Nucanoe Frontier 12 with Kayak Buddys Honda 50cc Outboard Running a Stainless Prop Upgrade

Although knowing full well how this engine performs on the Frontier 12, I wanted to see if there was a performance difference on a larger and much wider kayak. The Frontier paired with power and a Bullnose attachment to the engine system just simply allows for much better control for float fishing and pointing the bow in the right direction with minimal correction. The increase of speed from a max of 5.1 mph with the aluminum prop to 5.3-5.5 mph depending on the current direction was noted in the video. 100% of the throttle was available and the cruise speed was fantastic around 4.5 mph all day long. At no point was torque lost in the throttle range even in tight turns, The Frontier 12 and engine pairing was flawless.

[@mattdalton8149]

Hi Matt. Happy Holidays We haven't talked in awhile. I'll give you a call later today or tomorrow.

[@iamback2415]

I have a unlimited model which I weigh down with my fishing gear and trolling motor and outboard which is a 2.5 mercury. My top speed is around 9 mph with all the weight.

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

Why would you want to stress your hull like that? It will crack from the torque. That hull is not designed for that speed. Be careful.

[@rhett1272]

2.5hp/9mph! Wow, I have a Frontier 10. I've been wondering what is the minimum horsepower it would take to get it up on plane. I have the small weed wacker engine type setup on my boat but it wont go over 6mph at best. I've been considering the mercury 2.5hp. Am I correct in assuming that at 9mph your boat is planing out?

[@rhett1272]

Have you had a Kayak hull crack because of to much torque?​@@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

@@rhett1272 I have dealt with many clients who have used traditional outboards and cracked the hulls due to overpowering and gearbox engagement. Read the Nucanoe forums. There are plenty of stories. I have never had one crack with my engine setups because they are centrifugally driven and the 2-blade prop is way smoother on the acceleration than what comes on the traditional systems. Once you crack the hull the warranty is voided and the kayak will never be the same as far as the rear integrity.

[@rhett1272]

@@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947 thanks for the heads up that's good to know

[@bajadan2769]

very nice setup !

[@TravisDoesKayakFishing]

Appreciate you sharing!🐠

[@dcgo44r]

Indeed was a beatiful day.. Have you thought on putting two of those engines on the boat? I would love to see how it does with twins! 😜

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

Fix-this-Rod it would be cool, but adding over 4hp to a plastic boat would be a bit sketchy.

[@MrKjones79]

If you owned that house better have full on boat slip lol…….nice set up!

[@MrKjones79]

Wish I lived close to the ocean, but thankfull for my close by mountain lakes and rivers.

[@Expandacraftboats]

Sweet set up Matt. Give me a call, I need some parts.

[@3rdcoastpesca]

what is the model number for the 50cc

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

GX50 with a commercial clutch.

[@detran6080]

Where do you got that engine? Could you please send me a link and I very appreciate that.

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

This is my company. www.kayakbuddys.com

[@MrBthames2000]

Just curious, do you have an issue with water coming into the scuppers or the f12 not self bailing with water coming over the bow?

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

I do not have any issues with water coming in with scuppers plugged in. Very little water comes over the bow. With the passenger and motor trimmed correct, water has never been an issue.

[@MrBthames2000]

@@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947 I meant when the scupper holes are not plugged. It says in the nucanoe video to plug the scuppers if you want to use an outboard because water will come in through the scuppers. I want the kayak because it’s self bailing and I can go in the ocean. Trying to decide between the pursuit and frontier.

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

@@MrBthames2000 I don’t save any bailing issues and major water on the deck. It really comes down to seating position and how much water comes over the gunnels. I sit about a 1/3 forward from the transom. My ride is a 2015 model. If you want stability, the Frontier 12 is a beast. The pursuit is faster and tracks better, but that is the trade off. If you are going deep off shore water, the Frontier with power is a no brainer.

[@MrBthames2000]

@@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947 That makes sense. I just see posts of guys saying the frontier doesn’t self bail which is a recipe for disaster offshore. Or that water comes through the scupper holes when you have the motor going.

[@peternelson9865]

Roughly how far can you go on one tank of gas.

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

Right around 5-6 miles depending on throttle speed.

[@brittlinton8764]

@@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947 bought 2 of your motors and now buying a nucanoe frontier 12 just to run it in intercoastal putting a trolling motor up front.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

How would this going going up river with current?

[@kayakbuddysllc-lightweight4947]

I move in currents that rip sometimes 5 knots plus. There is no issue due to prop and engine torque. Obviously on-board weight, current, and wind will slow you down a bit, but I always maintain high 4’s in heavy current to 6.7 mph in calm waters with my heavy Nucanoe Pursuit.