My Motorized Mokai Kayaks

Mokai Kayak: Here is a quick explanation and review of the Mokai motorized kayaks that I recently purchased used. They are the 2012 model and arguably the of best run of the boats. I have not actually seen the new models and the opinions expressed in the video are based on my online research.
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About Aquachigger:
Metal detecting, treasure, history, coins, river treasure, adventure, nature, animals and MOAR! That is what my channel is about. I enjoy caving, SCUBA diving and flying my powered paraglider. I foster sick and injured pets. My channel is family friendly. My videos are meant to be fun, educational and informative.
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My Motorized Mokai Kayaks
• My Motorized Mokai Kayaks
Aquachigger
/ aquachigger

[@cynthiasopher9766]

I bought a used 2014 Mokai in 2019. I have referred to this video many times to help me use my mokai. I am a 66 year old woman and love riding it on my stretch of the Allegheny River in northwest PA. Luckily I have a guy up the road that loves working on my boat and keeps it in condition to ride every summer. He also has found this video extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@bobbyshort1222]

Watch all your vids Chig. First saw this video about 18 months ago to metal detect along many of the rivers in my area and there are plenty. Thanks to this video I decided to wait and search for a used older model. Last week I found two Mokais about 5 hours away and I will be picking them up in about a week. Just so happens they are also 2012 Mokais and plan to modify both of them myself. My strong mechanical abilities give me the confidence to do so. Plan on metal detecting old fords, ferries and other gathering areas along the rivers. It is in my blood. As a kid, my grandpa and grandma would take me to the New Mexico desert and with their Old Whites metal detector(live in Oklahoma now). And yes we hunted for old bottles too. Found bunches. Anyway thanks for the great information. Good luck buddy!

[@That_Dodge_Guy31]

when i first found your channel wasent that into it but now im hooked im soo addicted on your videos that as soon as i see one come out i watch it no matter where im at your doing such an amazing job keep it up!

[@stonewallbook]

Beau: Thanks for the review. I was considering one of these (the new ones) until I saw your review. But I think I'll pass now. I've also contacted the company and suggested they watch this video and reach out to you. Perhaps if enough folks complain, they might offer two models - one for those who prefer speed and one for those of us who prefer shallow water performance.

[@jlhcreations9001]

350 000 subscribers Beau!!! Awesome! I just saw myself getting 47 subs and got really happy! It makes you understand the massive amount of people! Congrats Beau and keep up the great work!

[@jlhcreations9001]

Also will you ever search for gold? Would be cool! With that, have you ever found a gold nugget with the metaldetector? Would be awesome!

[@terryladouceur2651]

I've been waiting for this video , so glad you made it . sometimes simple is better,

[@PeelerofFaces1]

Thank you for making this video. Very informative. Now here's to hoping they fix the issues with their new designs or someone else sees this video and comes up with something even better.

[@stxmariner]

We definitely think alike, when it comes to modifying things to suit our needs. Awesome video buddy

[@strokerace5468]

Glad you did a video on the boat kayak. Thanks for all the info. I'll make sure and stay away from the new models. You would think they would test out their own equipment and see where things don't work and do work

[@TerraGermaniaTG]

I will never understand why some companies doesn't take advantage of their customers experiences with their products. It's such a cheap way to get valuable improvement proposals! in this case I would say: if you want something done right do it yourself

[@helloby791]

Unless the company is at max capacity I don't see why the won't take advantage of new customers.

[@spymaine89]

humans being idiots buy and then call maker wining. not fast enough, need in pieces so can trunk it. , so word gets around , not usable, maker goes out of business. .

[@Biffo1262]

Any business that ignores customer feedback does so at it's peril. I believe the new models suitable for inshore use whereas the older model is very suitable for shallow draught use, so why not produce both? Mind you if a customer cannot get an answer to an email enquiry why bother buying any.

[@falconwarriors6526]

I absolutely love this channel! Great video once again absolutely amazing! :)

[@falconwarriors6526]

+Aquachigger I absolutely will :) thanks for the reply :)

[@TRUMPLocalWallBuildersUnion]

I'm glad u did a vid on these .. after I saw your other vid I was searching for what the heck they wer called .... I def want one bu seems like they are hard to find used !

[@JacquesTreehorn]

You have enough subscribers to crowd fund your own design. 75,000 views from nearly 350,000 subscribers. I am not surprised they have not reached out. You are competition.

[@JacquesTreehorn]

get with the program sectional sofas look good at Costco now. Plenty of room.

[@JacquesTreehorn]

sorry for picking on Samuel Clemens, talk to Reggie Fountain or Boston Whaler, really man... realize the cultural phenomenon you are.

[@ronbuskirk1175]

I have often thought about asking you about them as it seems like a nice boat to have, but now that you putthis video up, I think I have had secong thoughts now. Thanks for the info

[@truthseeker2900]

Thanks for the info. I was actually looking at buying one. I think I will stick with used. Thanks again.

[@mikemerrill1242]

Thanks! Good information! You answered all my questions!

[@bigsky12001]

I was dieing to ask you about the boats and was hoping you'd get around to it. You covered everything that I would have ask. Thanks stay safe. We'll be watching!

[@dollar7176]

Thanks I've been wanting to see your boats!

[@anselb2000]

I love your honesty and I love most all of your videos! Thanks!

[@thepyrodude]

cool little boats actually I'd like to have one myself

[@thepyrodude]

+Aquachigger definitely useful for what you are using it for... most excellent purchase...now is that suburu a 2 or 4 stroke engine?

[@znelson7083]

+Aquachigger dude I love your videos and you are always funny and make me laugh I love to watch your videos and it's so exciting when you find something really expensive and ancient ps I wish I could meet you in person but I live in Minnesota and I don't think you live in Minnesota but you are awesome and keep up good work

[@znelson7083]

+Aquachigger ps I also have a channel if you want to check it out

[@thepyrodude]

+Z Nelson I'll check out your channel I have one as well

[@GeorgiaRidgerunner]

+Z Nelson i got one too (channel)

[@Athenstrainman]

Very cool. Love your videos. Keep it up! Hope you keep finding neat things on gour journeys.

[@MadisonMainedetecting]

Thanks for the info Beau. I'd love to have of those.

[@richardbutterfoss2353]

Hey, Thanks for sharing that ... that was great!

[@leannvlewis]

Honestly that was a very informative video. Thank you.

[@Kickinpony66]

It is what it is. Great video! I had no idea that Subaru made small engines!

[@jimgrisham6054]

thanks chigg, would love to have one someday, they are cool indeed

[@alechunt1628]

Awesome! Yeah I was also wondering what you used. Thanks for the info on them!!

[@TomKirkman1]

I have a 2011. Great boat. No problems other than a mis-shapen gas tank. They got right back with me and replaced the tank. Yep, these older boats will work perfectly in rocky rivers. I have humped and thumped over rapids and shallows with no damage to anything. A set of louvers fixed the original "hot restart" problem.

[@robjohnson7771]

Great video! I have always wondered how those boats were made and how you didn't mess up the propeller when you went over rocks.

[@Tunden]

Since I am a little hypersensitive I would have modified it to an electric engine, of course waterproofed to the point of idiocy. Getting rid of exhaustfumes and noise would make the journey up a river so much more serene... Great video, as always. I am hooked on this channel, you have a really good way of presenting everything so that a viewer feels like you are talking directly at them as if they were there with you.

[@stefantrethan]

Even with the best battery technology it wouldn't exactly be light, or cheap. But yea I totally get what you say, the noise is annoying even just watching the videos.

[@Tunden]

I have considered this and I am thinking that the petrol engine in it now must have some weight to it already plus the weight of the fuel, so I recon the total might even come out to the electrcal engines advance?

[@stefantrethan]

Depends on the range you want, if you expect to putter around all day probably not. But we are getting there, slowly.

[@jmsmaxwell]

Like your video, just have a suggestion for the flotation issue. You can get small devices that fit under the gunnel on both sides that can be inflated by a CO2 carriage if and when needed Will provide enough flotation to keep the vessel from sinking. I've seen some earlier Kayaks and the Louisiana version a Pieroue which we use in the swamps with an electric trolling motor added and mechanical controls and waterproof switches. Used for fishing, duck hunting and transportation loads back to the camps.

[@RCTanksTrucks247]

Excellent video. I was wondering what you use. They look fantastic and fun to use. Thanks for the awesome video.

[@charleswillsonpeale5739]

Hmm, I will no longer link other's to their web site. I had no idea they wouldn't answer consumer questions. What a let down. :-(

[@ImprovingYourMokai]

If you or anyone ever needs help with a Mokai, I am always quick to reply and can help with anything necessary. ;)

[@OdkrywcaHistorii]

Lubie oglądać Twoje filmy. Powodzenia w nagrywaniu kolejnych odcinków

[@rednecklowlife]

Thanks for doing this video! Yes I did research on them! And found there sight! They are out of New York. Thanks for the heads up! Will keep that info in mind!

[@styhro]

Chigg you are amazing I absolutely love your videos I always watch them with my mom keep up the great work

[@frankkelly2245]

1 for sale now in Dingmans Ferry on Craigslist. Looks badass chigg.

[@landlockedviking]

like the looks of them. I think it would be cool to have a little flap(or set of flaps) on the side at water line that you could open ahead of the intake to do a stay in boat intake flush. It doesn't look like it would be that hard to make a few of those up, if a guy had enough interest might be worth while.

[@donremley9580]

Funny, after just watching a vid. with you in the Kayak, I was wondering about the motor and the props getting caught up in rocks, cables, etc., I was going to ask you to put up a vid. on your boat, but now I don't have to.

[@dttsoftspot8797]

If I were you I wouldn't call it a kayak, I would call it a Beaut.

[@jimnorthland2903]

Excellent!

[@HughDuszaPastor]

Rofl

[@tymesho]

the idea for the rig is a river rats dream. been dying to learn more. now I HAVE the info for my research THANKS! p.s. my mind is going nuts with the mods I could accomplish with this rig!

[@azmaximus5050]

Really enjoy your channel, Beau! My nine year old daughter even enjoys watching with me, lol! Keep up the good work! GL&HH

[@randylyons189]

Enjoyed the video and all your treasure hunts as well.

[@LuxorVan]

You should see if that outdrive portion matches to any former sea craft, to pull a outdrive unit and attach a reverse gate, another idea like sea doo did, is to attach two plates for power free steering while off or at idle, you could make them yourself! The one thing that sucks so much about a jet pump is when it gets clogged you have to clean it out and when you suck up gravel it really can cause issues! I had a small stick get stuck on my polaris while at a high speed jam in between the impeller and the walls of the drive, it would not go past 5 mph and I had to tear off the grate, then break the stick to free it from the gap it wedged in! I have thought about designing a pedal powered screw type propeller driven kayak, that has no chains, only gears and a shaft with twin rudders for shallow and open water use! Either using a gear reduction system or finding a centrifugal clutch to increase the propeller turns with less effort! I will be moving to Alabama and we have a big lake/reservoir called Wilson/Wheeler lake to test different types, it is about 5 minutes from my other home! For the hull, I want to try a combination or several combinations of materials, including carbon fiber/fiberglass, fiberglass/plywood and layered wood veneer with a resin based bonding agent! I think a foot powered version will be good for the environment and great for family outings in groups of boats, the propeller combinations will include fiberglass/plastic composite, machine aluminum and carbon fiber! The rudder system will be spring loaded, will be a combination of composites and will move to avoid snags like trees, etc and the rear hull of the kayak style boat will be raised and flattened so only a few inches of the propeller sits below the lowest part of the hull and will have a circular shield to protect against low depth encounters. It will have a double hull that is either foam lined or a pressurized air core using a single layer on the interior to make the emergency flotation completely sealed and prevent a complete sinking! The addition of catamaran style pontoons as an attachable option for extra roll control and storage will be on the agenda, for camping gear, fishing gear, food and even a cooler! The foam insulation would be great for cold climates like Alaska shoreline kayaking!

[@alexeaton3971]

The Mokai Es Kape looks like theyve went back to the original design, even stating that they are ideal for shallow waters and going back to original thinking. I like the fact, the front and engine part can nest into the main part for transporting easier, thats cool, pity its hjard to get thewe kind of kayaks in the UK though, theyd be ideal in the west coast of Scotland between small islands and sea lochs.

[@The1BlackBear]

Thanks for the information!!

[@videosunrelated1883]

I have a jet propulsion boat design. that is suppose to have a super shallow draft, but its a side by side design, where the driver and a passenger sit side by side, but its very short, suppose to navigate the super shallow swamps of here in Florida. still in the design plans.. mainly having trouble sourcing the 'jet' part of it. but I hope to have it done in about 2 years.

[@sloanchampion85]

Thanks for being honest with the changes....what you said makes sense for the conditions you'd be using it for.....seems like the makers of any product can't help but destroy a good design....they don't understand if it works leave it alone

[@wildysnow547]

Cool little boats/kayaks, never seen them in Australia. Thank you for posting the video. Cheers.

[@helloby791]

In the 50's Chris Craft had the optional Chris o Matic shifter aka "dock crashers" (was basically an early version of using servos like on the new kayaks they make) with an electric shifter and a hydraulic cylinder that shifted the manual gear box. Well when you were coming back to the dock quickly shift into reverse and well that always didn't happen when the contacts corroded and you went straight into the dock. So they pretty much proved until hydraulic gear boxes came out that system wasn't nearly as reliable as a manual system.

[@LyudmilaRGVK]

A 2004 Mokai sold on eBay this last 4th of July with the trailer for $25,00,00 It had a Honda motor (really nice looking)and of course was local pick up only, in Sparrow Bush NY.

[@wickerman9569]

I know this is an old video but do you have to register the boat with the state because it has a motor?? I can think of a lot of places I could go on that thing.

[@dirtchiefs620]

Now this is awesome! ill need to get one and zoom up and down the rivers

[@topherhaze9493]

ive been subscribed for awhile and im not sure how i found this channel but i really love every video keep it up

[@trevorlahey782]

super neat i may try to cobble a diy one together for the cottage they seem like a good time

[@MissMarinaCapri]

Initially, I thought you rented the boats. Now I find out you bought them and modify them. Nice going!

[@crazycouter]

Beau, I love your video's and this one included but my eyes were kept drawn to the blue and white pick up in the back round, I love the American pick up trucks and the one you have looks to have a nice colour combination, I would love to own a one a one to use here in the UK

[@crazycouter]

Hi Beau, Yep I was wrong about the colour of the pick up I was tired and my eyes must have been going lol Yeh its the silver one over your right shoulder @ 1.19 it looks a good truck

[@michaelfike7542]

great video and thx for all the information

[@G56AG]

I'm sure you are aware there are several folks out there that make improved parts and accessories for the Mokai, like the conversion that eliminates the servos, and they have a cage that protects the jet drive. I can see their idea behind the 3 piece hull, but I'm sure the old one piece was stronger.

[@ImprovingYourMokai]

I'm the only one making all the parts you mentioned, if anyone else is making parts for these boats they are doing a great job of hiding. LOL But yes, I can make these boats better and more reliable. You are correct that the one piece was the stronger and better boat. 2010-2012 were the best years.

[@blackops84321]

thanks for the info. good to know.

[@joshmerrell2126]

Great video! I'm gonna figure out how to construct one myself! Keep digging my brother!

[@Chris153758]

$5,400.00USD seems a little steep for a kayak. I guess I'll just keep paddling...

[@willnotcomply1328]

Cryptopolis me too

[@josephperry7842]

Or get a small trolling motor. That what i will be doing when i get one.

[@iwantosavemoney]

5400 your looking for a used boat lol

[@aserta]

Get regular kayak, beefy kind, chop its butt, fiberglass a similar aft, buy a pipe, get and impeller, build a stainless water box, and you're pretty much done. Easy to build. You can even add reverse if you have the rear more like two prongs rather than how it is on this boat.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Thanks Aqua!

[@chocolatefish1772]

Check out New Zealand "mini" or "small jetboats" - the best fun you can have with your pants on!

[@andrewcooper3845]

Great video. I've been hoping for a video about the boats since you got them.

[@poonjaber1122]

Sweet boats... And sweet little Toyota in the background if my eyes serve me right... Maybe a video on that too lol

[@poonjaber1122]

+Aquachigger hard to find a decent one here in Ohio because the salt destroys the frame and body

[@johnhooper30]

they are very cool there accompany here in new Zealand that makes them wish had more information but as u maybe know the jet boat engine was invented in new Zealand, I will try find some more information and try to link you some how but yea they are cool and so are your videos thanks for the time and effort you take to share ur finds with the world awsummmm

[@RA881TT]

Thanks chigg top man 👍

[@alphapennsylvania9439]

I have a feeling that a jet powered canoe made with everything everyone loved about the older models would sale like made

[@meldeweese6875]

THANK YOU ! As a Ret. 59- 82 USN Para- Rigger / SERE Inst / VN Advisor - I really like to have equipment that WORKS ! I contacted this Co. 8- 10 + yrs ago and got the total " Tap Dance- Run Around " from someone named Marie , from Day #1. She put me on the list for the first " take apart model " - I was ready to pay up front. Willing to wait. Ready , still I never was allowed to pay and order ! Why ? They did NOT seem to want to sell to me ! I researched, called people and more . Couple yrs later I tried again . They remembered me, told me about the new motor, etc Still NOT able to get a craft ordered ! What is their problem? And WHY the changes in a crafts that worked ?! Sad people to deal with it seems.. Glad to see your truthful / exact info. I will start again- looking for a 08 - 10 - 2012 model . Mtn Mel & Aussie Molly Blue. W. Colo. tipi camp, 7,000 ft. Please stop by and sit in the woodsmoke.. Meanwhile I run my 45 hp - 17 ft - Jet - alum . Jon boat on the Colo River here in town, and down into the canyon in Utah. I may have talked to you ? Thinking you make a " special painless clutch " etc parts that work ! I hope to contact you again where as I can find - have someon put together a correct, workable craft to use in shallow water. Be safe. " Learn to Return " with Nature Knowledge.

[@lummoxlewis70]

Great vid. Thanks.

[@RaoulThomas007]

What about finding parts for your motor and pump? Difficult to find or fairly easy with the Internet. Like your muffler crack - modern day. Sure you can weld it but can you find replacement parts?

[@canoemantoo1]

I tried to find a used old-stile Mokai for use on our creeks & rivers here in Alabama, impossible to find. No way I'm paying that price, then have to change out so much to make it dependable. I love the Idea of one vehicle to carry the jet kayak to the put-in. then going up or & down our rocky creeks. It's so sad that Mokai took the wrong fork and stopped us from going up the creeks. If I wanted to go fast I'd ride a Ski-Doo on a flat lake.

[@samambrotv]

Have you seen videos of the throttle mods that turn it upright 90 degrees almost like a joystick, gets rid of the twist throttle, you push forward to go and left/right to steer?

[@ImprovingYourMokai]

My steering relocation uses the stock assembly and moves it to the vertical position on the deck. It's much more comfortable to use, and opens up room in the cockpit for easier entry/exit and positioning your leg while seated. You can't snap it off, the handle is solid aluminum. The throttle still twists like it used to, clockwise to go, and still push forward to go right, pull back for left. Everyone that's used it so far, (120 to date) loves it. ;)

[@stephenpost6971]

To bad somebody couldn't start making them like the design of yours Chigg .

[@tuledude89]

Thanks chig!!!

[@pinstripingbybear.]

Ok I looked up mokai in 7 different states even with craigslist but can't find any for sale. where and how did you find the 2012 model?

[@john3Lee]

Thanks for the look around your boat.... Interesting - When I first saw it, I assumed it was of military design..

[@richardklapka5147]

I love that boat! Rk.

[@rickarnett8758]

You took my hint! :) I assume the rip cord in the bow is a pull start?

[@aserta]

Mokai did one of those special moves where they had a great product, and then they shot themselves in the leg. Sometimes, better is the enemy of good.

[@Christian-vc5qv]

Are they still that bad fast forward 2021 ? Thinking about getting one but after listening to him I don't want the newer model especially if they break easily and cannot handle shallow river

[@brucebaxter6923]

its such a tight fit for shaft coupling alignment

[@stuhauti7655]

I'll stick to my kayak, and my old aluminum boat. I have a grand total of like 500 bucks in them combined. that being said the fun we have in them is priceless.

[@billybob1151]

Lots of comments so far Most likely this has bee asked before, but on the newer boats with the extended jet drive, would not a sheet of a not to heavy/lightweight aluminum attached to the stern extending underneath the jet drive cure this problem? Just a thought. As always, a great video.

[@TheMaddogT]

A great review. Thanks T

[@robertreese2600]

they look like a motorized layout boat for duck hunting.

[@DEtectorCR]

Looks like a nice ride!

[@johnp.etherington8614]

Interesting, I'd wondered how You managed across the rocks. Bring them to the UK and travel the whole of the River Derwent (Derbyshire) Go to Chatsworth and meet the Duke, .. ? Might be fun ;) x

[@leandromc2020]

Hi friend, I wonder if I can only buy the turbine I have a kayak and would like to install it on the same

[@aardvarkiq]

Those things look cool, I wanted one bad, but I settled on an Old Town Discovery Sport with a SPS Thai longtail motor. Tons of room, can fit 2 people comfortably plus a cooler and supplies. Perhaps they went to the 3 piece design for shipping and liability reasons, 3 separate compartments, 3 times the chances of it not sinking if swamped? If anyone has one in NJ I'd be interested in meeting up and comparing the 2...

[@toddwebb7521]

Pretty sure a square stern canoe with either an outboard or a trolling motor sounds better than the new ones.

[@victorschepers6286]

Good info yes it WAS a nice Boat 😢😉🇳🇱

[@viperscot1]

did they sell in the uk ?? or just the usa keep up the great video

[@jmoney440]

That's so funny! I was gonna ask if you could do a review of your boat

[@gatrwrksMarshall]

Are those Subaru engines 2 strokes?

[@HeROsiNhEaVeN]

Beau..,,,what is your suggestion for an all around metal detector, ones you sell, I want it to be able to operate just as good in water as it does on land.....there's a bunch of places I can go here in NYC to explore....I'm looking on your website and can't make a decision.....not breaking the bank what would you suggest?....of course I will need a few accessories....Thanks in advance...... Don.....

[@michiganmagneto]

love your videos! I was wondering if you had any good photographs or videos of the boat that you're using and lo and behold I find you posted one. Awesome. It looks like a relatively simple design. got me curious if I could somehow duplicate the basic shape using a foam filled composite. but I think I would need a few pictures and measurements first. And also where I can get the little jet nozzle and drive and stuff like that. I can throw a Harbor Freight motor in there really easy. nice little craft though.

[@doittoday1]

Aquachiggar do you still have your Mokais?

[@magictune7935]

Thanks for this vid, I had asked previously and boom there it is..... LOL

[@MegaTriumph1]

Wonder if you can put a Honda 14hp motor in it to soup it up.

[@jasonhuckstep90]

If it ain't broke,don't fix it!