Testing the Limits of the FluxJet Kayak: Shallow Water, Weeds and River Current
New video from Aggressively Average Anglers
Jeff and Paul Put the FluxJet Through a Michigan River Test
Jeff and Paul did not take the easy route for this one. They ran the FluxJet through a shallow river, thick grass, mud, submerged timber and a little current before moving to the lake for a 24V speed test. Jeff also walks through the controller problem he found, how he replaced it and how he rigged his Garmin 93sv.
Results from the day
What They Recorded on the Water
Jeff used a 36V-class 50Ah battery for the river test. Paul used a 24V 50Ah battery on the lake. These are the speeds and results they reported in the video. Your numbers will change with your battery, total load, wind, current and water conditions.
Battery and speed
Jeff Tested 36V. Paul Tested 24V.
Jeff used a Power Queen battery labeled 38.4V 50Ah for the river portion. He saw speeds between 5.0 and 5.3 mph at different points in the day. Paul used a 24V 50Ah battery on the lake and held close to 4 mph, including about 3.9 to 4.0 mph while moving into a light breeze.
FluxJet accepts compatible owner-supplied batteries from 12V to 60V fully charged. The battery must also fit securely inside the included Group 31 battery box. We recommend 36V for customers who want the strongest balance of speed and runtime. When comparing batteries, look at the complete electrical specifications rather than amp-hours alone.
Before buying a battery: Jeff specifically points out the 50-amp continuous-discharge rating on the battery he used. Check the battery’s fully charged voltage, physical dimensions, chemistry, Battery Management System and continuous-discharge rating before ordering. If the battery cannot supply enough current, the motor may not deliver full power and the battery may shut the system down under load.
| Test | Observed result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 36V river and lake use | Approximately 5.0 to 5.3 mph at points | Speed varied with wind, current, debris and direction of travel. |
| 24V lake run | Approximately 4.0 mph | Calm water and a light breeze, measured on the Garmin display. |
| Moderate current | Approximately 1.3 to 2.0 mph upstream | The strongest current available in this test was still described as moderate. |
These are the numbers recorded in this video, not guaranteed speeds or runtimes. Battery output, rider and gear weight, wind, current, temperature and vegetation can all change the result.
Shallow water and obstacles
Testing the FluxJet in Very Shallow Water
Jeff kept looking for places where a prop-driven kayak would have trouble. He crossed submerged sticks, shallow mud, grass and small timber without a propeller, skeg or rudder hanging below the hull. In a few narrow sections, there was not enough room to use a paddle, but he could still steer and use the jet to work through the opening.
He did get stuck when the water became too shallow for the loaded kayak to float freely. Jeff estimated that a few of those spots were around two to three inches deep. Our normal guidance is approximately three to four inches, depending on the combined weight of the rider, battery and gear. In the shallowest areas, Jeff shifted his weight or used one side of the paddle to push the kayak back into deeper water.
Plan for three to four inches: The motor does not hang below the hull, but the kayak still needs enough water to float. Slow down when the bottom is hard to see, and keep your paddle within reach.
Grass and vegetation
Slow Down Before Entering Thick Grass
A viewer had suggested using low throttle instead of full power in thick grass, so Jeff tested it. He reduced the throttle to roughly one-quarter and continued moving through a dense mat of surface vegetation. He was not moving quickly, but the kayak kept going.
The intake eventually picked up some grass and thrust started to drop. Jeff used reverse to release part of it, switched back to forward and returned to normal speed after leaving the thickest section. Reverse helped in this test, but it will not clear every type of debris every time. The FluxJet intake is weedless by design, not clog-proof.
- Reduce throttle before entering dense surface vegetation.
- Use a steady low throttle instead of charging into the thickest area.
- If thrust drops, return the throttle to neutral before changing direction.
- Use reverse to help clear loose debris when conditions allow.
- Shut the system down before any hands-on inspection or debris removal.
Current and control
Tight Turns Were Easy. Strong Current Was Not Tested.
Paul used the foot steering to make a tight turn on the lake and was back near full speed within a few seconds. On the river, Jeff turned through narrow openings, changed direction near logs and adjusted the throttle to roughly match the current while facing upstream.
The river did not have rapids or sustained heavy current. In the faster creek section Jeff found, the Garmin showed approximately 1.3 to 2 mph while traveling upstream. Steering remained responsive, but the current clearly reduced his speed.
This video does not answer how the FluxJet will perform in rapids, and Jeff says that directly. Fast current, shallow water, logs and strainers can become dangerous quickly. Check the route before entering moving water and stay within your experience level.
Serviceability
A Faulty Controller Was Replaced in About 10 Minutes
During an earlier outing, the motor cut out whenever Jeff held the throttle at full power. The display stayed on, and the motor would run again after he returned the throttle to neutral, but the problem kept coming back. Jeff contacted FluxJet, explained what was happening and received a replacement controller module and throttle.
He opened the access panel, moved the connections over one at a time and used a pull-through line to route the new throttle cable. Jeff said the full replacement took about ten minutes. He then ran the same 36V-class battery for several hours without the motor cutting out again.
FluxJet kayaks are built with replaceable motor, steering and electrical components so many repairs can be completed without shipping the entire kayak back. Our two-year limited warranty covers qualifying defects in materials and workmanship during normal personal recreational use. Approved claims receive the replacement parts and repair instructions needed for the job. The complete terms and exclusions are available in the warranty policy.
Warranty note: Do not open a sealed compartment or make an unauthorized modification. The current policy states that doing so without FluxJet’s express written consent can void the warranty. Contact FluxJet before beginning a repair when warranty coverage may apply.
Electronics and rigging
Garmin 93sv Setup and the GT56 Clearance Issue
Jeff removed the forward rod holder on the right side and installed a mounting plate for his Garmin 93sv. He routed the power and transducer cables through the kayak, leaving only a short section of cable visible near the display. The Garmin was powered through the FluxJet’s regulated 12V accessory connection, so he did not need a separate fish-finder battery.
The larger Garmin GT56 transducer did not have enough clearance under the protective cover in Jeff’s setup. He believed the transducer was touching the cover and interfering with the sonar. After removing the cover for the test, side scan and down scan worked normally on the river.
Removing the cover was Jeff’s temporary test solution, not our general installation recommendation. Larger transducers may need a lower-profile mount to keep the transducer clear of the cover. Contact FluxJet before removing protective parts or drilling into the kayak, especially if the kayak is still under warranty.
Before you launch
Before You Try Similar Water
Jeff kept a paddle on the kayak and used it more than once when the hull stopped floating freely or a branch blocked the route. He also caught himself troubleshooting the motor before checking the magnetic kill switch. Before heading into similar water, run through these basics first.
- Carry a properly fitted life jacket and wear it while operating.
- Carry a paddle even when the battery is fully charged.
- Confirm the magnetic kill switch is seated before diagnosing a loss of propulsion.
- Check battery state of charge and secure the battery inside the box.
- Inspect the intake and hull before launching and after crossing debris.
- Approach weeds, mud, timber and unknown shallows at reduced speed.
- Do not enter current that exceeds your experience or the conditions you can safely exit.
- Verify that electronics, transducers and accessories have safe clearance.
Field-test questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the FluxJet kayak go through weeds?
Yes, but slow down before entering thick vegetation. Jeff had the best result at roughly quarter throttle and used reverse when grass began reducing thrust. The intake can still collect vegetation, so the FluxJet is weedless by design, not clog-proof.
How shallow can the FluxJet kayak run?
Our normal guidance is approximately three to four inches, depending on the rider, battery, gear and bottom conditions. Jeff estimated that a few places in this video were closer to two or three inches, but he also got stuck and had to shift his weight or push with the paddle.
What battery did Aggressively Average Anglers use?
Jeff used a Power Queen battery labeled 38.4V 50Ah for the river test. Paul used a 24V 50Ah battery on the lake. FluxJet accepts compatible batteries from 12V to 60V fully charged, but we recommend 36V for the best overall balance of speed and runtime. Check the battery’s size and complete electrical specifications before ordering.
How fast did the kayak go in this test?
Jeff reported approximately 5.0 to 5.3 mph at different points with the 36V-class setup. Paul measured about 4 mph with the 24V battery on the lake. Those were their numbers for the conditions shown in the video. Battery output, load, wind and current will change the result.
Can the FluxJet kayak handle strong river current?
This test only covered mild to moderate current. It did not include rapids or sustained heavy flow. Jeff moved upstream at approximately 1.3 to 2 mph in the faster section he found, but stronger current will reduce speed and can make shallow routes unsafe.
What happens if an electronic component needs service?
Contact FluxJet and explain exactly what the kayak is doing. In Jeff’s case, the cutoff problem was traced to the controller and he replaced the controller module and throttle. Qualifying defects are covered by the two-year limited warranty, subject to the full terms and exclusions. Do not open sealed compartments without FluxJet’s approval.
Watch the full video
See Every Test, Problem and Fix
Jeff drove through matted grass, crossed submerged timber, worked through tight river channels and tested two different battery voltages. He also showed the controller problem, the replacement process, the Garmin installation and the places where the kayak needed help.
The FluxJet did not clear every obstacle without slowing down, using reverse or reaching for the paddle. Watch the complete video to see the full conditions and hear Jeff and Paul’s conclusions before deciding how the kayak fits the water you fish.
Always follow the owner’s manual, wear an appropriate personal flotation device, carry a paddle and comply with local boating requirements. Do not attempt obstacles or water conditions beyond your training, experience or equipment.