kayak

New kayak features for versatility

Posted on
Written by
Dave Mull
Crescent Kayaks’ new Shoalie initially popped up on the yakker radar when its designer, Drew Gregory, used a bare-bones version to paddle to reservoir backwaters and win the final two Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX tournaments in 2022. But this 11-foot, 10-inch, 77-pound kayak tricks out nicely, too. Tim DeSmit of Twin Lake, Mich., used his, complete with a Newport motor, Garmin electronics and a Power-Pole Micro, to win the 2022 Michigan Kayak Trail State Championship.
The Shoalie’s rear deck has a drill pattern already molded in to easily install a Power-Pole or motor bracket. A rear deck hatch facilitates through-bolting.
A Ketch Board fits snugly into a molded-in space on the deck where the angler can take a fish pic without moving the board. The fish has little chance of scooting back into the water, too.
DeSmit installed a 24-volt Scream Power lithium battery for ample motor juice. The Shoalie’s 450-pound capacity easily accommodates the 55-pound power pack. DeSmit connects his Garmin sonar/GPS unit to a separate 12-volt lithium battery.
The Shoalie’s bow hatch has lots of room for gear and features two rod tubes for two extra rods.
The rear gear area is long enough to carry DeSmit’s converted Ridgid tool crate loaded with rod holders and tackle trays. Note the area port-side of the chair that can carry a couple of tackle trays, too.

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