Weeki Wachee River - Solar Motoring Up and SUP Paddling Down in the Sea Eagle PaddleSki

Boat used in this video:
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Watersnake Advance Brushless 70 lb. Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater) I use this one
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Chassahowitzka Springs / River - • Florida Kayaking Chass...
Anclote Key Florida - • Florida Kayaking Anclo...
Weeki Wachee River -
• Weeki Wachee River - S...
Texploring Texas Creeks in the Sea Eagle PaddleSki
• Texploring Texas Creek...
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[@Michael-nf2go]

Long distance freestyle swimming in that water would be so awesome.

[@KayakCliff]

Oh yes, that would be a great river to just drift and swim down! Just have to make sure that you don't walk on any of the areas that have grass. They're trying to seriously limit the amount of foot traffic in the river by keeping people in kayaks or tubes.

[@Michael-nf2go]

Haha yeah, I commented before you talked about the grass problem, makes sense and good to raise awareness. I see water and I just want to swim in it.

[@johnhaynes4132]

Cliff, best video yet, and that is saying a lot since I've enjoyed everything you've done. The PaddleSki is on my short list, and you've demonstrated yet another way to use it. Thanks for the time and effort you put into these videos. My heart longs for the Florida you are showing us too. 80+ and still paddling!

[@KayakCliff]

Hello John, thank you so much for watching and commenting! I’m so glad to hear that you are out at 80+ kayaking and enjoying nature! I just took my 83 year old dad down the Suwanee River last weekend on a two day paddle. He did great! That will be a video coming out soon in the RazorLite tandem.

[@terryhurst4823]

Man Cliff that was probably one the best videos I’ve seen in a while! Very peaceful and makes me want to go back to Florida even more! Keep up the good work and be safe!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much Terry for the kind comments! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

Good Morning Cliff …! Thanks for bringing us along ..!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting!!! Safe adventuring out there!

[@stephenrickstrew7237]

@@KayakCliff hope you get to go to rainbow river ..

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Stephen, I actually filmed a video on the rainbow River the day before I filmed Weeki Wachee. That video will be coming out very soon. Take care!

[@VR360VIDEOSIMMERSIVESOUNDVR]

The"Kayak Cliff Paddleski Burrito" seems like a great option for storage and faster setup time. Thanks for your invaluable advice. 👍👍

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there! Thanks for watching and commenting! Absolutely, if you don’t have to store it in a very small space where the removal of the transom is necessary, I highly recommend just removing the front stabilizer bar, then rolling it up like a burrito. I then use a NRS kayak tie down cam strap to cinch the “burrito” tight, so I can then easily pick it up and load in my truck / SUV or store on a shelf in my garage. Here are my other videos in the PaddleSki: PaddleSki Boat / Kayak / SUP - The “Do Everything” boat! My Sea Eagle website affiliate link - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs Adventure videos in the PaddleSki: Chassahowitzka Springs / River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHcepyJq52Jabc Anclote Key Florida - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnOog4J4iKyVd5o Weeki Wachee River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYjUl6GDf9x1Z7c

[@lordenoch0]

That was just...UNFAIR! We have zero rivers to kayak on southern California. Thanks for sharing.

[@KayakCliff]

You do have some beautiful shoreline to explore on the Pacific, though!

[@michaelegeorge]

Very cool Cliff, solar motoring is an exciting concept, looking forward to more!

[@KayakCliff]

I totally agree, Michael! Thank you so much for watching and commenting and safe adventuring out there!

[@Chris-tf7gi]

Almost ready to pull the trigger on the Bixpy k1-1 for my Fasttrack 465. A trolling motor IS an option for that. The 465 is almost a PaddleSki with slimmer pontoons and room for three people due to being a longer boat. I still think the Bixpy is the leaner, lightweight option. A good trolling motor setup might cost as much or even less than the Bixpy. So, I guess I'm debating some more. Choices.

[@KayakCliff]

Hey Chris - Sorry for the delay on this! I’ve heard great things about the K1 Bixpy! I was actually out in my Explorer last weekend with the Bixpy on. I powered it off at times and just paddled with the motor in the skeg receiver and not the skeg. It really handled nicely, a little slower but not too much of a difference, tracked well too. With the K1 being a little smaller, it should have less drag, and I think it should continue to still track nicely! Let me know how it goes! Kayaks in this video! - Best Inflatable Kayaks & Boats kayakcliff.com/favorite-inflatables

[@sparkleandspurs]

Bought the Sea Eagle paddle ski boat, bimini, honda motor etc. and now I think I HAVE to get the electric motor, lithium battery and solar panel! Thanks Cliff! Great video!

[@KayakCliff]

Congratulations, you are going to love it! An extremely versatile boat, and perfect for the RV life. Lithium Batteries / Motor & Solar Panels: Rebel Batteries 100Ah - (I use this one) amzn.to/3X6yMcv Rebel Batteries 50Ah amzn.to/3CKnuSX Minn Kota Trolling Motor Power Center (Battery Box) bit.ly/3GH0dmi 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel w/ Charge Controller (I use this one) bit.ly/3vWcfTH 50W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel w/ Charge Controller bit.ly/3XrFB7Y Watersnake Advance Brushless 70 lb. Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater) I use this one bit.ly/3IIgiur

[@BTS70VIDEOS]

Didn't realize that you were using the Watersnake 70. On black Friday I am going to buy the Paddleski with the watersnake 70. I am impressed that you were going up stream with no problem. I noticed the underwater shots show how only the pontoon are in the water and not the center. I bought a Shark II air pump. Sea Eagle doesn't sell that air pump you were using in. It is one of the highest rated air pump and is two stage.

[@itr0863]

Thx for the ride along mr cliff!

[@KayakCliff]

Hey 👋 You are welcome, thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Deltro61]

What a great spot! Thanks for sharing Cliff.

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching, and commenting!

[@dwainbertoncello5646]

Another totally enjoyable and informative video. Thanks Cliff!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Dwain! Have a great weekend!

[@PowerFilmSolarEnergy]

Thanks so much for sharing! Looks like it was a serene and scenic journey. We are so glad to see that you are enjoying your Soltronix panel! If you have any questions or need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank You so much @powerfilmsolarenergy - I love the product and plan to use it a bunch more in more videos.

[@PowerFilmSolarEnergy]

@@KayakCliff fantastic! Please let us know if you need anything at all.

[@grn2806]

Great video! I really like the looks of the paddle ski.

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much Doug for watching, and commenting! Here are all the links for my other adventures in the PaddleSki. Safe, adventuring out there! PaddleSki Boat / Kayak / SUP - The “Do Everything” boat! Sea Eagle website PaddleSki page - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs Adventure videos in the PaddleSki: Chassahowitzka Springs / River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHcepyJq52Jabc Anclote Key Florida - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnOog4J4iKyVd5o Weeki Wachee River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYjUl6GDf9x1Z7c

[@arnoldfarquwart4327]

Great Video Cliff. Makes me want to get out on the water.

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks Arnold! Hope to see you out there soon buddy!

[@rebirth_mishap]

Gravity creates the current

[@KayakCliff]

Great point! Also, the upward flow of millions of gallons of water coming out of the earth per day helps to push that water along. Of course, if there was not a slant to the earth, gravity would have nowhere to take that water down to the coast.

[@rebirth_mishap]

@@KayakCliff most certainly indeed. Great video btw I did some toobing down Ichetucknee Springs. Go check it out if you haven't yet.

[@dmgolub1]

Hey, Cliff; aren't you the guy who went camping with the wife on another channel? I can't remember the name of that channel. Do you have a link? Great video, by the way.

[@KayakCliff]

Lol - No, I’ve never been camping with a wife from another channel. Just my wife 😊 Thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck finding that channel!

[@ericjudd9088]

Hi Cliff! Nice trip along the Weeki Wachee River! I'm jealous! They're forecasting a large snowstorm with freezing rain mixed in here in Ontario for tomorrow!!! LOL! What size Watersnake were you using on the trip, please? I've been thinking about adding a solar panel and trolling motor to my PaddleSki as well! I bought Pinnacle software the other day. Got a good deal on it as it was a one-day sale! I just have to learn to use it now. I've joined several local clubs and am planning some outings for the spring. I'm looking forward to joining you at least once next winter. Maybe I can talk you into coming north this summer and we can share some backcountry lakes and rivers. Keep stroking!... 🛶Eric

[@KayakCliff]

Good luck on the pinnacle software, is that editing software? If it is, you will pick it up quickly. It’s a lot of fun editing, and pumping out videos. The water snake that I used in my video was a 70 pound thrust electric trolling motor. Watersnake Advance Brushless 70 lb. Thrust Electric Motor (Fresh & Saltwater) I use this one bit.ly/3IIgiur

[@VR360VIDEOSIMMERSIVESOUNDVR]

Thanks for this superb video. Small question...Do you remove the transom from the Paddleski after each use or do you keep it installed all the time.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 there, thank you so much for watching and commenting. I keep the transom installed all the time. I just roll the boat up and strap it together like a big burrito. It gets pretty compact for storage and travel! PaddleSki Boat / Kayak / SUP - The “Do Everything” boat! Sea Eagle website PaddleSki page - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs Adventure videos in the PaddleSki: Chassahowitzka Springs / River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKHcepyJq52Jabc Anclote Key Florida - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnOog4J4iKyVd5o Weeki Wachee River - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYjUl6GDf9x1Z7c

[@ed8377]

Another awesome adventure, what size conduit did you get for the solar panel? I purchased the same Paddleski setup after watching one of your vids and live close to Weeki Wachee, cant wait to test it out!

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you for watching, and commenting! 110W Semi-Flexible Solar Panel w/ Charge Controller (I use this one) bit.ly/3vWcfTH The solar panel that I got from Sea Eagle, has all of the wiring and solar converter electronics installed in it. It is just plug and play. Did not have to buy any separate type of conduit or anything like that.

[@AzEagleEye]

Great area and video. Thanks for sharing. Can you mention what camera you were using on your PS 437 vids and what the brand of the hat is? It appears to have a formable brim. Thanks

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I'm always using the most recent version of the GoPro Hero camera. On this video, it was the GoPro Hero 11, which I really love to work with! As far as my sun hat, here is the link. Shelta makes the best sun hats that I have ever used, check them out! Sun hat worn in this video: kayakcliff.com/shelta-sunhats-%2F-sunwear

[@AzEagleEye]

Thanks much for the prompt & informative reply, Cliff.@@KayakCliff

[@harryfritter8266]

I went to that river once. I didn't see a manatee, but I did see a sheatee

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you for watching and commenting, Harry!

[@kathyfaraone4345]

Hi Cliff, Love your videos-super informative and well edited. I am ready to order this boat. Sea Eagle packages with electric motors come with the Venom 34. Do you think that would be strong enough for this trip? I live in Gainesville FL and will be getting out on our beautiful rivers that you highlight in your videos. I also wonder about using a lithium battery vs the regular marine battery. Thanks in advance.

[@KayakCliff]

Hello Kathy, thank you so much for watching and commenting! I think the water snake 34 pound thrust would work fine going up the Weeki Wachee river. I was using the water snake 70 pound, but did not come anywhere near to using all of its power going upstream. The lithium hundred amp hour battery is definitely worth it. Much more expensive, but less than half the weight at 27 pounds. I will include an affiliate link for Rebel Batteries who has a good under $500 price. Here is my affiliate link for the PaddleSki page. PaddleSki Boat / Kayak / SUP - The “Do Everything” boat! My Sea Eagle website affiliate link, your purchases off my affiliate link help to support my channel, Thx 🙏🏻 - bit.ly/33PbnFH Rebel Batteries Official Website 100Ah Rebel Battery - rebelbatteries.com/products/smart-lifepo4-12v-100ah-1280wh-bluetooth-enabled-rechargeable-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery?afmc=4w Thank you so much for watching and supporting my channel! Safe, adventuring out there!

[@kathyfaraone4345]

Thanks for all your help. I used your link. Looking forward to lots of adventures! Maybe we will see you on the water one day!

[@KayakCliff]

@kathyfaraone4345 thank you so much, Kathy! You are going to enjoy that PaddleSki, hope to see you out on the water sometime!

[@3generationadventure]

Hi great video, what are you thoughts about do same route 6 miles in the river with out the solar panel did you think you would make it? Thanks in advance

[@KayakCliff]

Oh, absolutely, I would’ve had plenty of juice. That was one of my first time using the electric motor and I figured I would plug the solar panel on to have it just in case. Did not really needed at all. With a lithium battery you could get a tremendous amount of range. It’s great to have the solar panel to charge it up for free though. Also good on a multi day trip where it can charge when you’re not using the boat.

[@chameleonmobilevideoproduc9772]

Hey Cliff...been watching your content for sometime now and actually got my Paddleski awhile back but have not gotten it wet yet. A buddy got one probably 6 months ago and has had it out a few times and said he seemed to struggle a bit more than what we do on our hardshell kayaks to control the Paddleski when SUPing and/or Kayaking. He felt a couple skegs might help with that. Do you have any input on that? I have ordered a couple glue on/removable skegs just incase, but wanted to see your thoughts on it.

[@KayakCliff]

Thank you so much for watching, and commenting! You do raise a good question! I too have thought about purchasing some Skegs from sea eagle to install to the rear pontoons of the paddle ski. This should increase the tracking capability of the paddle ski, when kayak paddling, or stand up paddling. I am going to talk to the technical people at sea eagle to see if there is a direct benefit from doing this, and if so, which skeg to purchase. I believe these would be the best option to try. www.seaeagle.com/Accessories/parts/skegs-for-paddleski-and-sport-kayaks

[@hunterm7624]

How fast will the 70LB Watersnake push your Paddleski in calm water with no current ? Also, can you comment on your Watesnake + battery efficiency usage. Brushless motor is supposed to have 25-30 % increase in Run time. It's half the price of EPropulsion Spirit 1.0. The Spirit is reputed to be comparable to a 3hp gas engine. Bought Newport Vessels 46lb trolling motor for my first year with Paddleski. Looking for more speed --- to and from fishing area's.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there Hunter - my 70 pound water snake on calm water gets the paddle ski up to about 6.5 to 7 mph. It's on my to do list this year to go full speed on a full hundred amp hour lithium battery and see how far I can get. If you run, a mixture of spades, you can probably get all day on 100 amp hour lithium battery. I will do some tests on it this year and report back on a video.

[@BTS70VIDEOS]

Hi Cliff, took my paddleski out today for the first time. I used my 70lb watersnake with it. Me and my daughter had it loaded down some what. What was strange that I constantly had to ajust the trolling motor direction constantly, the paddleski kept turning. I couldn't find a spot which would equal out the forces causing it to turn. Seemed very strange and a nuisance. Does yours do this or maybe it was the weight in the paddleski.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi there, thank you so much for sharing feedback on your first outing. When I run the Honda 5 hp gas motor, I never have a problem with the tracking. Now that you mention it, I do think I get a little bit of drift when I use the electric trolling motor. I have typically found that it takes just some adjustments and raising, vertically the motor up and down to fine-tune that. Also, your weight distribution on the boat could be affecting it as well. Try adjusting the motor vertically up and down, not tilting, just vertically. PaddleSki - Website page - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs

[@BTS70VIDEOS]

@@KayakCliff I did have a lot of weight, me and my daughter are not light weights. Also I had two lithium batteries in the back. My thinking is the center of the kayak was in the water from the weight and the boat was acting like a monohull. I recently had a sailboat and using the boat with the centerboard up the trolling motor could barely control it. Also I didn't have the trolling motor deep enough when going more than half throttle the prop would cavitate. Next time one battery and will be just myself and will experiment with the height on the trolling motor.

[@KayakCliff]

@BTSloan70 Cool, let me know how it works!

[@camlife1]

Do you leave the motor down when paddling to act as a skeg?

[@KayakCliff]

I have paddled with the motor down and it does tend to act as a skeg. I find it, especially useful in the downward position when I am standing up and paddle boarding.

[@richardallemon5305]

Would the motor be good on both the St. Claire and Detroit Rivers? From Michigan 😊

[@KayakCliff]

Hi Richard, not sure what your water conditions are on those rivers, but yes, the water snake 70 pound thrust should work on just about any body of water. It has plenty of power, even if you have to navigate upstream. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions or if I can clarify even further. PaddleSki - Website page - bit.ly/33PbnFH My review of the PaddleSki - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5mTc6KAnp2LoKs

[@brucegordon3566]

Klamath falls Oregon Spring creek

[@KayakCliff]

Good place to paddle?

[@brucegordon3566]

Great place c. It is spting so sees bottom most of time

[@Joe-xq1nt]

Have you considered mounting a bixby on your 393? Total weight is around 11-12 pounds.

[@KayakCliff]

I have seen them, they are pretty cool. When I am in the RazorLite, I pretty much only want to paddle for exercise, but it might be fun in certain situations to put the Bixby on. Do you steer with your paddle?

[@Joe-xq1nt]

@@KayakCliff I don’t have one, just been reading up on them. The reviews claim they run for 6-8 hours over 75% power and still have over 40%. How accurate that is I guess depends on size and weight of kayak. They have a wrist band remote for steering. At least the last model I watched a review on. I no longer have a sea Eagle so not something I’d try but know your an ambassador for sea eagle and thought I’d ask if you’d tried it.

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for the info!

[@RealDocJames]

Those things look cool but boy are they pricey!!! Last I checked they cost as much or even more than the Razorlite itself!

[@Joe-xq1nt]

Yes they are pricey but not so darn heavy and bulky. That and I wouldn’t want to drag around a solar panel. But then the solar panel isn’t needed regardless. The upside to the bixby size would be for for those trips were there is no courier service to bring you back to your launch site.

[@toothlessonthetrail8893]

Did you register this as a Powerboat with Florida?

[@KayakCliff]

No, I'm from Texas. It is registered in Texas. Because it is an inflatable, I have the registration numbers and the tag on plastic plates that are typically zip tied to the D rings. I forgot my zip ties for this trip, so the tags are sitting just inside the bow of the boat in case I am stopped.

[@toothlessonthetrail8893]

Thanks for the reply. I have a 420x on order and if I put a motor on it will register in Florida. We're near Crystal River.

[@toddbrauselling]

What size Rebel?

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 Todd - I use the 100Ah, which is totally sufficient. Rebel Batteries Official Website 100Ah Rebel Battery - rebelbatteries.com/products/smart-lifepo4-12v-100ah-1280wh-bluetooth-enabled-rechargeable-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery?afmc=4w

[@toddbrauselling]

@@KayakCliff Thank you. I have the 34 lb thrust. Do you think the 50Ah would work? With the dolor kit? I plan to paddle as well, it’s not 100% battery operation.

[@KayakCliff]

Hi 👋 Todd - oh yes 👍 Many kayakers in fishing rigs use only the 50Ah battery and find that it is all the ⚡️ they need! It’s a great size too! Rebel Batteries Official Website 50Ah Rebel Battery - rebelbatteries.com/products/lifepo4-12v-50ah-640wh-rechargeable-smart-lithium-iron-phosphate-battery?afmc=4x

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

Man.... found you not long ago. But watched a ton of videos since. Stick to kayaking. Your solar charging and motor draw info are so far off they are laughable. Solar is great for charging in the front yard. But does next to nothing when compared to your motor draw

[@KayakCliff]

Just learning as I go Mike…… For me, it’s fun to try out new things, certainly not laughable. I’ve found a neutral effect on the battery if you keep your speed around 2-3 mph, in water that does not have current like the Weeki Wachee had. Now 2-3 mph sounds slow, but it’s cruising speed for kayaking. I’ll admit, solar still has a way’s to go, but for me trying it out and determining beneficial ways to use it is fun. Stay safe and have fun out there!

[@MikeJordanUnCamplicated]

@@KayakCliff The rebel batteries have a bluetooth JBD BMS. Install the app. Mount up the solar panel and go cruising. That motor is going to draw more amps to move the raft at 1/2mph than the panel can produce on a full unobstructed sun day. Forget a shady river. That would make a good video for your channel. The vid will sell batteries for the raft, but not solar panels for the raft. Promote the solar panel sales for the yard. The same app can show charging in the yard

[@KayakCliff]

Thanks for the suggestions!!!! Don’t worry, I’m not stopping paddling, Lol. I will be playing around with solar / electric motors though in some videos. I have some plans in 2023 for showing how an out of the way invisible motor can be mounted to the RazorLite / FastTrack / Explorer / Paddleboard etc….. I think this holds a lot of promise for extending your day’s paddling distance. Stay tuned . . . . .