Motorized Kayaks · Fishing
The Crescent Cres-Craft is not really a kayak in the traditional sense. It is a micro skiff with a paddling problem, or a power kayak that thinks it is a skiff, depending on how you rig it.
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The Crescent Cres-Craft is not really a kayak in the traditional sense. It is a micro skiff with a paddling problem, or a power kayak that thinks it is a skiff, depending on how you rig it. The planing hull can run up to 19 mph with a 6 HP motor, and you can still paddle it when the motor is off.
If you want to skip ahead and see what it costs, check the current price here.
That combination is rare. Most kayaks that take motors are displacement hulls that wallow at speed. The Cres-Craft gets up on plane and runs like a small boat. .
Who This Kayak Is For
This is for the angler who has outgrown paddling everywhere but does not want a boat, trailer, and ramp every trip. It fits one or two people, carries 500 pounds, and works for bass lakes, back bays, and skinny flats. Tournament anglers running big water will love the speed, and inshore guys will love the shallow draft.
It is not for the purist paddler. At 119 pounds, this is a trailer or truck-bed craft, not something you shoulder to a put-in.
Two Editions: Micro Skiff vs Power Kayak
Crescent sells it in two configurations. The Micro Skiff Edition takes tiller steering with a stainless transom rated to 6 HP, a foam-filled hull, and a teak bench that doubles as a poling platform. The Power Kayak Edition uses hands-free foot steering, is rated to 3 HP electric on the stern power plate, and comes with a Millennium marine-grade swivel seat for precision electric fishing.
Pick the Skiff if you want gas power and speed. Pick the Power Kayak if you want quiet electric control and foot steering.
Stability and Performance Under Power
The planing hull is the whole story. It lifts at speed, which means less drag, better fuel range, and a dry ride thanks to the sharp V bow and spray rails. Dual molded-in skegs keep it steady when you trim the motor up and pole across a flat. The inset motor position balances the weight so it planes quickly.
Under paddle power it is, in Crescent’s own words, still a good paddler. The 13-foot-6-inch hull carries momentum well, though 39 inches of beam and 119 pounds mean you will not win any sprints.
Comfort and Seating
Seating depends on your edition. The Power Kayak’s Millennium swivel seat is plush and rotates, which is great for working around electronics and rods. The Micro Skiff’s teak bench is simpler and built for standing, poling, and sight fishing. Neither is a lazy lounge chair, because this craft is built to fish from actively.
Storage and Rigging
The open, self-bailing cockpit has integrated rails and molded rod features to keep gear organized without clutter. The bow hatch swallows batteries or overnight gear, with molded rod tip slots and a recessed nav light footprint. For the battery, I recommend the WattCycle 12V 100Ah mini LiFePO4 battery with Bluetoothit runs most 12V trolling motors up to 55lb thrust plus a fish finder, and it’s compact and light. The stern has built-in strapping points and mounting recesses for power poles.
This is a boat you rig once and fish hard for years. The layout invites electronics, shallow water anchors, and rod storage without turning into a cluttered mess.
Honest Drawbacks
Price and weight are the real tradeoffs. At $2,699 before the motor, this is serious money, and you still need to buy the motor separately. At 119 pounds, car-topping is off the table for most people. Check your local freight situation too, since boats this size often need special delivery.
Also be honest about registration. A 6 HP motor in most states means titling and registration like a boat, with the fees and paperwork that come with it.
Crescent Cres-Craft Fishing Kayak FAQ
How fast does the Crescent Cres-Craft go?
Crescent rates it to about 19 mph with a 6 HP motor on the Micro Skiff Edition. Real-world numbers vary with load.
What is the weight capacity of the Cres-Craft?
It is rated for 500 pounds and fits one or two paddlers.
Does the Cres-Craft come with a motor?
No. Propulsion is sold separately, gas or electric, and you choose your edition to match.
Can you paddle the Cres-Craft without a motor?
Yes. The hull paddles well for a power craft, so you can fish quietly in no-motor zones.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 13′ 6″ |
| Width | 39″ |
| Weight | 119 lbs |
| Max capacity | 500 lbs |
| Drive type | Paddle or Power (motor sold separately) |
Where to Buy
If the Crescent Cres-Craft Fishing Kayak sounds like your kind of boat, check the current price:
Also check out our reviews of the Crescent Shoalie Fishing Kayak, Crescent LiteTackle II Fishing Kayak, Crescent CK2 Venture Fishing Kayak, and Crescent Smallie Fishing Kayak.
For the latest colors, specs, and warranty details, see the official Crescent website for the Crescent Cres-Craft.
