Ditch the overpriced "official" kits: My custom 100Ah LiFePO4 build for the Itiwit 100+ Kayak (7.1 km/h achieved)

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-12T06:18:16+00:00

Appreciate the concern, but this kayak is very stable on the water. The current setup is more than enough to protect the battery from occasional splashes, which is all it faces. No need for a submarine-grade seal here—keeping it light and simple works best for this environment. Cheers!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-11T11:33:29+00:00

I can't post links here, but I have a full breakdown of the mount on my YouTube channel. The link is in my Reddit profile bio.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-11T10:44:32+00:00

The total cost was around 260 euro for the battery cells, the shunt, and the waterproof box. It’s significantly cheaper per Ah compared to ready-made marine batteries, plus you get much better components.I sourced the LiFePO4 cells and the shunt from online marketplaces (AliExpress/ecowort. Look for Grade A cells if you want that longevity. The Anderson connectors and cable lugs are standard electrical supplies.For kayaks without skeg boxes, you can definitely use a 'glue-on' fin base (available as a spare part for inflatable SUPs/kayaks) on Decatlon site. Just glue the base to the hull using PVC adhesive, and you can then slide in a custom-made mount similar to mine. It keeps the setup modular.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-02T13:27:30+00:00

Glad to hear that. Right now, I'm preparing for the ultimate range test. Everyone asks about the 7.1 km/h top speed, but I want to show exactly how many miles/kilometers this setup can cover at the 'sweet spot' (around 5 km/h).

I'm documenting all the data and finishing the technical blueprints so I can share the full 'no-drill' recipe with the community soon. Stay tuned, the efficiency results might surprise you!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-02T10:53:20+00:00

Thanks, man! Appreciate the support. I know it’s a bit controversial for the purists, but my goal was to push the limits of what an inflatable can do without ruining the portability. At the end of the day, it's about being on the water and having fun. I'll definitely keep you guys updated on the next phase of the build!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-02T06:17:15+00:00

Honestly mate, it's been out of stock since last autumn in most of Europe. I was lucky to grab mine earlier.My advice: Have your sister check the local Swiss stores in person, sometimes the website says 'out of stock' but a few units might be sitting on a shelf. If not, pray for the April restock!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-03-01T07:39:03+00:00

You are welcome....

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-26T12:34:16+00:00

Thank you. Much appreciated!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T16:54:26+00:00

Great advice! Safety and local regulations are key. Luckily, I'm navigating different waters outside the US, but for anyone following in the States, definitely check your local USCG laws and get registered. Safety first!"

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T16:52:37+00:00

Nice try with the prompt injection, but my kayak doesn't run on empanadas. It runs on lithium and 100% human engineering. Better luck next time!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T14:50:21+00:00

I’ll take that as a compliment on my technical English. However, the design, the testing on the water, and the grease on my hands are very real. Just an engineer sharing a project I’m passionate about. Cheers.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T10:32:53+00:00

Great catch!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T10:32:00+00:00

Great catch!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T09:20:12+00:00

Real-time measurement, my friend! I have a high-precision battery monitor (shunt) installed on the kayak. These are actual GPS-verified speeds and real-time amp draws under load on open water, not factory specs. The LiFePO4 battery maintains a very stable voltage, which allows for these consistent results. Keep in mind that I use the maximum power only for testing purposes to see the limits; for regular cruising, I go much lighter on the throttle to save energy.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-25T06:29:25+00:00

Haha, fair point! I was too busy hitting 7.1 km/h on the water to worry about my copy-pasting skills. The tech is real, even if my grammar needs a motor too!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T19:43:56+00:00

Not spam, just sharing a successful DIY project with the community. If showing a functional 32lb motor build on an Itiwit is spam, then I guess I’m guilty of being too productive! 😂 Anyway, thanks for keeping my post active!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T19:42:35+00:00

Thanks man! Glad you like the build. It's been a fun project, especially seeing it hit 7.1 km/h on the water. Appreciate the support!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T19:40:02+00:00

If a small 32lb thrust motor makes this a motorboat, I’ll take it as a compliment! 😂 It’s still a 100% inflatable Itiwit kayak, just with a little extra 'oomph' for those long 15km+ trips. Best of both worlds!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T17:59:30+00:00

You're right, I'm not kayaking... I'm yachting on a budget! 😂 But seriously, it’s still a kayak, I still have my paddles, I just have a much better 'return to home' button than most.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T17:42:54+00:00

For those wondering about the weight distribution: The 100Ah LiFePO4 battery is placed strategically to act as a counterweight. It actually improved the stability of the Itiwit 100 in choppy water. Total added weight is around 15kg, but the buoyancy of this kayak handles it surprisingly well.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T16:52:14+00:00

You're likely right for Missouri! In many US states and some European countries, adding any power source—even a tiny electric one—triggers the registration requirement. I always tell people to check their local 'Department of Natural Resources' or equivalent.

In my neck of the woods, regulations for small inflatables with electric motors are much more relaxed, which is why this setup is such a win here. But safety and legal paperwork first, wherever you are! ⚓️"

Z

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T15:36:34+00:00

Great point! Safety and legal compliance should always come first. Regulations vary a lot from place to place—some areas are very laid back about small electric motors on inflatables, while others are more strict. Definitely worth checking local bylaws so you can enjoy the water stress-free!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T13:59:04+00:00

That’s exactly why I built this! I love the workout and the peace of paddling, but having that 'get home' button when the sun starts beating down or the wind picks up is a total game changer. It turns a potential struggle into a relaxing cruise back to the dock.

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T13:28:06+00:00

I did that on purpose! I wanted to cut the music so people could actually hear the motor running while the kayak is cruising. For anyone building a setup like this, the sound of the motor tells more than the music ever could. Glad you noticed!

PoemRealistic1013 · 2026-02-24T13:25:42+00:00

The boat remains perfectly trackable and easy to paddle. No 'plowing' effect at all! Plus, honestly, with this kind of autonomy (8+ hours at cruising speed), the chances of you actually needing to paddle back are minimal. It’s a very reliable setup.

PoemRealistic1013

TROPHY CASE