How to install a trolling motor on a fishing kayak: part 2

[houmas]

Don't follow the logic of putting a trolling motor when you have the mirage pedal drive? i have a trolling motor setup on my kayak because I don''t like paddling for long distances and I can't afford a Hobie Outback! If i could, i'd wiuldn't need the trolling motor besides the battery adds so mucjh weight to the kayak!

[mjpicker]

@houmas

We originally put a motor on my buddy's kayak because peddling bothered his already bothersome back. I then added a motor to my Hobie so we could reduce the commute time over the water. The weight issue is not to be ignored. They also take up space, and time, but we like the trade off. I still peddle on shorter trips sometimes. I usually come back more rested if using the motor, which helps on those 3 hour drives back to the house after a fishing trip. That's the logic.

[hookincatfish1]

do i have to register that same motor in sc

[AKingFisher14]

if you were to sell that kayak with everything on there, how much would it be?

[mjpicker]

@AKingFisher14

Are you looking to buy it?

[emtzack]

why not just buy a boat?

just sayin... or a ocean kayak torque.... you probably spent the same amount of money

[umakemefat]

Ur graffics suck get a new camera

[walkertongdee]

Nice rig, you may want to paint that pvc pipe, it isnt suppossed to be exposed to sunlight it will get brittle and crack, keep the sun on your face and the wind to your back , sean

[tyonthefly]

if you aint first your last!

[nathanstrk]

Fuck your boat! Your to big to ride on it anyways!

[one19designs]

seems excessive for a yak..why not just get a cheap 8-10ft john boat?

unless you just wanted the challenge?

[126andy]

I am in the process of doing the same as you right now with a Hobie outback. Yours is the first I saw with the motor on the side so you still can use the rudder. Did your video say your motor was only 15 lbs? I have a 40lb thrust Minnesota Kota riptide salt water motor and it's about 40-50 lbs do you see any problems I will have using this weight wise? Thanks for any help or advice.

[mjpicker]

@STARAIRSOFTTEAM

That's the plug that Hobie supplies with the kayak. It's for plugging the hole when the pedals are not used.

[countrymankdx200]

i also live in NC where do you go fishing. i live in the lexington area go fishing at high rock

[doonbuggy12345]

Nice set up bud

[xfiles1952]

couldnt you use a bow mounted trolling motor

[mjpicker]

The meter is an add on that I bought at Gander Mountain. It's mounted with an EE box from Home Depot and a waterproof Pelican box from the outdoor store. The battery will get us about 10.4 nautical miles at full speed......about 2.8 hours run time at 3.7 knots. It lasts longer at slower speeds, up to 31.5 nautical miles at 1.5 knots for 21 hours. All of that assumes an 80% discharge before you reach the point where you could damage the battery.

[fedemj2]

sos un capo!! fenomeno!! great kayak!! con Jose vamos armar uno para ir a algarrobos! conoces? es en Argentina, te dejo un saludo grande realmente te quedo muy bueno!

[d0wnto3arthshuffl3r]

fully decked out great =]

[shlockg13]

i hope u dont use that in saltwater, cause ur motor is going to be junk not saltwater proof. The white minnkota (ripetide) is saltwater rated.

[quocducnguyen]

Very nice setup Sir. I see you are a perfectionist! Good job.

[Mr1SMURF]

hey there i like ur yak i had a ? is the box or the 2x4 mounted to the yak or just placed on top?and how is the 2x4 held by? i have a yak and want to do the same thing.thanks

[lipstoobig]

Awesome!

[glnwls2k]

nice ride :P

[calebethd]

What is the length of the kayak?

[tubvajlis]

is that a marine battery?

[mjpicker]

It's a marine deep cycle battery from Walmart. 105 amp/hour, 50 pounds of weight and it cost $80.00 inluding a $9.00 core charge and tax. Automotive batteries (starting batteries) wouldn;t work well as they can't be dishcharged deeply and recharged without ruining them. We discharge to about 20% regularly while on a day fishing trip. That's about the most that you can discharge regularly, and still maintain a healthy deep cycle battery.

[oaster]

@mjpicker : awesome, I am really tempted to do the same. how many hours do you run these on one charge?

[oaster]

@mjpicker : awesome, I am really tempted to do the same. how many hours do you run these on one charge? Also, does the charge meter come with the motor or you bought separately.

[MrLonestardodge]

I have a ? since your trollin motor is mounted on one side does the kayak go straight or is it constantly moving at an angle? GREAT set up man.

[mjpicker]

From a dead stop if you give it max power it does tend to turn the kayak some (due to prop walk), since the rudder needs water flow to work well and and these kayaks are short and wide. It will track straight after about 20-25 feet of forward travel.  However if you start slow for the first 20-25 feet it tracks straight, then you can give it full power. it's really only a mild concern when near the dock or other obstructions, and in some strong current. It's easy to live with.

[MrLonestardodge]

ok gotcha thank you sir and again thats a great set up thanks for the answer.

[profly98]

very good set up! how u fit up ur motor mount? are u satisfied with hobie outbact , i going to buy a fishing kayak,but still don't know which one suit me. hobie sport,hobie outbact,ocean kayak or malibu kayak?

[mjpicker]

Thanks. The motor mount is a plywood box encapsulated in epoxy with a coat of marine paint. It took about 4-5 hours to make it. the motor is clamped to a 2x4 with the same finish. The 2x4 is bolted to the box so it can be removed for storage. The 2 piece asembly is held into the kayak with a nylon strap that I shortened. I like the Hobie because it keeps both hands free to fish with and the paddle isn't in the way. It's a wide boat so it's very stable but not very fast or easy to paddle.

[TheDarkone1111]

Wow ... nice set-up ! ... what kind of fish do you try to catch ? ... oh, and is that camera water-proof ?

[mjpicker]

We mostly fish for sea trout, blues, weakfish and spanish mackerel in NC. and I fish for snook, tarpon, ladyfish, jacks, redfish, snapper, and sea trout in FL. The camera shown is not waterproof. I carry a drybag for it in case of rain.  I also have a waterproof camera that I filmed the video with.