One of the things I like about our clubs now is that they are "man -vs- bass", no unfair advantage (except depthfinders, braided line, polarized glasses, etc., etc...) It's a simpler, purer form of fishing than being in a $40K bass boat. Also a lot easier on the natural resources (no emissions -- well, except Buzzfish :P, no wake, no noise). Motor & battery would be that much more crap you would need to haul around and setup in often less-than-ideal conditions (on the side of a levee, for instance).

I do find it interesting that you're now considering motors, but wouldn't allow kayaks...

My 2 cents,