Customer Reviews: NK180 HD Electric Kayak Motor
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars based on
133 customer reviews.
97% of reviewers recommend this product.
Review summary
Reviewers consistently praise the NK180 HD Electric Kayak Motor for its lightweight design, powerful and quiet performance, extended battery life, and reliable durability, while also commending Newport for their exceptional customer service.
Decent motor so far, not as good as original
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This is my second nk180. The first lasted 4 years of moderate to heavy use. I believe the prop shaft bent because several of the shims inside were bent. I wish I could have rebuilt the motor. This newer motor is nice but I will be surprised if it lasts as long as the older motor. This newer motor is kind of clunky and buzzy at slower speeds. It often seems to hesitate when I try to start off slow and at slow speeds it sounds like it is shorting inside with an electrical buzzing sound that goes away with an increase in throttle. I don't like the newer motor lift arm as it was curved and I could not lift my motor out of the water completely, so I installed the old lift arm. This allowed me to better steer the kayak when using the pedal drive to propel the kayak. The controller seems better. It is smoother sliding the control handle. The motor pushes my kayak faster than the old motor but my battery seems to use about the same amount of charge. I believe it is faster because of a larger prop. It auto shuts off easier with codes thrown when pushing through grass and I've had to stop several times and crawl back to remove the grass to use the motor again. My old motor I only did that once in 4 years. I don't know if the larger prop or added rock guard are contributing to this or not. It also may be good that the motor quits when under strain from grasses on the prop as a safety feature to ensure longer life.
- Performance
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3 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
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Freshwater
Reviewed by Larry W.
on November 2, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Great Motor, and even Better Customer Service
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I had the original Newport 180NK that I had purchased used and it was great. It was a bit louder than my brothers Minn Kota, but it worked great and was easy to use. After my 2 years with it, it stopped working so I called Newport to see what they could do to help me. First, they answered on the 2nd ring and it was a real person. Then they spent probably 30 minutes on the phone with me instructing me how to check different things. After not being able to resolve the issue, they offered me the new 180HD at a slight discount. The warranty on my motor was expired plus I was the 2nd owner and this discount was still offered because they believe in their products. With that type of assistance, I could not say "No" and now have the 180HD. I have been out with it 3 times now and it is great. It is quieter, I can maintain a speed just above 4 mph and the new prop has more power but the same amount of speed. If there is any type of complaint, which this is just nit picking, I did like the way the NK mounted in the bracket better with the grove more that how the HD mounts in the bracket. But other than this, it is a fantastic motor made by a great company who understands what customer service is suppose to be. Thank you Newport,
- Performance
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5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
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Freshwater
Reviewed by Mark H.
on October 30, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Short & Sweet Warranty - Back on The water!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I recently had to submit a warranty claim for my NK180pro after experiencing some fault codes. I sent over all the required documentation and followed up with Cody to check on the status. Cody was fantastic—he made sure my claim was expedited immediately.
To say I am happy with the outcome is an understatement. Within just a few days, a brand new NK180HD arrived at my door. Newport's customer service completely blew me away. They truly stand behind their products and take care of their customers!
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
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Saltwater
Reviewed by Jesse M.
on October 20, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
I like new design ,
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
bough NK180 years ago and now I purchase the new one , easy install and better design , cant wait to see how it works on the water ,
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by Roger L.
on October 14, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Fast ! Strong !
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Love it ! Easy to assemble. Awesome looking parts .
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
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Both
Reviewed by Jerry M.
on September 11, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Great motor
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Loving the nk180hd so far. Quiet and powerful!
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
4 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Matt M.
on September 5, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
I love my nk180hd!...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I love my nk180hd! I have a Hobie Outback and this is what I've been missing. Definitely recommend.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by Ryan C.
on September 3, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
This thing is legit,...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
This thing is legit, reliable, and great service!
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Jody M.
on September 3, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Only used it once...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Only used it once but I like it. I’m trying to figure out a way to connect it to the rudder on my old town pdl. Great so far though
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
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Freshwater
Reviewed by Vernon H.
on August 27, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Power to spare
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Adding the NK180 to my kayak makes my fishing trip more enjoyable throughout the entire day. At 63 the end of the day now is amazing…no more cramps and it leaves me with more energy to load up kayak and gear.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by George H.
on August 11, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Excellent motor package overall....
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent motor package overall. I bought the NK180 Pro just as the HD was being released, and I have no regrets as all the components have been well durable enough for my application. I have this set up on my Isle Flywater with some custom rigging for pole steering and it meets all expectations, and is quite a bit faster than I had expected. Compared to competitors I was shopping, this package really seems to be the best value, especially considering how many options are in the box for rigging.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
4 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Brian F.
on August 2, 2026
Recommends this product
Best Upgrade I've Made to My Kayak
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I've been running the Newport NK180 HD on my Old Town PDL 120 for saltwater fishing, powered by the Newport 24V 50Ah LoPRO LiFePO4 battery, and it's been an awesome setup.
I mostly fish bays and marshes, and this setup lets me cover a lot more water without wearing myself out pedaling. The motor has plenty of power for wind and current, it's quiet, and the battery easily lasts through my trips.
The install was straightforward, and everything has worked exactly like I hoped. If you're thinking about adding an NK180 HD to an Old Town PDL 120, I definitely recommend it. It's one of the best upgrades I've made to my kayak.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by Franky R.
on August 1, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
I love the individual packaging and labeling
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
The purchasing and packaging was fantastic. Everything is labeled for easy installation. What disappointed me was the fact that Newport neither includes track mounted eyelets or cleats with the kit. Having to not be able to use my kayak until I purchased and waited anther week was very disappointing. Native has different videos on YouTube that are conflicting which shows they are included. Had I known, I would have purchased this at the same time as the trolling motor. It just makes sense to include these as most kayaks have track mounts.
- Performance
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4 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
3 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by Gregory N.
on July 27, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Fishing with a NK180hd, outstanding!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Only have been out once with my NK180hd and had a blast. No pedaling, no paddling just fishing! Has the power for a long ride to the right spot and back. Thank you Newport! Love the motor. Satisfied!!!!
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
4 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Mike B.
on July 16, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Will find out soon
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Have not used it yet
- Ease of Install
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5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
Reviewed by Nancy H.
on July 3, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
I’m very satisfied and no longer worried about it failing
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
After the first motor failed on just the second use I was very skeptical. However after sending me a replacement it has been very solid and reliable
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by William H.
on June 30, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Ordering was easy…
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Ordering was easy, and shipping was fast. Just took it out today for the initial run and was blown away but is simplicity, and ease of use. This upgrade will definitely be the catalyst for some serious lake/river adventures in the very near future.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by derek C.
on June 17, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Looks and fits...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Looks and fits amazing can’t wait to up my fishing game with it!!!
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Saltwater
Reviewed by Vernon A.
on June 10, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
Mounted this to my...
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mounted this to my wife’s Jackson youpik. Mounting it was very easy. Lift line reverse line and steering works perfect. The 180 has plenty of speed for her 12 feet long 100 pound kayak
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Todd C.
on May 30, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
The NK 180 HD is fast and efficient.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
The NK180 HD is a perfect companion to my Nucanoe Unlimited. Fast, powerful, and efficient. I can fish all day long on a 24v 50ah battery and have plenty to spare. I recommend to anyone.
- Performance
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Poor, 3 = Average, 5 = Excellent)
- Ease of Install
-
5 out of 5 (1 = Hard, 3 = Moderate, 5 = Vesy Easy)
- Environment
-
Freshwater
Reviewed by Scott F.
on May 27, 2026
Verified buyer
Recommends this product
