I'm 77, and I use my own customized version of this motor gadget for float tube propulsion instead of fins, paddles, or oars,
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=h0hGetgPR0QA YouTube search shows you how to make your own, if you don't want to buy a ready-made "drill paddle" unit from amazon. There are also versions have that have been used to power kayaks.
I only do sheltered big water and rivers up to class 3, in my float tube. My personal preference is not to go offshore in anything under 20-30 ft or so, with enough horsepower to get up on plane, so I can have some comfort from the wind and blazing sun, Plus it gives an option to get back quickly if a storm or other emergency creeps up. I would rent or Charter something like that, if I got the itch to go into open seawater, as I wouldn't use it often enough to justify owning it.
Some Pros of using a drill propeller:
.much more speed and range than fins or oars, and spare batteries store in pockets, no mounting or wiring; moves against some heavy winds and some 2 knot river currents going Upstream.
.probably the best way to move around quickly through extended sections of shallow water down to 6 inches " the flats" or if it includes portaging or packing in, because of the low weight and the very shallow draft of a small trailing propeller, where oars, fins, paddles, and other heavier boat methods may not work
May be the easiest to Travel with and Transport anywhere and using just about any vehicle/ aircraft/ motorboat that can carry a fishing rod case and medium size suitcase, as FT weight fully loaded with all equipment, motor Drive with 8 mile range, plus a quart of water and snacks, is under 30 lb. The range can be increased by adding more batteries, I could fit 10 batteries which would give me 25 to 30 miles.
. Fully assembled float tube with all equipment in pockets stays partially inflated and suspended on my garage wall for a quick grab and go. Then backpack straps are used when arriving at the launch parking; quickly gets me to just about anywhere with a walking trail and shallow water approach, no need for wheels, or to wait for boat ramps or Docks, or make multiple trips loading. Usually I pick a launch point that allows me to motor into the wind and into the river current going Upstream; that allows me to troll going against the forces, and to look for promising Lays (for the return )and to move away from crowds of Bank fishermen, or crowds of other boats and kayaks. I can usually backstrap around Rapids or other barriers which blocks off heavier craft which cannot be Back strapped. The drift back to launch point is with the assistance of natural forces, so that even if I lose motor power, a pair of ping pong paddles will steer me back to Launch point.
FT allows Get in, out, or stop almost instantly anywhere you can stand up in close to hip high water, better stability than narrow longish craft. No need to repeatedly climb in and out or constantly adjust position with paddles if feet can touch bottom, plus no marinating feet in muddy water when using my crossbar foot rest. All of my float tubes and pontoons have seats that are at least 4 in above the water, which keeps my butt dry, without having to use waders.
FT is Probably the lowest cost powered boat, works with even some of the cheapest battery drills that have a high RPM function, if using a trolling motor propeller.
Here are some of my dislikes:
.Drill or batteries can fall in the water if not properly tethered or zip pocket stored, but I use a Bungie neck strap with instant quick release for my drill which helps.
Noisy and uses a lot of spare batteries when operating at full speed, better at half speed with variable trigger speed control to get longer range and decent power
Drill will get hot at full speed and may shut down temporarily after a couple of miles or so depending on the brand and the amount of continuous use. I use a wet washcloth tied away from the vents to cool things down,, a squirt of water periodically will keep it moist and cooling, so there's no shutdown.
Drill propeller Requires two hands to operate while under power, depending on how it is set up, and the speed used. I also mounted a couple of rear view mirrors since the propulsion is backwards at speed, helps with not having to turn my neck so much. I have a couple of rod holders mounted for trolling purposes.
Probably not for use in heavy rain, I have some plastic covering that will help in that situation, but I have never needed to use it so far.
Requires registration in Tx public waters, but not in private Waters, or at some other USA states or other countries.
