 5 to get to my destination, then I was mostly trolling on speed 1 and 2 the whole time. When the headwind picked up, I occasionally hit speed 3, and maybe even 4, but it wasn't for long. The motor was going for 99% of the time I was on the water.

I then took about another 20 minutes on speed 5 to get back.

Once I was done I looked at the battery meter. The meter has 6 indicator lights on it. I have 4 lights left when I got back. I was kind of surprised actually. When I got home to charge the battery it then showed 3 out 6 lit up. Maybe that 4th bar was on it's way out.

I'm going to go out again (Not this weekend but next.) and see if I can push it a bit harder.

My kayak is weighed down by me (Bout 160lb) 2 coolers (One large, one small), the bixpy battery, small battery for the sonar etc. It's mostly loaded down I'd say.
Author:  Swfinatic [ Wed Apr 22, 2020 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
Really appreciate the feedback! Sounds like it performed well. Glad to hear it. I want Bixpy to grow and offer improvements/additions to their line up. Torqeedo is probably the top dog in the kayak motor market but without Bixpy their pricing would be even higher. It's good to have options as a consumer (most of the time).
Author:  oldyaker [ Thu Apr 23, 2020 7:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
Have you tried the motor at different depths? If so, what is the "sweet spot"?
Author:  rubber_duckie_ [ Mon Apr 27, 2020 11:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
oldyaker wrote:
Have you tried the motor at different depths? If so, what is the "sweet spot"?


The way that the setup comes, there's no adjusting the depth of the motor. The pole is pretty much assembled when you get it.

With that being said, I haven't had any issues with the depth that it comes set at.
Author:  PA14360 [ Thu Jun 25, 2020 2:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Installed a new Bixpy Trolling Motor on my PA14.
How is the turn radius utilizing only the rudder?
Thanks
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