A kayak trolling motor may make kayaking easier and more enjoyable. It can also allow you to bring equipment that you wouldn’t be able to carry otherwise.
If you’re a kayak angler who’s tired of being limited by the length of your fishing line and are after something more, read on to find out how to add a trolling motor to your kayak.
A trolling motor is an electric propane-powered engine that sits on the bottom of a recreational kayak or canoe. It provides forward momentum and allows you to travel in any direction while paddling.
If you’re going to use this neat little device, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of how it works. It means knowing the difference between a trolling motor and an outboard, how often you need to fill up the gas tank, and what type of fuel tank is used.
Trolling Motors
Trolling motors are mounted on a transom or cross bar at the back of your kayak. They are used to help kayakers maintain control while paddling, steering, and watching out for obstructions.
This type of motor doesn’t supply the power that moves your vessel through the water. Instead, it uses electricity to rotate a propeller. The propeller creates thrust and, in turn, moves your kayak forward.
For this reason, trolling motors are also referred to as an electric-propel drive system or EPDS. They are designed to interconnect with a rudder system so you can steer your vessel through the water just as you would when using a paddle.
Trolling Motor Size
If you’re thinking about adding a trolling motor to your kayak, make sure you think about the right size. Because kayaks are smaller than typical boats, it’s critical to have the correct battery and trolling motor.
Depending on the size of your kayak, the size of the trolling motor should be the right size to propel your kayak.
In waters that are still, such as lakes and ponds, trolling motors with 35-45 pounds of torque will move smaller kayaks in the 7-foot range at a little less than four mph.
The ideal propulsion for kayaks over 10 feet long can range from 50-60 pounds.
Top Trolling Motors
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor
Minn Kota Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft)
Motor Size Criteria
Use the following criteria to determine the best trolling motor size for your kayak:
Gasoline-powered trolling motors and battery-powered trolling motors are available.
When purchasing a trolling motor, the battery is essential to consider. It will have the greatest impact on the output of your motor. Although some motors come with batteries, the bulk of them requires you to buy the battery separately.
Trolling Motor Battery
The battery size you choose should depend on how you intend to utilize it. Rather than cranking amps, look for a trolling motor battery priced in amp-hours.
An excellent choice is a 12-volt deep cycle marine battery for the kayak with a minimum rating of 110 amps per hour and a group 27 size battery. A longer run time equals a higher amp-hour value.
Top Battery Recommendations
Newport Vessels Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and DC Ports
Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Trolling Motor Battery Brand Product
Kayak Trolling Motor Mount
The various components of the motor mount you select must be well-designed and made of high-quality materials. The durability of the attachment hardware, the metallic mounting arm of the mount, and even the heavy-duty mounting plate determine how long your motor mount lasts.
Furthermore, the mount’s design must be rigid and not bend. Otherwise, even moderately big or rough waves or water currents will cause the mount to collapse.
Kayaking Mounting Systems
Kayak or canoe mounting systems have a different upper platform from what’s used for boats and canoes. This mounting system is typically due to its shorter size, as it doesn’t require as much surface area to support the motor.
Ventilated pole mount
A pole mount that allows for ventilation, a mechanical vent for taking in air means that the motor exhausts heat. These designs are also called “fresh air” poles mounts or “closed-circuit cooling” poles mounts.
This type of motor mount is typically used in kayak fishing and small fishing vessels such as kayaks, canoes, and small boats to improve boat speed and performance.
- Durability is a factor of how the motor mount is manufactured, and it is closely related to hardware and build. Choose motor mounts made of:
- stainless steel
- anodized aluminum
- UV-stabilized reinforced plastics
- marine-grade aluminum may be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
These are adaptable without sacrificing the product’s toughness or lifetime.
Because they stay firmly on the boat, use a professionally built mount.
Top Picks for a Kayak Trolling Motor Mount
The RAILBLAZA Kayak Motor Mount This mount is designed to accommodate practically all types of kayaks and may be used with any motor without compromising stability. It comes with all of the essential hardware for installation.
Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Universal + Two Rocket Launcher Rod Holder Sturdy and substantial, attach this motor mount to either side of the kayak. It can be used with both gas and electric motors.
