KEY POINTS:
Like kayaks but not too sure about all that paddling? How does a powered kayak sound, then?
Now available in New Zealand through Auckland Marine Centre, Surfango Powerboards are literally kayaks fitted with a 4-stroke engine.
Priced around the $5000 mark, the Surfango range is quite varied: there are models designed to be stood on, kneeled upon, sat in or sat on. While the former are more suited to adrenalin seekers who want to play in the surf or simply "hoon" around, the latter will appeal more to those who like to explore quiet estuaries or travel some distance up the coast.
Powered by a 9.9hp 150cc engine through a jet unit, these Powerboards are no slugs. They can reach speeds of over 20 knots and most carry enough fuel for two hours running at full throttle or up to six hours at three-quarter power.
The more sedate models are pretty kitted out, too. Many include features such as dry storage, rod holders, digital RPM, battery, fuel and temperature gauges, magnetic kill switches and automatic bilge pumps.
Some have an electric start and a joystick control.
The five Surfango Powerboard models available here range in size from 2.5-3.5m and weigh between 50 and 65kg, depending on the model.
