Power up my kayak

[Jerry g]

I have two Ocean Kayak Prowler 13s set up for fishing. I have decuded to add a trolling motor so I can expand my range. 

Purchasing new kayaks with power built in is quite expensive. To avoid a devorce, i need to keep cost at about $500.00 per upgrade. Any ideas?

i am interested in hearing others experiences.

[flyfisher]

welcome to the board.  There are a few motorized kayak guys on here that may chime in.  I don't have a motor on my kayak but i know there are some good Facebook groups that may be able to help.  kayak bass fishing is one that you may want to start at then go from there.

 

good luck!!

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Jerry!

I motorized my Native Ultimate 12 with a simple
MinnKota C2 30. I patterned it after the BassYaks
and other products on the market. Was a DIY and
still works great.

I've got pix in my gallery. Most parts I bought from
Home Depot, and a local Tru Value. I do recommend
using Stainless Steel bolts, etc. I used zinc plated
and had some rusting issues after a while.

[Jerry g]

Fly fisher and Darren, good information on facebook, l will check it out.

Darren, nice job, is that motor modified by you, or sold that way?

does it have factory remote speed control?

also, battery life.  How long can you fish? Assuming half speed both ways to and from, then normal trolling, positioning ecr?

[Darren.]

1 hour ago, Jerry g said:

Fly fisher and Darren, good information on facebook, l will check it out.

Darren, nice job, is that motor modified by you, or sold that way?

does it have factory remote speed control?

also, battery life.  How long can you fish? Assuming half speed both ways to and from, then normal trolling, positioning ecr?

Jerry, that's my modification.

Stock C2 30 I bought, cut down the shaft,
added the length of 4 wire rubber coated 
power cable.

Speed control is factory, taken out of the 
motor's head/handle setup.

I was using an 85AH battery, but it was so
heavy. I now use a 35AH sealed wheelchair
battery and I can fish my reservoirs for hours.

Typically I can go along at top speed to one
of my spots, then troll around here and there,
go top speed to another spot, troll around, etc.

I figure I get at least 4-6 hours, but I've not 
actually counted the hours, I just fish and have
never used up my battery life in one outing.

[James631]

Hi Jerry,  I bought a kit last year that worked great. The Skimmer Kayak Motor Kit. I have a Jackson Cuda.

kayak trolling motor.com 

Within your budget, attached very easily, and I use it with a 35 amp hour battery. Great steering system and lifting system. everything is removable for easy transportation.

Hope this helps.

[buzzed bait]

Darren gave some rock solid info that helped me get some power to mine.  I've actually just kinda finished all the tweaks and everything, but have no photos right now.  i have a 30lb minn kota cheapo.  i enlisted my genius dad's help and he helped fashion a custom made mount for mine that is beyond rock solid.  in hindsight, i wish i had just forked over the money and done the legit TM plug, but instead i just used wire connectors on it (again, would have done the plug thing 1,000 times over).  i will try and snap some pics and upload here, i owe them to Darren at least for helping me find the motivation to get mine done!