New kayak features for versatility

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Shoalie’s bow hatch has lots of room for gear and features two rod tubes for two extra rods.
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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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