Owner Stories

We bought 2 new Mokai with the Robin 7HP Subaru to add to Cindy's little rental fleet. We didn't think it was possible to improve on excellence but the Mokai Team has done just that! The new motor has brought the Mokai to the nexus of engineering perfection! What an incredible evolution and what an amazing watercraft! Mike and Cindy Mayette.

Name: Mike & Cindy Mayette, Waddington NY
Email: michaelmayette@yahoo.com
Owner Since: February 2009
Submitted July 2010

In the spring of 2004 I got a yearning for a '66 Mustang like my mother bought the year I got my license. I had $20k budgeted and drove two dozen or more.The reality of older cars didn't match my memories. After seeing an ad for the Mokai I spoke with Marie and ordered my boat. The first time I put in on the Shenandoah River I went upstream 15 miles and back. What Mustang? Many miles and many smiles later it still runs like new. Thanks Marie for the total down to earth class of your operation. I'm down from 40 canoe trips a year to 20 and having much more fun.

Name: Andy Hatch, Rixeyville VA
Email: ahatch@hughes.net
Owner Since: Sept 2004
Submitted January 2010

I can't begin to tell you folks how much I am enjoying the Mokai. I have used it on lakes and rivers in OH, NY, and PA. Living in Mentor, Ohio I am only about 15 minutes from the Grand River which is one of (if not the best) Steelhead fishing rivers in what is know as Steelhead Alley.

The craft is great for going up the Grand River to reach my favorite fishing spots. The only problems I have are everyone at the launch site wanting to know everything about the craft, how it works, how the engine goes in, you name it, they ask the questions. On a typical day I get delayed by a minimum of 15 minutes up to an hour or more. To be truthful, I love the converstions with people, so don't mind the delay.

Some of the greatest fun is letting someone try it out for themselves and watch the big smiles on their faces when they return.

Name: J. Sobeski, Mentor OH
Email: johnsobeski@gmail.com
Owner Since: May 2009
Submitted December 2009

We bought two MOKAI in February and picked them up at the factory. We outfitted them for island camping on the Mayettes on Rideau Canal St. Lawrence River and its tributaries. We launched them in March and over the past 6 months, have logged nearly 1,000 miles on them. We recently took them to Canada and logged 170 miles over 7 days of exploring the Rideau Canal System that runs from Kingston, Ontario to Ottowa. The MOKAI has outperformed our greatest expectations and overall the experience has taught us that the MOKAI, and the people who make them are a class above anything else out there. The MOKAI has given us a new found freedom in a superbly reliable, sophisticatedly simple engineering dream. It truly is a beautiful boat. If ANYONE has any questions or concerns about buying or owning one, feel free to contact us. The MOKAI is truly an undiscovered country for those searching for one to explore.

Name: Michael & Cindy Mayette, Waddington NY 13694
Email: michaelmayette@yahoo.com
Owner Since: February 2009
Submitted September 2009

I purchased my Mokai in 2008 as a way to fish the river systems of Indiana. The Mokai has proven to be a great vessel for exploring waters others cannot venture into. Just this week, I was able to enjoy the Mokai in Mosquito Lagoon and Spruce Creek in Florida. The fishing has been great, many Redfish, a few Mangrove Snappers and even a Tarpon. I have a feeling this is the first time anyone has taken a Mokai out in Mosquito Lagoon because the locals are giving me a lot of strange looks. Earlier today, I was stopped by the U.S. Coast Guard near Ponce Inlet simply because they had never seen such a boat.

Name: Lee Ramsey, Mooresville IN 46158
Email: ljramsey@earthlink.net
Owner Since: July 2008
Submitted September 2009

Some pics of us breaking ice on the St. Lawrence River, Massena NY. What a blast. Best time ever with any thing I've ever owned. I thought my jeep was fun 4-wheeling- But this tops it. rev.7@live.com

Name: M. Delaney, Broadalbin NY
Owner Since: August 2008
Submitted August 2009

I bought my Mokai a month ago and so far I've used nine gal. of gas - 180 miles. That should tell you how I like it. I had my doubts about getting it on top of the car but I can do it by myself. I am 80. I take it on lakes, Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and, when its not windy, in the ocean. In August, we are going to Dog Lake in Canada. A friend of mine bought one too. Now my neighbor is getting one. I had two rod holders installed and they work great. E-mail me and I'll tell you more! Grandpaernieh@aol.com

Name: Ernie, Bergenfield NJ
Owner Since: April 2009
Submitted July 2009

The greatest boat ever made. Would like to meet Mokai owners in Tennessee to take river trips from my camp on the Duck river in Hickman county. I have made a 60 mile trip and spent most of the trip helping my friends push conventional boats over shoals. Please contact me at stvmad@aol.com
Thanks
Steve

Name: Steve Goodson, Estill Springs TN
Owner Since: 2006
Submitted April 2009

I own a Mokai I purchased second hand. The Mokai has been the best investment I have ever made in outdoor toys. I use the Mokai about 4-6 day's a week after work and on the weekends from ice out to ice up (Mar.-Nov.) When I'm not using it, it feels like I lost my boots.
I just want to thank you all there at Mokai for such a great watercraft and perfect customer service, the best I've seen and that's no lie.

Name: H. Bruce, Cedar Rapids IA 52404
Email: lebruce1@imonmail.com
Owner Since: 2008
Submitted April 2009

On July 16,2009 I will be 86 years old.
I lived in Avalon, Catalina Island, Ca. when I was growing up and graduated from High School there in the Class of 1941. My plan for my birthday this year is to take my Mokai from Avalon up the lee side to the west end, go around the end and come down, weather permitting, on the south side around the east end and back to Avalon. The back side gets a little fancy so have to check it out. I will come back down the lee side after crossing the Ismus near the west end.
I have had my boat out in the channel about 5 miles and it handles it OK.
There were only 19 in my class and there are 5 of us left as of this date.
By the way I will have a shadow boat just in case. The Island is 26 miles long and I plan to take 2 days.
I will follow with a report on
my return.

Sam Upton, Las Vegas NV
Owner Since: 2006
Submitted April 2009

First of all kudos to Marie the initial sales person I spoke to for being so courteous and descriptive of how the Mokai operates. After 2 months and numerous calls I made, asking questions about durability and operating costs I purchased a Mokai. I would like to thank Rick, the president and founder of Mokai for making a watercraft that is absolutely a blast to operate and a sportsman's dream. I have already fished out of my Mokai and am able to pull right up to the brush piles, anchor with the anchor system and fish for hours also not to mention the ability to run up the river and squeeze through places a regular boat can't pass. I am looking forward this fall to waterfowl hunt out of the Mokai and get to those hard to reach places that a mud buddy can't even get to. Thanks again for a quality product and also being so helpful and ccourteous on all mechanical issues. All I can say is first class organization and an outstanding product and last but not least Rick and Marie and all the people at Mokai thank you.

Name: Tom Schauer, Temple TX
Owner Since: March 09
Submitted April 2009

I have been an avid kayaker for 25 years and always wanted to design a motorized kayak. I was fortunate to discover the MOKAI before taking on such a challenge. Each Fall myself and three friends travel to the north end of Vancouver Island. There are many lakes and rivers to explore but last year I took it out into the ocean. It handled great in swells up to 3 feet and I discovered that surfing the bow wave of tour ships and other large boats was a real rush! It's possible to weave back and forth along the wave crest with ease and the energy of the wave can nearly double your top speed!

John, Maple Valley WA
Owner Since: April 2006

In the wilds of Alaska there are thousands of river miles and countless lakes accessible to a Mokai!!! Last fall I took my new Mokai 15 miles UP the Little Suisitna River out of Houston, Alaska according to my GPS. The wild life I saw included Grebes, Osprey, Ravens, Eagles, Moose and while I did not see a Bear there was lots of sign!!! The only thing that stopped me that day was a fallen tree that completely blocked the river. I averaged about 5 mph upstream and 15mph downstream and all on less than a tank of gas!!!
As an avid off road motorcyclists my Mokai has opened a whole new world to me. It is truly "An ATV of the Rivers" here in Alaska!!!
Anyone else up for a run from Fairbanks to Manley Hot Springs??? (:-)

Name: Michael , Wasilla AK
Owner Since: 2007

Only had the opportunity to take my Mokai out twice since getting late last year. Learning more every trip about best, most efficient ways of load/unloading. Really cool boat, bungee it in the pickup, back up to the water, put the engine in making all 3-4 connections, load my 'stuff', park the truck and away I go.

For a motorized boat, I really enjoy ability to point at my target spot and cut the motor, drifting into where I want to go. No wakes, big engine noises, etc. to spook the fish.

Every day with my Mokai is a new learning experience that I truly look forward to.

Name: Michael, Houston TX
Owner Since: 2007

I love sea kayaking in Alaska's Prince William Sound but the distances required to get to the really good spots can be quite daunting. Paying for a charter drop off can be even more so.

So I bought a Mokai and now I tow my kayak to all the really great spots!

I'll typically tow my kayak into an area, park the Mokai, spend a day or two paddling around, and then head home whenever I'm ready.

I spend a lot less time 'getting there' and back and still have great fun on the way!

Mitchell, Eagle River AK
Owner Since: Summer 07

I love my Mokai!

I'm not afraid to stand and fish in my Mokai, which I find much more stable than my Old Towne Royalex canoe. I'm not a safety expert and take this comment at our own risk - but I have no trouble standing and feel very safe in slow moving to standing water. Also, I like to anchor my Mokai in a quick moving rapid with a simple 1 ½ pound anchor and let the bow face into the water. One more item you haven't asked about - the company sales, service and support. This I rate as AAA+.

Lititz, PA

The Mokai is without a doubt the most enjoyable thing I have ever bought. Canoeing was one of my passions. Many times I've said how neat it would be if someone would come up with a way to put an engine on a canoe without the worry of losing a prop. To be able to put it in a river and head up stream as far as you want and turn around and come back without the hassle of driving one vehicle to the take out spot and driving back to the start. Well, my dream has come true with the Mokai - the perfect craft for this purpose.

The Susquehanna River in Lancaster PA and the Harrisburg area is my favorite place to use the Mokai. The river is very rocky and has many rapids. This is where the Mokai will out-perform any other craft in these conditions. The other nice thing is you can go in very shallow conditions. This past summer's drought was a perfect example. The river was near record low and I could go anywhere. I caught more fish this year than any other because I could get to spots where no one else could.

First of all I want you folks to know you are without a doubt the nicest, kindest, most helpful people I've ever had any dealings with. The way you stand by your product is incredible. Any time I've had a problem you always had a solution and overnighted what I needed so I wouldn't lose much down time, even when the problem was my own dumb fault.

I want to thank you for creating this craft. It has given me countless hours of enjoyment with my nephew and friends. I tell everyone I talk to how well you stand by your product and how incredibly reassuring that is. You listen to suggestions or other ideas and incorporate them to make the product better.

Lancaster, PA

Thanks again for providing us with a great product. It has changed our lives.

Lake Stevens, WA

Aloha! Upon receiving the two boats, we are thoroughly pleased with the quality and workmanship that was put into them. We are happy to say that it has exceeded our expectations ten fold! This weekend we tested the two boats in almost every condition imaginable here on the islands! We have the utmost confidence in this product and will promote these thrilling crafts as if they were our own!

Hawaii

Simply said, I haven't seen your brand of customer loyalty and service very many times in all of my years as a CPA. Thank you for having this brand and thank you for all of your time and considerations. I will treasure this even more than my Mokai. And I love my Mokai!

Allentown, PA

...pleasure doing business with you. Employees who are dedicated like you are hard to find. I've been a coach for 35 years and dedication is something I always want my athletes to have. Keep up the good work.

- Coquilee, OR

One day I was surfing the net for smallmouth bass hotspots and the next thing I knew, I was looking at Mokai's home page. I was intrigued. I must have read that entire site at least 5 times or more. I then googled Mokai and read every blog multiple times. I then e-mailed Mokai a list of questions I had. These were answered to my satisfaction the very next day by Marie in Customer Service. This prompted another list of around 20 questions or so. Marie answered these as well the very next day. When I got home from work, I called Marie and we must have talked for a good 20 minutes. She understood the apprehension of spending the cost of a Mokai over the internet. Several days later, I called her again. When I hung up the phone, I believe my mind was made up to purchase a Mokai. Several days later, I called Marie and placed my order. Then I waited..

About 2 weeks later Marie e-mailed me to tell me my Mokai shipped; my Mokai arrived 2 days later. I spent the next 2 hours checking it out and reading all the manuals. I was so excited.

I took my Mokai out the following week. I own a 97 Chevy Blazer. I slid the Mokai all the way in and strapped it down with the Mokart attached. It hangs over my tailgate just under 4 feet, so I flag it. This works out great for me. I put in at the St Joe River in Elkhart, Indiana . I used a canoe portage that is pretty popular as a fishing spot. I must admit that I felt rather odd with my Mokai at first. I drew quite the crowd that day and still do where ever I go. So, I shove off and use the paddle for 3 quick strokes, choke the engine and pull the rope. The Honda fired and off I went. I started at just a fast idle at first as I stowed the paddle then cracked the throttle and headed down stream. I waved to the onlookers and they all waved and a few gave me a thumbs up. I was so captured by the Mokai. It handles great and is more maneuverable than I anticipated.

Since then I have used my Mokai extensively. I love the fact that I can load it and unload it in less that 3-5 minutes. It is so comfortable to fish out of. The rod holders are the best. The anchor holds great too. Adding the throttle stop i.e.cruise control, was a great idea for long hauls. I have taken several naps on the lake as well. It is very comfortable!

Needless to say, I am 100% happy with my Mokai. My only complaint is that I wish I had someone close that had one as well. I love the solitude, but there are times that I wish I had a companion. If anyone wishes to contact me with any questions that I will answer honestly, feel free to e-mail me @ tkeenum@rwps.com

Tim Keenum
Indiana

We take a 4 day trip on the Youghiogheny River in Southwestern Pennsylvania every October to fish, camp and enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. The Mokai's are the ultimate platform for the trip as they can go anywhere on the river, even when loaded to the extreme, in shallow water, for a 4 day trip.

The fuel economy is outstanding and it is great to go back up the river when a "hot" fishing spot has been located. We used to do the trip in canoes, but could never go back up the river against the current if we wanted to. They are extremely comfortable to travel in and fish from all day long.

We have already found an outfitter in Canada that can take Mokai's on a Dehavilland Beaver bush plane for a 10 day trip into an ultimate remote location for walleye and northern pike fishing, and we plan on doing that trip real soon.

Thanks to everyone at Mokai for making such a great product !!!

Tampa, FL

Lancaster, PA

My god, are the Mokais fantastic! Four hours of blowing and going, and they worked perfectly! We discovered an amazing river feeding this lake. It goes deep into the rainforest. We went up about 12 kilometers or so, discovered many very large rainbows and browns (in fact, huge browns where this unknown river dumps into the lake), many many waterfalls on each side, amazing mountain vistas, and possibly another lake, which will be next year's goal.
My wife is not the enthusiastic boat person that I am, but she certainly is the enthusiastic Mokai person. She's lighter than I, so she'd get her Mokai on plane and zoom past me, across to mid-lake; stop; take pictures or maybe simply wonder about the surroundings. She loves the freedom and sense of participation - SAFE participation - the Mokai offers. We took video and pictures, but I cannot emphasize enough the pleasure and use we are getting from the Mokais.

Coihaique, Chile

The Delta is a remote region of the San Francisco Bay in the area between the Sacramento River & San Joaquin River NE of the Bay. From a high-altitude aerial view, the Delta looks like a spider web of interconnected waterways and covers hundreds of square miles. I paddled my 2 kayaks about 700 - 800 miles around the Delta over the years, but still didn't see it all because some of it is too far from any launch. That was my primary reason for buying a Mokai: exploration of remote natural areas unreachable by a traditional kayak.

Bay Area, CA