Side Mounting A Trolling Motor On A Sit In Kayak

[Jack Jones]

My lazy summer project (e.g. no time frame to complete) is going to be attempting to put a removable trolling motor on my yak for those times when I want to toodle around a lake or head back up river. From my research, a 2 x 4 will suffice as a mount. I can grab a BPS trolling motor, or find a used one, fairly inexpensively. What's killing me is the cost of deep cycle batteries and the chargers.

Can someone with experience advise me as to whether there is a cheap way to solve the battery issue since this is just a trial run? If it works well, I'll invest, but for now I want to keep the experiment as cheap as possible.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I've seen pictures of rigs on SIT kayaks. The basic set up was using PVC pipe inserted in the drain holes and a 2x4 mount.

I think the weight of the battery would be the biggest issue, especially when it came to where to place it.

What could be another problem would be speed control. A canoe wants to travel to fast to fish and a kayak would probably be worse. If the unit was for travel only the low draw compared to speed would probably be an advantage in choosing a battery.

[Jack Jones]

I've considered PVC piping as well for the mount. I don't intend to necessarily fish with it. I figured since I solo rivers, I could float down from an access and use it to run back upriver. Also, maybe to get around the shorelines on some of the local lakes.

Any suggestions on low price batteries given my description of activity above?

[Stoneroller]

you would be a millionaire if you could solve your issue. low cost batteries with that kind amperage over the long haul, simply do not exist. now if you change just one parameter of your search, instead of 'low' use the term 'high' and your problem is solved! there is a german company, of course, which makes super efficient, super high tech, super expensive deep cycle batteries that are small. they are the company that makes the batteries for the torqueedo motor, they also make batteries for extra planetary excursions, which is where the technology comes from. you might consider hooking up as big an array of solar panels as you can to help the battery(s) last longer. I've seen numerous small solar panels available, most are used for charging cell phones and such. although they won't put out enough amperage to actually charge a deep cycle battery, they will help to make it's charge last longer.

frankly I think the weight of the battery and motor completely offset the bonus you could get from the extended range. but that's my opinion, and sometimes its fun to play around with things just to see.

[Wayne SW/MO]

Any suggestions on low price batteries given my description of activity above?

While certainly not expert advice, but what I would consider is a small light auto battery. I doubt for the use you intend you would wear it down from charging all that often, especially with a small trickle charger. I doubt you will get a trolling motor out of the first speed pushing something as light and efficient as a kayak, so a large capacity shouldn't be needed.

I have Tarpon 12 SIT that I considered putting a Minn Kota on. I intended to use the scupper holes as a mount using PVC and placing the battery in the front compartment. I was going to place brass bolts through the bulkhead behind the seat, sealed of course and attach the clamps to them for power. The lines would run inside to the front compartment.

Unfortunately I never followed through with it so it was only a plan. I also intended to shorten the shaft on the motor. I don't think this wouldn't be too difficult, but I haven't tried.

[Ham]

I can't imagine why you would want a TM On a kayak. TO me, the beauty of the deal is freedom from TM and battery. You've got power and control as long as you have the energy to hang onto a paddle.

God Bless. I hope it works out. I just don't understand the motivation.

[FishinCricket]

As a lazy man, I find this to be an admirable goal...

My question is still: how will you get around the fact that once you mount a motor on it, it MUST be licensed...?

[Jack Jones]

It may need to be licensed. I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it. My goal is not to keep it mounted per se. Ideally, I'd like to float downstream, whip out the trolling motor, and zip back up when I'm done.

It's a dream at this point. We'll see if it becomes a reality. Maybe if I get real desperate, I make something like the cordless drill outboard I posted a video of in the general angling forum. Or maybe I'll just bolt a prop onto my weed whacker, LOL.

Ham----I agree with you 90% of the time. But as someone without a boat or trolling motor, the dream of being able to be more mobile is important. One day, I'll have a vehicle capable of transporting one.

[FishinCricket]

It may need to be licensed. I'll cross that bridge if I ever come to it.

Well, I hope you don't mind my slight hijack of your thread (the weedeater idea sounds kewl!) but I am currently in this pickle.. I've got a canoe, a wooden trolling motor mount that I've made, I also have the motor and the battery...

So does anyone know the law, for sure? I just have the word of the water patrol at Barclay a few years ago who said:

"Where's your registration for this vessel? You have no markings on the side.. Any vessel with a motor MUST be registered."

To which my question was: "How do I license it?"

I was told I must have a title... I do not, it's a canoe...

So what now?

[Gavin]

Your hosed Cricket...

I was told that you can get a title by affidavit from Missouri Water Patrol, then you can register through DMV...Youll need to get the craft & motor inspected by Missouri Water Patrol, and apply for a title that way..Their supposed to do inspections at designated times in certain areas...Thought about it for a bit, and realized I was too lazy to bother with it..I've only use a Trolling motor on the canoe twice in the past 10-12 years...

Save you money and buy a better paddle...one of those light graphite jobs...