How To Put A Trolling Motor On A Kayak
I still remember the first time I saw a kayak with a trolling motor. I was paddling my way back to shore after a long day of fishing, and the kayak next to me just motored right past me! I knew right then and there that I had to install a trolling motor on my kayak. It took some research, but I finally figured it out. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about how to put a trolling motor on a kayak.
I’m going to provide you with a detailed look at what you need to do to install a trolling motor on your kayak. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right motor and battery to mounting the motor on your kayak.
Choosing The Right Trolling Motor
The first step is to choose the right trolling motor. What size trolling motor you need will depend on the size and weight of your kayak, as well as the type of fishing you plan on doing. For most kayaks, a trolling motor in the 30-55 pound thrust range will be sufficient. You’ll also need to decide whether you want a saltwater or freshwater trolling motor. If you ever plan on fishing in saltwater, I highly recommend a saltwater trolling motor.
Once you’ve chosen a trolling motor, you’ll need to purchase a battery. The type of battery you need will depend on the trolling motor you choose. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct battery size.
Mounting The Trolling Motor
Now it’s time to mount the trolling motor on your kayak. The first step is to choose a mounting location. The best place to mount the motor is on the back of the kayak, just behind the seat. This will give you the most control over the motor and will help to keep the weight of the motor evenly distributed.
Once you’ve chosen a mounting location, you’ll need to drill some holes in the kayak. Be sure to use a drill bit that is the same size as the screws that came with the trolling motor. Once you’ve drilled the holes, you can mount the trolling motor on the kayak using the screws.
Connecting The Wiring
The next step is to connect the wiring to the trolling motor. The positive wire should be connected to the positive terminal on the battery, and the negative wire should be connected to the negative terminal on the battery. Be sure to use electrical tape to insulate the connections.
Once the wiring is connected, you can test the trolling motor. Simply turn on the power switch and see if the motor runs. If the motor doesn’t run, check the connections to make sure they’re secure.
Tips For Using A Trolling Motor
Here are a few tips for using a trolling motor:
- Always wear a life jacket when using a trolling motor.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other boats when using a trolling motor.
- Don’t use a trolling motor in strong winds or currents.
- Store the trolling motor in a dry place when not in use.
Conclusion
Installing a trolling motor on a kayak is a great way to improve your fishing experience. By following the steps in this article, you can easily install a trolling motor on your kayak and start enjoying the benefits of hands-free fishing.
So, are you ready to put a trolling motor on your kayak? Let me know in the comments below!
FAQs on Installing A Trolling Motor on a Kayak
Q. What size trolling motor do I need for my kayak?
A. The size of trolling motor you need will depend on the size and weight of your kayak, as well as the type of fishing you plan on doing. For most kayaks, a trolling motor in the 30-55 pound thrust range will be sufficient.
Q. What type of battery do I need for a trolling motor?
A. The type of battery you need will depend on the trolling motor you choose. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct battery size.
Q. Where is the best place to mount a trolling motor on a kayak?
A. The best place to mount a trolling motor on a kayak is on the back of the kayak, just behind the seat. This will give you the most control over the motor and will help to keep the weight of the motor evenly distributed.
Q. How do I connect the wiring to a trolling motor?
A. The positive wire should be connected to the positive terminal on the battery, and the negative wire should be connected to the negative terminal on the battery. Be sure to use electrical tape to insulate the connections.
Q. What are some tips for using a trolling motor?
A. Always wear a life jacket when using a trolling motor. Be aware of your surroundings and other boats when using a trolling motor. Don’t use a trolling motor in strong winds or currents. Store the trolling motor in a dry place when not in use.
