7 Steps – How to Make Trolling Motor Mount for Kayak (2023)

Kayak anglers who might want to let loose their hands for fishing decide to utilize a savaging motor on their kayak. you might become careful about simply rowing eventually. Introducing a savaging engine on your kayak won’t just permit you to investigate the streams at a quicker pace, yet it will likewise permit you to encounter another degree of rowing.

We’ve put together a whole guideline to help you understand much more about the best ways to install a trolling motor mount for kayak. This article will also answer your concerns about how to properly mount a trolling motor to a kayak.

A savaging engine might be handily added to a kayak to do this. This is fabulous, however, you’ll likewise have to know how and where to join a savaging engine to the kayak.

What exactly is a Trolling Motor Mount for Kayak?

A trolling motor mount is a tiny motor that allows you to paddle your boat over the water avoiding disturbing the fish and other wildlife. Fishing enthusiasts utilize trolling motors, as well as some kayakers, and recommend them on hand in case they become weary of paddling.

Several trolling motors are battery-operated, although others can run on gasoline or diesel. some are controlled by a basic hand or foot control, with some also having a remote control.

What Is The Best Way To Install A Trolling Motor Mount On A Kayak?

Trolling motors & how they’re meant to be fitted on your kayak come in a wide range of designs. Some trolling motors include mounts as well as all of the necessary gear for a full installation.

The best thing you can do if you buy the trolling motor that comes ready to install out of the box is to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, buying a trolling motor that includes everything you’ll need to set it up is unusual.

The motor mount, battery, plus mounting hardware are more than likely to be purchased separately. As a result, teaching how to install a trolling motor on a kayak necessitates covering the full process from beginning to end.

1. Select a Mounting Site

Before you go out and buy a trolling motor & all of the equipment that comes with it, you’ll need to figure out where you want to put it on your kayak. Kayak trolling motors are meant to be mounted on your kayak’s bow, stern, or gunwales.

The benefit of installing your kayak’s motor on the gunwale is that you’ll have better access to it while still sitting safely on the kayak seat.

If you want to place the engine on the bow and stern of one of the finest fishing kayaks, you’ll need a motor featuring remote control or the ability to link to your kayak’s foot braces so you can adjust course while on the water.

However, in some circumstances, having a motor installed on the side of the kayak might cause navigational challenges.

Because the engine generates greater power on one side of the kayak than the other, adjusting your motor to make your kayak travel straight or in the way you desire may require some skill.

2. Select a Compatible Motor Mount

Installation of a trolling motor on a kayak necessitates the use of a compatible motor mount. A motor mount is the part of the trolling motor that connects to your kayak and holds it in place.

On the market, there are several mounts to choose from. Some are meant to attach to your kayak’s bow or stern, while others enable you to connect the trolling motor to the side.

However, compatibility with the trolling motor and kayak is the most critical thing to consider when selecting a motor mount.

If you pick a motor mount that is meant to connect to the bow and stern of the kayak, be sure the mounting clamps or bolts are suitable for your kayak’s bow or stern design.

There is seldom a firm handle and edge of the kayak at the bow and stern of sit-in kayaks, for example. If you have a sit-in kayak, this means you’ll surely need a mount that enables you to connect the motor to the side of the kayak.

However, the design of certain sit-on-top kayaks allows you to pick between a bow/stern or a gunwale mount. As a result, these kayaks may allow you to put your motor in a variety of locations on your kayak.

3. Attach the Propeller to the Motor

Unfortunately, most trolling motors do not come with a propeller. This is mostly for safety as well as to prevent the propeller from destruction while shipping to your area.

The method of installing an appropriate propeller to your trolling motor should be reasonably simple if it comes with one. The best approach to ensure correct installation is to refer to the motor’s manufacturer’s instructions.

To be honest, having a backup propeller on deck is usually a smart idea in case you go aground in shallower water or damage your current propeller.

Although the appropriate propeller may not allow your engine to drive your kayak at higher speeds, it can boost the total power of your motor. More information about selecting propellers for kayak trolling motors may be found here.

Furthermore, not all motors have a propeller, and some need you to locate and install a matching aftermarket propeller on your own.

Where Should a Trolling Motor Mount on a Kayak?

Bow or Transom Mount

Trolling motors for watercraft are typically designed for the bow and for the transom. This bow-mounted trolling motor works safely because it pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing it from behind as the transom.

This bow-mounted trolling motor can take control and steer simpler, the increasing force with a telescopic handle will require reaching behind to control the trolling motor & increase speed.

There is, however, a remedy. Trolling motors positioned on the transom can be equipped with cables & linkages that allow the operator to regulate the speed and steer the motor from the cockpit seat.

A sit-in kayak with a retractable skeg will make the usage of steering linkages as well as installation considerably easier. The foot limits in the kayak’s cockpit may be modified to operate the trolling motor’s steering linkages.

A transom-mounted trolling engine is more versatile than a sit-on-top kayak. However, a trolling motor will still be situated precisely behind the kayak’s seat.

If you want to utilize a trolling motor on the transom or bow, ensure sure you can reach it for steering and push or that you have the right linkages and accessories fitted for simpler operation.

Side Mounts

Side Mounting Installing a trolling motor on the side of a kayak requires a little DIY know-how, but it’s not difficult. The aftermarket rail system that mounts across the kayaks & allows the trolling engine to be readily mounted to the side is available for some kayaks. These will be attached to the existing rod holding on either side of the kayak’s seat.

7 Steps – How to Make a Motor Mount Kit DIY

Designing your own motor mount is less costly, but you must guarantee that it can take the motor’s power to avoid damage. It’s also a good idea to make sure it’s properly attached to your kayak so it doesn’t fall free.

There is a technique to construct your own mount which can be removed quickly when not in use. This means you won’t have to drill holes in the kayak or have anything connected to it.

Things You Need

• PVC pipe has a diameter of 1-1/4 inch.
• PVC pipe with a diameter of 2 inches.
• 2 x 6-inch piece of wood.
• (2) Clamps for bars.
• (1) Use 1/2′′ and 3/8′′ drill bits to drill.
• (2) nuts and washers for 3/8′′ hex or carriage bolts.
• (4) carriage bolts, nuts, and washers, 1/2 inch.

Step 1: Determine the amount of space available for mounting.

It’s a smart option to measure the area where you’ll be mounting the mount before you start. The length of the 2×4 and 1×6 will normally be determined by your measurements. Measure the diameter of the scupper holes as well, as you may want a different PVC pipe diameter to provide a snug and secure connection.

Step 2: Prepare the Wood

Cut the two 1x6s to adjust the width of the mounting place now you have the measured data. If you have enough room in the tank, these 1x6s should fit securely and not slide about. Depending on the design of your kayak, you may need to angle your cut.

Because the motor will be mounted to it, your 2×4 will be significantly longer than your 1x6s. It’s possible that this will be twice as long as your 1×6.

Step 3: In one 1×6, cut two holes.

Calculate the difference between the two scupper holes you’ll be using and write it down on the 1×6 that should be flat on a kayak’s deck. Cut the holes large enough for your 34-inch PVC pipes should fit through.

You’ll need to change the size of the hole to meet your personal specifications if the scupper holes & pipes are different sizes.

Step 4: Put Your Planks Together

After that, you’ll need to attach your wood boards together. Along their lengths, these two 1x6s must be bonded and fastened at a 90 ° angle. This allows one portion to rest flat on your boat’s deck and the other to be positioned vertically.

Next, attach the 2×4 along its length to the vertical portion of the 1×6 using the same way, such that one side of the 2×4 protrudes. This is where you will attach your motor on the longer side.

Step 5: Put The Bracket In Place

To further guarantee the connections between both the 2×4 and the 1×6, use a mounting plate or bracket. This may be done on both sides of the joints to provide additional strength and stability.

To attach your motor, connect the bracket to the extended side of the 2×4.

Step 6: Install the PVC Pipes  

Attach your PVC pipes perpendicular to the 2×4 & 1×6 after properly measuring them. They should go through the holes that were drilled in the 1×6 earlier.

Using the straps, assure the pipes towards the rest of the amount. This can assist them in remaining firmly in place.

Step 7: Mount Your Kayak

You may now attach the engine mount to your kayak by inserting these pipes into the scupper hole that was created earlier. Keep in mind the 1×6 is securely fastened to your boat’s deck. In the event of an accident, securing it with a leash might be beneficial.

FAQs

Conclusion

Regardless of how you attach the trolling motor mount on a kayak, it will vastly improve your fishing experience. Rather than paddling all day, use an electric kayak to reduce tiredness and spend more time on the lake.

If you want to fish or enhance your power on the water, then choosing the best trolling motor mount for kayak is absolutely beneficial addition to your kayak.

Remember to consider the sort of mount you’ll need for the power of the engine, and double-check that it’s suitable for your kayak. Take note that not every mount is compatible with all types of boats.

Tell us in the comments which kayak trolling motor position you choose now that you know how to put a trolling motor on a kayak.