Ultimate Guide to Kayak Motors and Mounts

 

 

Introduction

Importance of Electric Motors Kayaks

Electric Motors can play a crucial role in enhancing the kayak fishing experience, especially for anglers and enthusiasts looking to cover larger distances with less effort. These motors require mounts that provide a stable platform for attaching electric trolling motors to kayaks, allowing for increased mobility, precision control, and extended range on the water. By integrating a motor on your kayak you can easily reach prime fishing spots quickly or navigate against currents with ease.

The importance of a secure and properly fitted motor mount cannot be overstated. The importance of a secure and precision engineered mount can’t be overstated. Flex in the motor mount will cause vibration and loss of efficiency and speed. A well engineered mount will allow you to position your motor at the proper angle for maximum speed and efficiency. 

 

Overview of Kayak Motors

Kayak motors can be attached to either the bow or the stern depending on your kayak models and fishing styles. 

These two types of motor mounting are Transom Mounts and Bow Mounts:

1. Transom mounts: The motor is attached to the stern of the boat. These are motors like the Torqeedo Ultralight 1103 or 403 AC, or the Newport Vessels NK180 or NK300 for example, a motor of this type pushes the kayak through the water.
2. Bow mounts: Ideal for precise maneuvering they pull the kayak from the front,  and may even include GPS positioning to hold your kayak in position without the use of an anchor. These are usually bow mounted trolling motors intended for boats, but some models work great on kayaks, and a few have kayak specific models.

 

Each type offers specific advantages depending on the kayak’s design and the intended use. For instance, bow-mounted motors provide excellent control for fishing scenarios especially those with GPS integrated like the MotorGuide Xi3, while stern-mounted motors are more efficient for covering long distances and act more like an outboard and trolling motor combined for your kayak.

 

When selecting a motor key considerations include compatibility with your kayak model, durability of materials (especially important for saltwater use), ease of installation and removal, and the mount’s ability to handle the weight and thrust of your chosen motor. A few modern fishing kayaks come pre-equipped with mounting points for motors, simplifying the installation process, but even those may not be adequate for all motors.

As the popularity of motorized kayaks grows, many manufacturers are innovating, developing purpose-built mounting plates, brackets and systems that seamlessly integrate with various kayak designs. This evolution has made it easier than ever for kayakers to enhance their vessels with the power and convenience of a trolling motor.

 

Understanding Kayak Motor Mounts

 

Types of Kayak Motor Mounts

Kayak motor mounts come in various types, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Universal kayak motor mounts that fit a wide range of kayak models, making them ideal for kayakers who own kayaks that manufacturers simply don’t make a mounting plate for. These mounts are typically easy to install and adjust, providing a stable platform for tiller style electric trolling motors. Adjustable kayak motor mounts offer few benefits of efficiency or speed gains, but for some kayaks this is the only option available. Lightweight kayak motor mounts are designed for portability and ease of installation, often made from materials like aluminum or composite plastics to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. 

 

Bow Motor Mounts allow for mounting a trolling motor on the front of your kayak and typically use a small remote control to steer. These are made of plastic or aluminum and may also be used with a quick release bracket to allow for easy removal of the motor during transport. This style of motor is pulling the kayak along from the front and allows for precision control and can use motors that have GPS positioning like SpotLock® to hold the kayak in place when fishing offshore or in current.

 

 

Stern Motor Mounts let you mount an electric motor on the rear of the kayak to push your kayak through the water. This is like having an electric outboard on your kayak, but it isn’t limited to going from place to place, you can use these as your primary means of movement as you fish. These are generally linked to your existing steering or foot controls. This can allow the angler to fish hands free and not have to deal with pushing buttons on a remote.

 

DIY Kayak Motor Mount Options

 

For those who enjoy hands-on projects, DIY kayak motor mounts offer a cost-effective and customizable solution. Building a motor mount can be as simple or complex as desired, using materials such as PVC pipes, wood, or metal brackets. DIY enthusiasts can tailor the mount to fit their specific kayak model and motor type, ensuring a perfect fit and functionality. Online forums and tutorials provide valuable guidance and inspiration for creating a reliable and efficient DIY motor mount. These resources often include step-by-step instructions, materials lists, and tips for avoiding common pitfalls. 

 

By creating a custom mount, kayakers can save money, and create mounts for kayaks that no commercial mounts are available for, but the downside to DIY mounts is a lack of engineering and testing. They will get your motor on your kayak, but it will most likely not give you the same performance as a high end commercial mount.

 

Best Kayak Motor Mounts for Fishing

 

Fishing from a kayak requires stability and maneuverability, making the choice of motor mount critical. Some of the best motor mounts for fishing are designed to accommodate popular motors like the Motorguide Xi3, and the Newport NK180. Brands like Ketch Products are particularly popular among anglers, known for their solid platforms and ease of installation. They even have their own version of a quick-release bracket that doesn’t have that annoying pin that is so easy to lose. Allowing for easy attachment and removal of your bow mounted  motor, which is especially beneficial when removing the motor during transport. Additionally, Ketch mounts are constructed with aluminum making them the most solid mounts you can buy with the least vibration and they are engineered to give your motor the right angle for maximum speed and efficiency.

Installation Guide for Kayak Motors and Mounts

 

Installing a kayak motor mount is very easy. The process typically begins with selecting the appropriate mount type for the kayak and motor, ensuring compatibility with both your kayak and your motor

Proper alignment is crucial to maintain balance and control, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Tools such as drills, wrenches, and screwdrivers are commonly needed, and securing the mount with high-quality stainless steel bolts and screws is essential to prevent any movement during operation. A good mount will include the hardware needed, and be a painless bolt in place system that easily gives you a mounting platform for your motor that is both solid and secure.

 

One key thing to consider if you’re installing a stern mounted motor is steering as that is not part of the motor mount and most of the motors don’t come with everything needed to install steering lines or to integrate with the kayak’s existing steering controls. You can lock your motor in the straight forward position and steer with your kayak’s steering but you’ll often need to upgrade the rudder or steering cables inside your kayak to handle the increased load from turning a kayak moving at speed using a motor.

 

Once installed, it’s advisable to test the setup in calm waters to make any necessary adjustments before venturing into more challenging conditions.

 

Bow Mount Trolling Motor Mounts

 

Benefits of Bow Mount Trolling Motors

 

Enhanced Maneuverability and Control

Bow-mounted motors provide exceptional maneuverability, which is particularly beneficial when fishing in shallow waters or navigating through obstacles like weeds and rocks. This allows for precise control of the kayak’s movement and positioning, making it easier to stay in the desired fishing spot.

 

Remote Control Operation

These motors when used on kayaks are typically operated using handheld remotes. This setup means the angler must use his hands to control the motor, taking away some fishing time. Unlike a bass boat where you have a foot control on bow mounted trolling motors, the main complaint about bow mounted motors on kayaks is having to use a remote control that’s usually worn around your neck on a lanyard and requires use of your hands.

Improved Stability in Windy Conditions

Bow-mounted motors offer better control and stability, especially in windy conditions. This is because the motor pulls the kayak from the front, making it easier to steer and maintain a straight course, even when facing wind and current. This can be a major advantage to having a bow mounted trolling motor on your kayak.

 

Precision in Positioning

The precise control offered by bow-mounted motors that are equipped with GPS positioning like Spot-Lock is ideal for anglers who need to position their kayak accurately to make the perfect cast. This precision can significantly improve fishing success by keeping the kayak in the strike zone longer especially when fishing offshore.

 

Overall, bow-mounted electric motors are favored for their ability to provide superior control and maneuverability, making them an excellent choice for kayak anglers who fish in challenging environments or require precise positioning. One of the main concerns about bow mounted trolling motors right now is availability, as the Xi3 appears to be discontinued, and the replacement isn’t available yet. There are some Minn Kota bow mounts that will work, but they require cutting down the shaft since they don’t offer a kayak specific motor. 

 

Types of Bow Mount Trolling Motor Mounts

 

Bow mount trolling motor brackets come in various designs to suit different needs and kayaks. Heavy-duty brackets are built to withstand harsh environments and support larger motors, making them suitable for more demanding applications. Aluminum brackets are popular for their lightweight yet durable construction, offering a balance between strength and lightweight giving you the most solid mount available and reducing vibration to increase speed. The Bow Mounts can also accept various quick release brackets to allow for ease of removal of the motor when you’re not on the water.

 

Stern Mount Motor Mounts

Benefits of Stern Mounted Motors

 

Space-Saving

Stern-mounted motors can help save space on your kayak. Unlike bow-mounted motors that may get in the way when stowed right in front of the angler, prevent opening the front hatch or interfere with casting, stern-mounted options keep the front of the kayak clear and obstruction free.

 

Versatile Control Options

These motors can be controlled using hand operated steering handles, remote controls, or even foot pedals. This versatility allows anglers to choose the control method that works best for their fishing style and maximizing the hands free aspect of having a motor. Those who have a power fishing, run-and-gun style may seriously want to consider a rear mounted motor for their kayak. 

 

Improved Speed and Efficiency

A stern-mounted motor can potentially increase the kayak’s speed and efficiency. Stern mounted motors generally allow for a lifting of the bow of the kayak when under power providing less drag on the hull and therefore faster speeds than bow mounted options.

 

While stern-mounted motors offer these advantages, it’s important to consider your specific needs and kayak model when choosing a motor setup. Factors like weight distribution, ease of operation, and your fishing style should all play a role in your decision. There is no one size fits all answer to where you should mount your motor, everyone has to weigh the pros and cons of each placement and decide which will fit their angling style the best.

 

Kayak Trolling Motor Setup Guide

Essential Components for a Kayak Trolling Motor Setup

To set up a trolling motor on your kayak, you’ll need the following essential components:

1. Trolling motor (12V or 24V, 30 to 70 lb thrust recommended for most kayaks)
2. Deep cycle marine battery in the correct voltage to match your trolling motor (Lithium 12V 100Ah or 24V 50Ah lithium recommended for all-day use)
3. Kayak motor mount (compatible with your kayak model)
4. Battery box
5. Circuit breaker or fuse (for safety)
6. Wiring and connectors
7. Waterproof switch (if not included with motor)

Tools required:

• Drill and drill bits
• Screwdriver set
• Hex Key/Allen Wrench set
• Wrench set
• Wire strippers/crimpers
• Silicone sealant
• Zip ties

 

Step-by-Step Installation Process

 

Note: these are general instructions that give you an overview of the steps for installing a motor, each combination of motor, battery, mounts and kayak will have its own distinct set of instructions. This outline of the process is only intended to give you an idea of what will be involved. It is up to you to research the individual parts that you’re using and how they are installed, and work together with each other. If you’re not a competent DIY person you may want to have your motor installed at your local kayak shop.

1. Choose a mounting location (bow or stern) based on your kayak design and fishing style.
2. Install the motor mount according to manufacturer instructions, ensuring it’s securely fastened to the kayak.
3. Place the battery in a waterproof box and secure it in the kayak, keeping in mind weight distribution and balance.
4. Install the circuit breaker or fuse near the battery’s positive terminal.
5. Connect wiring from the battery to the motor, running cables inside the hull and and using quality connectors.
6. Mount the motor on the bracket, adjusting shaft length if necessary.
7. Test all connections and motor functions before taking it on the water.

 

Optimization Tips

1. Use a lightweight lithium battery to reduce overall weight and extend runtime, but deep cycle lead acid batteries will work, though they are much heavier.
2. Running the motor at or below 80% of its maximum speed will conserve battery power while still giving you most of the speed your kayak can reach.
3. If you chose a bow mounted trolling motor consider a GPS-enabled motor for precise control and position holding capabilities.
4. For Bow mounted motors use a quick-release mount for easy removal when transporting or storing your kayak.
5. Regularly clean and maintain your motor, especially after use in saltwater.

 

Safety Considerations

1. Ensure your kayak’s weight capacity can handle the added weight of the motor and battery in addition to the other gear you carry.
2. Install navigation lights, In the United States almost every state requires lights on kayaks running motors.
3. Check your home state and US Coast Guard regulations to find out if there are other requirements when you add a motor to your kayak.
4. Always wear a personal flotation device when operating a motorized kayak.
5. Adding a motor to your kayak means it must be registered in most states before use, and require registration numbers/letters to be displayed as assigned.
6. For stern mount motors always use your magnetic kill switch to automatically stop the motor if you fall overboard.
7. For Bow mount motors always make sure your remote is secured to your person so that if you fall out you can stop the kayak with it.

 

By following these guidelines and considering the specific needs of your kayak and fishing style, you can set up a safe and efficient trolling motor system that enhances your kayaking experience.

Popular Accessories for Kayak Motors

 

Enhancing your kayak with motor accessories can significantly improve your overall experience on the water. 

 

Some of the most popular accessories include:

Motor Mounts, mounting plates specific to your kayak model to get the best angles and the most solid mounting to get the most speed out of your motor.

Quick Connect Brackets, these help you quickly remove your bow mount trolling motor from your kayak for transport or storage.

Wiring Quick-connects, which makes the process of attaching and detaching your motor and battery from the kayak easy. 

Wiring Kits, if your kayak was wired for a motor, sometimes the factory wiring is less than ideal and you can get more efficiency and safety with an upgrade to the correct size wire for adding a motor.

Circuit breakers or fuses, which adds a layer of safety to your setup by preventing electrical overloads and possibly fires on the water which can absolutely ruin your day and your kayak. 

LED navigation lights for increased visibility during low-light conditions, and are usually required when adding any electric motor to your kayak.

Advanced Steering Systems, for the stern mounted motors you may benefit from upgraded parts for using your existing steering handles, or even steering just for the motor like foot steering and independent steering handles for your motor only.

Upgraded Rudders, these may be necessary or very helpful to those two add a motor because stock rudders are usually not designed for use with motors and may not have the surface area or rigidity required for the added pressures applied to them when using a motor.

Upgraded Steering cables, just like the rudder your steering cables may not be up to par for the added pressures of operating while under power and the added stress may cause your cables to break prematurely. 

Upgraded Steering Handles, this one is mostly for appearance, but we’ve seen a few complaints about people breaking stock steering handles under the added pressure of a motor, these not only are aluminum but they also come in anodized colors to make your kayak stand out. 

Rock Guards, these are primarily used for stern mounted motors and can help keep your propeller safe when operating in rocks or shallow water.

 

Improving Your Kayak Fishing Experience with Motor Accessories

Motor accessories can greatly enhance your kayak fishing experience by providing convenience and efficiency. Various mounting options can improve the efficiency of your motor giving you the most speed out of your setup. Accessories like quick connect brackets can make removing the motor easy for safe storage and transporting. Electrical accessories like quick connects let you remove your battery to charge, or easily unplug the motor from the kayak. LED lights are usually required for a kayak with a motor, but also can be great for general safety of just being more visible to other vessels that might have a hard time seeing you. Upgraded steering components can help by giving you a better turning radius and even making the steering perform under the added pressure of having an electric motor. You may not want or need every accessory, but the ones that apply to your motor, kayak and fishing style can make a world of difference on the water.

Safety Considerations

When upgrading your kayak with an electric motor and  accessories, safety should always be a top priority. Ensure that your kayak’s weight capacity can accommodate the additional weight of the motor, accessories and battery. Exceeding this limit can compromise stability and performance. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of weight limits when selecting your battery and motor. Opt for lightweight lithium batteries, which provide ample power without adding excessive weight to your kayak. 

 

Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on your kayak, as this is essential for your safety, especially when operating a motorized kayak. 

 

Installing proper lighting, such as LED navigation lights, is crucial for visibility during dawn, dusk, or nighttime operation, ensuring that you remain safe and visible to other boaters. These are also almost always required by the law to operate a kayak with an electric motor.

 

By considering these safety measures and selecting the right accessories, you can enhance your kayaking and fishing experience while ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, kayak motors have revolutionized the kayaking experience, offering anglers and enthusiasts increased mobility, efficiency, and accessibility on the water. The market has seen significant growth, with various options available including bow mount and transom mount motors. Key factors driving this growth include technological advancements in motors, increasing interest from recreational kayakers in motors, and the desire to extend range for fishing. Electric motors dominate the market due to their quiet operation and eco-friendliness, increased battery life through Lithium Batteries have made this possible increasing the power and range while keeping the weight added down. The benefits of extended range, reduced physical exertion, and improved maneuverability continue to make kayak motors an attractive option for many users.

The future of kayak motors appears promising, with ongoing innovations expected to address current limitations and further enhance performance. We can anticipate the development of more powerful yet lightweight motors, improved battery technology for extended range, and increased integration of smart features such as GPS positioning and smartphone connectivity. Additionally, we will see more kayaks designed specifically to accommodate motors, making installation and use even more seamless, and even kayaks that have integrated motors also being offered by more manufacturers. The kayak motor market is projected to expand as technology and access become easier for the consumers.