We recently added the $99 Minn Kota trolling Motors to our Yaks! The build was a BLAST! We just wanted to share the adventure! Let us know if you have questions! We appreciate you sharing in the comments!
One of the better looking ones I’ve seen. I have a 128T that I may end up either side mounting a trolling motor or pick your brain on how to mount it to the back. I may have missed it but how long does the motor run on the 35 amp hour. Been looking at batteries and most suggest a 110ah but seem a bit too heavy .
Thanks Darren! Your battery life question is is a long winded answer because "results may vary", keeps me from giving a simple answer. Sorry for the long reply, but I want to help everyone get past this holdup. There are 2 ways to attack that question: Math or trial and error/success. I have tried the math approach, but it doesn't seem to help others as much. My past 17 experiences is this: We have 2 boats running the same battery/motor, we fish salt water creeks, rivers inlets and offshore -(west coast), always windy and against current at least part of the trip (so, worst case is always the case). We travel an average of 4 miles at max speed over a 10-12 hour period each trip (it just works out that way). We have traveled further without issue, but 4 miles average. We spend more time fishing than traveling because we spend time planning before hand. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes the fish get it wrong. The only issues in battery run times have occurred when line was wrapped in prop (twice). Our confidence in the batteries is to the point that I don't even paddle unless I want to. If our batteries were to fail at some point, we have no problem paddling back. Its just the opposite for us. Our batteries give us the confidence that if we were to encounter bad weather/current/wind, our batteries will help us paddle. So, that is my real experience and completely goes against what others might say, but the math completely supports it. Now as for your setup: If I went to a 110ah in my 12t, I should be able to ride around all day and never stop to fish. I think my problem would be weight. I have had (2) 35ah batteries in my boat and was able to put one in mid ship and the other in the back well. Having all the weight of a 110ah in one place on my 12t maybe wouldn't work for me (I have not tested that). Also, at the speed I'm traveling, I would have to do more riding than fishing in order to use the 110ah to its full potential. BUT, if I could have the life of a 110ah battery, I would definitely take it (just because). So, if you were going fishing with me, and using a C2 on any kayak, I would definitely tell you to save your money and your back and just get a 35ah without worrying about you telling me I steered you wrong. Long winded, but I hope it helps you get closer to testing whatever setup you go with! Peace Brother!
Awesome , exactly what I wanted to know. I fish west coast of Florida - like the Bayport to Homosassa area so I’m always battling the wind and current. Was looking for an added assistant if conditions get rough or want to try and get off the water in a hurry. Also with a motor on the ascend I could venture to planned spots a bit farther and work my way back. I’ll look at the 35ah I really appreciate it. Now to figure out how to mount and get on the water .... thanks man
@@darrenrance9099 No worries! We might hit you up on the area you fish! We have been doing the east coast thing for a while this year and we are sooo done with battling the boat traffic. We have fished our shares of flats and oyster bars on the west. Our focus will be on trying to find any areas on the west with a little depth and structure. That has been a challenge so far. It will be the next chapter. Keep us posted on your adventures!!
*I bought this model for my 14 ft Jon boat. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend love it!!! It pushes my boat with ease ( 2 men 220 each). I would highly recommend this to anyone.*
Thanks Brian! We have used them successfully for 2 years. We acquired a couple Kaku Wahoos and also made just the mount bracket for them and transferred everything else right over. I have been using 1/2" PVC sheeting for a lot of projects lately as well. Definitely worth looking into for yak projects if you can get your hands on some. With a heat gun, the 1/2" pvc parts can be shaped (bent), and is very rigid and light. We have been spending some time on the boat (1788 Polar), to reach some 30 mile out water, but the simplicity of the yak will always be our go-to. We can dump them in anywhere and go!
Thanks Carla! Still works great! If you are putting any electronics on your yak, eliminate any plugs or connectors where possible. That has been the only problem. Water finds it's way into everything. Also, we have left the tiller rods at home a few times. No worries though. We just steer with the paddles. Thanks for the comment!
Nice setup. I mounted a Minn Kota on a 2 person Folbot kayak, to the front on a custom bow mount. I added servo steering (not needed though, your method offers finer control). I also kept the stock Minn Kota mount, but also added a servo for remote tilt release, and the motor can then be pulled up with a rope and latched out of the water.
I checked out your channel and love your projects! You definitely are having fun! I am avoiding adding any unnecessary electronics on ours because we are salt water addicts. Corrosion is a killer!! Thanks for sharing brother!
Hey Warren bet you don't remember me from Kentucky Derby Hosiery. That is a pretty good setup. I'm looking to put a WaterSnake on my FeelFree Lure V2 Kayak soon.
Hey Kev! I would love to remember you, but just Kev to go on is killing my brain cells! Hahaha! Find me on Facebook and say hi! The watersnakes are cool. And the Lures are great yaks too!
Nice looking set up bro. I'm in the process of mounting a trolling motor on my kayak. I have the transom mount made which is mostly aluminum and it's two pieces which will be held by two pins. I just need to figure out what steering method I want to use. I'm aiming at using cables atm ,but may go the pole way if they don't work out. It's all experimental ..haha
Thanks BK! Definitely a fun project and even better on the water! Be mindful of any electronics being exposed to the elements and you will be happy with it! Best of luck.
Thanks Villachai! Most of my materials were scraps from other projects or repurposed. Not to worry though! The structural material is referred to as 80/20 or T-slot or extruded aluminum. I used 1.5" x 1.5". Total length was about 40". Can be pricey if you don't shop around. If you find a local machine shop, they may be able to share some at a reasonable price. Also, you could use square aluminum tubing. The plastic that I used is 2"x2" delrin stock. There are plenty of similar plastics including plastic materials used for decking. Similar material that small plastic cutting boards are made of. I'll chat more with you on FB as well!
Yes Jedi. I did fish them through originally. I put flush mout connections at the stern to plug battery and trolling motor in. Eventually, corrosion occurred at the flush mount quick connection near the stern. I pulled all wiring out and have it external. Everything is still the same except that. I have 2 yaks set up this way. Also, another issue occured on my wifes motor that I should share. She wrapped a bunch of line around the prop shaft and damaged the seal. Salt water destroyed her motor. I had a spare so all is good now. We still enjoy the setup every weekend. Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you have fun with the project!
The 12t kayak is currently listed for $650. The trolling motor is $99. You will need a battery (35ah from harbor freight works perfect for me), $75. Additional plugs and wires are dependent on how you wire your kit. For me, I added pwm controller and a few water tight plugs so another $100. So $800-$900 depending on how you rig your kit. Additionally, you must register your yak if taking anywhere that is regulated (2 years is like $50). Just in case it is helpful, I have fished for years without a trolling motor. My motor dosen't help me catch more fish. It is also something else to maintain and transport. I love having a motor for many reasons, but if I didn't have one, I would definitely still be fishing twice a week. My recommendation to anyone just starting (not sure about your situation), is always the same. Get your hands on a safe kayak and life jacket that wont break the bank, start fishing/learning and most importantly, enjoy. Then, if its something you are committed to doing, start upgrading and adding as you go. There is a lot of learning involved and the simpler we keep it, the better we can enjoy. The #1 reason people with motorboats don't use them is because of the hassle of maintaining them. I don't want to encourage people to make a job out of fishing. But if you're ready to motorize your kayak, definitely go for it! It's a super fun project that I am glad I did! I hope this was helpful.
@@Warrenwilds don't want a business.im retired and don't work on other people stuff anymore.i just like my Dodge truck.it pulls myself cargo trailer just fine..but now the dash is taped together w/gorilla tape n the radio is Justin flopping around in there is due for a rebuild
