|
Home | Forum | Online Store | Information | LJ Webcam | Gallery | Register | FAQ | Community | Calendar | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
12-13-2017, 02:17 PM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: san diego
Posts: 210
|
Compass and Bixpy
Bixpy is a San Diego company and have just brought their modular motor system to market. I purchased one with the mirage kit and took it out today for the first time. It is light weight and is controlled by a handheld wireless remote. It pulled my compass around at about 4.5 mph. I used it for around an hour and the charge indicator showed I had only used about 1/6 of the battery. At around 1000.00 it is cheaper than a Torqueedo. It doesn’t have a gps feature like the evolve, so you have to keep an eye on your available battery power left. A little noisy, but less whinny than an Evolve. Easier to put in and take out as you don’t have to worry about prop alignment. I’m know powering a kayak is not for everyone, but it is nice to have another choice if you do. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
12-13-2017, 02:35 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Palos Verdes
Posts: 1,855
|
2 questions
2 questions for you...
Is there any kind of indicator to let you know what your battery level is ? I understand it's a 5 speed control...is there an indicator to let you know what speed you are on and do you have to cycle through the speeds to get to a lower speed ? Thanks
__________________
Jim / Saba Slayer |
12-13-2017, 02:41 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: san diego
Posts: 210
|
There is a indicator on the battery that has 6 leds that show battery level.
You do have to step through each speed on the controller. There is a separate stop button. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
12-13-2017, 03:51 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Santa Ana/Westminster
Posts: 1,256
|
If they intergrade the battery in the cassette I'd be sold. 4.5 is slower then the torqeedo but not by much.
__________________
Kevin Yellow PA12 |
12-13-2017, 04:06 PM | #5 |
Junior
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 27
|
That seems pretty cool. Couple questions: Once we place a motor like that in the mirage drive well, are we responsible for registering the kayak through the DMV? Does the fact that it is a portable motor that is not permanently installed have any bearing on whether or not one would have to register the kayak?
|
12-13-2017, 04:20 PM | #6 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: South OC
Posts: 1,606
|
Quote:
|
|
12-13-2017, 04:29 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Palos Verdes
Posts: 1,855
|
IMHO
In my experiences with the Redondo Harbor patrol...you must have CF numbers if you have a motor on any vessel...Coast Guard regulations require CF numbers for a motorized vessel.
On the other hand...often times harbor patrol will not even notice if you have CF numbers or that the kayak is motorized. If your a member of AAA, is so simple to document the kayak and get your numbers...it's $16 a year for your DMV registration if you don't pay the Quaga and zebra mussel fee (that shouldn't break the bank), otherwise it's $36 a year. Well worth the $16 not to get hassled...
__________________
Jim / Saba Slayer |
12-13-2017, 05:11 PM | #8 | |
Junior
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 27
|
Quote:
|
|
12-13-2017, 05:54 PM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 347
|
saw the Bixby at the FHS last Feb and it got my attention but at 1k its pretty steep but would be cool to slap that sucker on after a long ass haul outbound and use it to come back in. Im most likely gonna get one soon lol.
|
12-13-2017, 06:24 PM | #10 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: san diego
Posts: 210
|
Quote:
That’s why I bought it. I have a bad knee that sometimes gives out. Figured it’s a good way to extend my fishing time. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
12-13-2017, 11:25 PM | #11 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SGV
Posts: 848
|
I remember seeing this a couple of weeks ago. You've got me really interested now! How portable is it? My Adventure is narrow so I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea of storing this when it's not in use.
__________________
Baitfish catcher extraordinaire |
12-14-2017, 05:42 AM | #12 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: san diego
Posts: 210
|
Quote:
Super portable. More so than the evolve unit. I’m in San Diego, if you ever want to check it out, PM me. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
|
12-14-2017, 07:53 AM | #13 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Santa Ana/Westminster
Posts: 1,256
|
Speaking from someone who owned a torqeedo evolve (two actially), rear mounting a motor on a Pa or Compass is the way to go hands down. Swapping the drive and motor in and out is a pain in the ass and having to store one while you use the other is an even bigger pain.
__________________
Kevin Yellow PA12 |
12-14-2017, 01:39 PM | #14 |
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Utah
Posts: 46
|
Cool alternative! Since the devil is always in the details (grin), how much does the motor weigh? What amp-hour battery are you using? Maximum amp draw on the motor? How much does draft change with the motor installed? 12 inches or ?? Can you launch with motor installed or do you have to drop it in the drive well while tied up to a dock? Thanks!
|
12-14-2017, 02:47 PM | #15 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Palos Verdes
Posts: 1,855
|
How...?
Quote:
Without a prop on the Bixpy my concern is still getting the line snagged somewhere on the drive when it's in the rear of the yak and inaccessible to a solo angler... What are your thoughts...Raskal...?
__________________
Jim / Saba Slayer |
|
12-14-2017, 08:19 PM | #16 | |
Large Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: La Verne, CA
Posts: 1,008
|
Quote:
|
|
12-15-2017, 02:10 AM | #17 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Santa Ana/Westminster
Posts: 1,256
|
Quote:
__________________
Kevin Yellow PA12 Last edited by Raskal311; 12-15-2017 at 02:25 AM. |
|
05-12-2018, 10:31 AM | #18 |
Junior
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 2
|
Bixpy Jet
I put the rudder mounted bixpy jet on my hobie rev 11. I took a fishing class and found the distances to get far enough out where the fish are to be a little challenging at my age, especially going against the current or wind.
The rudder mount fits perfectly, basically replacing the Hobie rudder wiht a stubby rudder and quick release system for mounting/removing the bixby jet unit itself. After adjusting the tightening screw a bit on the twist and stow rudder, it retracts and deploys nicely. The newly designed outboard battery is fairly light and fits under my vantage seat with one short extension cable. The jet has 3 speeds and reverse. I have not yet taken the kayak out yet, but I also bought the swim jet battery that attaches to the same jet unit, and I took that out in the ocean snorkeling. The swim jet configuration has 3 speeds and is powerful on high speed. You need to hold on with two hands if you run on high speed very long. I got the bigger swim jet battery. I had a problem with the swim battery itself and Bixpy was extremely prompt and replaced the swim battery immediately at no cost to me, no shipping cost either. The price of this system is low enough compared with the Hobie system, that you can buy an extra battery for the kayak and come out about even. One thing for sure, the bixpy system is much more flexible and versatile than what Hobie offers. (duplicate post) |
|
|