We Tried to Drain a 36V Battery. We Failed.

After five and a half hours on the water covering every inch of a lake, we finally checked the battery.

55% remaining.

We completely failed to drain it.

What We Actually Did

The kayak was carrying 317 pounds and we had electronics running the whole time including sonar, phone charging, and a GoPro.

Total weight: 317 lbs (rider + gear + cooler)
Battery: 36V 50Ah
Electronics running all day: Garmin 106sv on high brightness, phone charging continuously, GoPro recording
Lake speed limit: 5 mph max

We did not hold a single steady speed because that is not how anglers actually fish. Instead, the day included running to different areas of the lake, slowing down to work structure, and repositioning multiple times. The route included longer runs, slower maneuvering, and several directional changes across the lake to better reflect real on-water movement.

The Results

Total runtime: 5 hours 32 minutes
Distance covered: 14.42 miles
Battery remaining: 55%

And here's the kicker—we started the day slightly under full charge. So we were already down a few percent before we even hit the water.

What Does This Actually Mean?

If we'd started at 100% and run until dead, the math works out to roughly 28 miles of range at a realistic 3.5-4 mph average cruising speed.

And that's with one battery.

We had a whole second 36V battery sitting in the back that we didn't touch. If you really wanted to go 60 miles for some reason, you've got that option.

After covering 14 miles on the water, the system still had over 55% battery remaining. That kind of efficiency opens the door for longer days on the water and more flexibility for anglers moving between fishing spots.

Why This Test Matters

Most "range tests" you see online are unrealistic. Light load. No accessories. Perfect conditions. Short duration.

This test was designed to simulate a typical day on the water in calm freshwater conditions. The kayak was loaded to a total weight of 317 pounds with electronics running throughout the day, including sonar, phone charging, and continuous GoPro recording. The goal was to evaluate real-world efficiency and endurance during normal cruising and repositioning between spots.

The nav lights you see in the video? Those are factory-installed. Clean wiring, integrated power, no aftermarket clutter. That's intentional.

What's Next

This test was about realistic usage. Next up, we're going to intentionally try to drain the battery and see how far we can actually push it.

Data, not speculation.

Choosing Your Battery

If you're trying to figure out which battery voltage is right for you, we put together a complete battery guide that breaks down 12V vs 24V vs 36V options, runtime calculations.

Short version: we recommend 36V for the reasons you just saw in this test.

Want to See It in Person?

If you're a FluxJet pre-order customer, we'll be in touch as your final assembly date approaches.

If you want to see one on the water before you order, check our dealer network to find a location near you and ask about their display kayak and demo kayak.

And if you've got questions about specs, shipping, or anything else, hit up the FAQ page or reply to your order confirmation email.

See you on the water.
The FluxJet Team