K1 Hybrid Kayak

The Volt Boats K1 is the first of many Volt Boats products to use our Integrated Design System (IDS). Simply put, IDS helps us build a high-tech boat around the needs of real people. The K1 is built for anglers who look to kayaks as the most portable, affordable, green, and flexible power boat available. The K1 also serves casual kayak paddlers who enjoy paddling with the added safety of power-assist or full-motor power to get them home in the event of unexpected current, wind, or injury.

The four IDS elements of the Volt Boats K1 are the Power Pod, Battery System, Intelligent Controller, and Integrated Hull.

Revolutionary Power Pod is Easily Removed

The muscle of Volt Boats' innovation is in the revolutionary, patent-pending Power Pod, which houses a half-horsepower-equivalent, rare-earth-magnet power motor along with a torque-increasing transmission and an electronic steering system. The Volt Boats Power Pod is connected to the main hull by a thermoformed interlock, enabling it to be easily separated from the hull after quick-disconnecting three waterproof cables. The independent Power Pod design reduces the carrying weight of the hull, making it easier to put on top of your vehicle and enabling you to use the same Power Pod for multiple hulls.

Flexible Battery System Supports your Needs

The energy for your Volt Boats K1 comes from your paddling, when you want to paddle. Or from the Smart Batteries, when you've had enough paddling. Volt Boats K1's Smart Battery System holds and controls up to five independent Smart Battery packs, three under your seat and two behind the seat. Our Battery System is the first in a boat to support three types of batteries -- lithium-ion, nickel-metal, and lead-acid -- enabling you to optimize cost, weight, and range. The K1 identifies the type of battery installed, enabling optimal discharge and charge cycles for each type and extending range and battery life.

Intelligent Controller Provides Efficiency and Safety

The brains of the Volt Boats K1 -- the Intelligent Controller -- are housed in a waterproof case within the Power Pod. The IC takes steering input from a rugged joystick and from an optional footpedal or copilot remote control. The IC also manages the Smart Battery Packs and drives the power motor with optimal efficiency. The IC raises and lowers the prop and displays system status on the Control Panel. An optional GPS Auto-Pilot upgrade (available mid-2011) will provide four innovative features: Hold Course, Go Home, Compass, and speed-over-ground.

Integrated, High-Performance Hull is Easy to Carry

The K1's thermoformed hull provides unparalleled stability and performance at a low-weight and with a beautiful finish. The K1 was painstakingly designed with advanced CAD systems, and its ergonometric features meet the demanding needs of a serious angler as well as provide comfort and stability for any kayak paddler. Rod holders, live bait well containers, and copious storage options make the K1 comfortable and convenient. The Hull is also seamlessly integrated with the Power Pod, which can be easily lifted out for transportation.