electric motor for fishing kayak

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
I want to start using my kayak more this summer. Its a pontoon style which is very stable for someone my size. However, its also basically a square and is like paddling a box. I can mount an electric motor on it but don't know the first thing about it. My only real requirements as a total neophyte are ease of use, reliability and cost.

Any recommendations about power requirements, brands, costs?

Thanks.
 
Minn Kota Traxxis 55 lb thrust is pretty popular with larger fishing kayaks. Couple it with an appropriate marine battery and a tiller extension. Bass boaters upgrade frequently, so you might find a good deal on a lightly used, even new one if you look around. I got one last year NIB in a second hand store. It was a long shaft but I shortened it no problem.
 
I agree with codger, my whole family all has minn kota motors. The new ones with maximizer tech get 2 to 3 times the battery life of my old one. Make sure you get a waterproof battery box.
 
I bought a set of cheap, long jumper cables for my setup (16' canoe) so that I could locate the battery further foreward than the obvious stern location (where motor and operator reside). It helped maintain balance and keep the bow down at speed. I did the power cable changeover while I had the motor apart shortening the shaft. Warranty? We don't need no stinkin' warranty!
 
Thats familiar Codger, my best friend did the same to his 45lb thrust for his 17.5' with slight full keel from the front that deepens towards the flat transom. He built it himself when he was 17, volunteered to work for free at a canoe shop until the guy decided he could keep one and be done. He built 11 with the guy and got to keep the 12th and customize it!!!

Got to learn how to build fiberglass and a boat, Larry is a smart man. Boat is 35 years old and ugly but the both of us still fish in it and sometimes go out crabbing in a sheltered ocean bay (Twassen Ferry Terminal). My 2hp yamaha 4 stroke seriously kicks butt on this canoe as well.

Shann, there is a show on the WFN on cable that is a kayak fishing show, google find it and you will get a ton of info.
 
Brad "the butcher";11950600 said:
Shann, there is a show on the WFN on cable that is a kayak fishing show, google find it and you will get a ton of info.
Click to expand...

Great tip. Thanks. I will look it iup.
 
I also extended the cable for my Minn Kota for my transom mount on my Old Towne 17 foot canoe using standard auto battery cables to move the battery weight forward for stability. That canoe cruises all day on a deep cycle battery. Use only deep cycle batteries and not standard car/truck batteries. Kept charged and looked after these will last many seasons.
 
Also, I would get a battery tender brand charger - I keep motorcycle, marine battery, extra car, etc all charged on these - they are smart and will bring a battery back from the dead if it is possible to revive it. Much better than a 6a/12a manual type charger and you can leave it on the battery 24/7/365
 
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