Over the years, the kayak has gone through a lot of tweaking. As more people get into kayaking, new trends keep emerging. One of them is the kayak trolling motor. While paddling is fun, sometimes kayakers like to have their hands free, especially when fishing. Or when they want to get somewhere faster.
Finding the right trolling motor is one thing, putting it on your kayak is another. So, here is a simple guide to help you out.
Table of Contents
#1, Putting a Trolling Motor on Your Kayak
Side Mount
What You Will Need
- Trolling motor
- Battery
- Watertight battery box
- Pieces of wood
- PVC pipes
- 4 long bolts
- Power drill
How to Do It
If you have a fishing kayak, this will be smooth for you. Many fishing kayaks come with rod holders—and they are not just good for holding fishing rods.
For kayaks without the rod holders, you may have to drill holes. It is only fair to warn you that unless you are a pro, you have to be extra cautious. The holes need to be properly drilled and watertight. There is no shame in asking a professional for assistance.
- Step 1: Prepare your materials. Cut the pipes into the desired size.
- Step 2: Install the pipes into the rod holders.
- Step 3: Take the piece of wood and hold it against the pipes. Using a power drill and long bolts, attach the piece of wood to the pipes. The wood should extend to one side of the yak. Make sure everything is tight and properly held. It is best to use four bolts.
- Step 4: Mount your trolling motor onto the piece of wood— the extended side.
Note: you may have to modify the above steps to suit your kayak and the style you want. You can do something as simple as this or do what is shown here.
Step 5: Connect the motor to the battery.
Either store the battery at the back storage compartment or inside the cockpit, where your feet rest or under the seat.
Note: you should place the motor according to your hand orientation. If you are left-handed, put it on the left-hand side.
Transom Mount
Tips for Mounting a Motor on Your Kayak
Consider the weight limit: manufacturers always indicate the maximum weight that a kayak can handle. While getting all the materials needed, keep this in mind. Factor in your weight and the luggage that you have to carry, especially when going fishing.
Be careful: water and electricity are not the best of friends. Electrocution never ends well. Keep the electrical parts nicely covered.
Mind your kayak: with all the drilling you have to do, it won’t be hard to make a mistake and damage your boat. Follow the instructions so you don’t make any unnecessary holes. The last thing you want is water seeping into your kayak while out fishing.
Check the local laws: once you motorize your kayak, you may have to register it. This is usually a simple process and the fee is small. If you don’t follow the law, you will end up paying a hefty fine. Confirm with the local authorities to see whether you have to register.
You can always ask for help: the videos above, and many other YouTube videos make the whole thing appear easy. But once you start doing it, you will realize how hard it can be. If you don’t trust your skills, get a friend to assist you. Better still, take the kayak to a shop and let professionals do the job for you.
Downsides of a Kayak Trolling Motor
First, you won’t be able to carry as much luggage. The battery takes up space and adds to the weight. Secondly, transporting the kayak will be more difficult with the system mounted on it. You have to handle everything delicately. You will, most likely, need a kayak trailer.
Thirdly, you can’t stay as long as you like in the water. Your kayaking trip will only last as long as the battery. For kayakers that love to be out in the water for hours, this could be disappointing.
Conclusion
Trolling motors are amazing. You get where you’re going in a short time and your arms won’t get tired. Installing one on your kayak is quite simple, as you can see above. The side mount is the easiest—you can find most of the materials around the house. With a transom mount, you are better off buying a mounting kit. Remember to follow all the instructions carefully.