trolling motor question

[nutsoffish]

Alright, here it is. I just got me Malibu extreme about a month ago and so far it is great. Now i have a bad shoulder from an accident last year. I have a few good spots for fishing and they are a scoot for me. I am thinking of a trolling motor just for the long trips or if I go out by myself so I don't get stranded if my shoulder acts up. I heard extremes have a trolling motor mount but have not met anyone who has used it. Any ideas or suggestions?

[Snook hunter]

I put a trolling motor on a ocean kayak and it did it's job. The problem is reaching the handle. The best spot for the motor is as far back as you can get it but this creates a problem with reaching the handle. Putting the trolling motor along side creates a problem steering. Anyway, it can be done successfully, however I will say it takes the joy out of the sport and I don't use mine much.

Need to lug a heavy battery and motor, more tie downs, worried about it braking, need more room in the car, easier to flip and then can't wright the yak, and can't go as skinny.

I suggest Physical Therapy

[nutsoffish]

I hear yo Snook hunter. And I have thought about it, but I only plan to use it when by myself and/or on loooong trips. Thank for the input BTW. I think I know how I am going to rig it though.

[Cookinman]

You could also consider a hobie W mirage drive......

[just in time]

I just mounted a Motor guide 36 for slow trolling and used it a couple times(Only 100 bucks)....I mounted it on the left side of yak...It really is pretty cool and works great.All you have to do is mount 2x4 across yak behind your seat.My battery lasted all day yesterday but is extra weight ..I only use it for slow trolling ..paddle most of the time

[just in time]

[Xpierrat]

J.... you are going to need a trailer to carry all that stuff if you keep going.... LOL

Love the new troll tank version...

When we going..... ?

R

[JSheffey]

if i had an extra $2000 to drop in a kayak, motor, and battery, i would go with this one. you may want to add up your expenditures and look into a model like the one in the link. i have seen that a few companies make them now. i was at gander mountain the other day and i really like this model.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/p ... rchID=4006

[HialeahAngler]

I will agree that it sounds like you need rehab. strengthen that shoulder and work your way back. you can do the TM but then you will have to carry a heavy battery. kinda defeats the kayak purpose.

[crashmister]

Or go Lithium, 1/5 the weight and twice the power but 3 to 4 X the price of Lead/acid or Gel.

[Permit53]

Nut, I did the same thing in order to save my arms in order to get past the first island of the cheesapeak bay bridge tunnel, however i only ended up going into very large circles? I had the motor very close to the yak as do you... have you had any trouble keeping straiht?

[nutsoffish]

Alright, I guess it's only fair since I did ask for input. And I know I should have probably posted sooner but.....
Here is the before.



I actually made a mount that bolted straight on the rudder mount.



I made it so the trolling motor slides in and then secured with a wing nut for easy install and removal.




Then I cut the 30" shaft to the height I wanted to rout the wiring.



The control for forward and reverse mounted to the left of my hip for easy access.


Rigged a set of eye bolts to the shaft for steering.


And then to the rudder pedals.


And then the maiden voyage!




Yep, a whopping 4.2 MPH. But it works great. I've been thinking of rigging the ruder to the shaft so if I run out of juice, I could steer while I paddle.

[Permit53]

looks good! now time to fish!