First Yak - WS Ride 115 - Trolling Motor Questions, etc.

[schplurg]

Finally after many months of looking I found a good yak on Craigs List. The WS Ride 115 was $500 and came with an Air Pro Max seat. I feel like I got a great deal even without the expensive seat! I didn't realize how much the seat costs new until I got it home that night

 

Took it out the day I got it and it was my first time in any kayak ever. Was no problem. Standing was a little shaky at first but after a while I got the hang of it okay. I sat most of the time. The seat is awesome. I have lower back issues and I was comfortable for hours.

 

I could use a little advice, of course.

 

Is a 250 cm paddle long enough for the high seat position? Should I get aluminum or carbon and what's a good brand, hopefully less than $100? The paddle I used was approx 7' long and too short. I'm 5' 11" / 185#. I have tendinitis so I'd like a light paddle, and a trolling motor.

 

Bigger question.....I want to add a trolling motor and I want to make it as hands-free as possible. Steering with the foot braces is okay, but I would like to have some kind of foot controlled "momentary-on" buttons for an instant forward and an instant reverse. Is this possible?

 

I can do the work. I've seen people use the Minn Kota Endura 30 from Walmart/BPS and even taking the handle apart to move it closer to the angler. Could I go a step further and wire a button or two to this for the on-switches? Or would it be easier to just have a switch for power on/off and set forward or reverse manually ahead of time? Maybe like an on/off on the battery lead?

 

I've seen remotes for motors but I assume it won't work with this cheap one. I thought of trying a foot controlled TM but they're too expensive for me even on Craigs List. Some are cheap enough maybe but not sure it's a good idea.

 

I'm not worried about mounting the motor I can handle the mechanical stuff. Is there a better cheap motor for hacking the electrical?

 

I want to use the motor for going longer distances, and for maneuvering while fishing. I can see how grabbing a paddle repeatedly will drive me crazy. If I could afford a pedal drive I'd have done that instead. I'd like to be able to back away from shore when hooking a fish, or just whenever I need to. If I could have only one switch/button it would be reverse.

 

Other than that, I'm adding an anchor trolley right away. I see how that will be useful after I spent a day on the water.

 

I'd like an enclosed box rather than a milk crate.

 

Anyways I'm just getting started and I'm so stoked to have a yak finally! I just stand outside and look at it wondering what to do to this thing!

 

Order of priority:

- paddle

- anchor trolley (already have some parts don't really need advice unless there's something specific to this yak)

- replace 2 missing handles (good place to order hardware?)

- add batteries, trolling motor or not. I need USB and lights etc.

- trolling motor

- torpedo tubes, fore and aft

 

I'm very excited to have a yak. I almost bought a lower quality one (glad I didn't) but when I saw this for the price I jumped on it. It's everything I need (sans pedals!)

[Harold Scoggins]

https://www.austinkayak.com/Harmony-Replacement-Side-Handles-for-Ride-115-amp-135-2-pack/ACK12233P.html

 

Congrats on the yak. My advice for a paddle; get the best paddle you can afford.

Good article on choosing right paddle length.

https://payneoutdoors.com/long-kayak-paddle-need/

 

Remember to wear your PFD.

[schplurg]

7 minutes ago, Harold Scoggins said:

https://www.austinkayak.com/Harmony-Replacement-Side-Handles-for-Ride-115-amp-135-2-pack/ACK12233P.html

 

Congrats on the yak. My advice for a paddle; get the best paddle you can afford.

Good article on choosing right paddle length.

https://payneoutdoors.com/long-kayak-paddle-need/

 

Remember to wear your PFD.

 

Thank you. I have a browser tab open with PFDs as I type this, and I wear one. I don't know if my seat is considered a "high back".

 

Good article on paddle selection. Thanks again.

[Harold Scoggins]

7 minutes ago, schplurg said:

Thank you. I have a browser tab open with PFDs as I type this, and I wear one. I don't know if my seat is considered a "high back".

You'll want a PFD made for "high back" seats. It will be more comfortable either way.

[schplurg]

@Mike Wright (I can't quote your post for some reason)

 

My plan is still being worked out heh, but I have a few parts for the anchor trolley and that will probably be the first thing I complete. Paddle and PFD too.

 

Oh I bought foam golf balls today for the scuppers! My first improvement. It took on a tiny bit of water, especially the back where my backpack was sitting. Wet backpack = need plugs.

 

The previous owner removed the front strap and put a big gawdy hood ornament there. I threw that stupid thing away. Without a handle it is very hard to move! So that gets fixed immediately.

 

I really want to do the trolling motor thing so if anyone has advice on those questions that'd be awesome. I want it as hands-free as possible. I may get a small one-handed oar for fine maneuvering until I can figure out how to do the motor.

 

I need a milk crate thingy but I'd like something enclosed instead. No rush although I could use some rod holders back there. It came with 2 holders mounted on the rails up front but they're very much in the way.

 

I need a rear boom for my action cam/GoPro. I also want battery power for that kind of stuff but waiting to see what I do about a motor before doing electrical, I think.

 

I don't know what else to do yet, I'm still recovering from the shock of actually owning one. I'd like to start doing the motor as soon as possible. That may determine how I set up some other things.

 

13 minutes ago, Harold Scoggins said:

You'll want a PFD made for "high back" seats. It will be more comfortable either way.

 

Yep I see that is a "thing"! I used a regular ski jacket and it was okay, but I definitely want more arm and shoulder space and I see a lot of cool designs out there.

 

I think customizing this rig will be half the fun

[schplurg]

So any advice on paddle type? Aluminum or carbon? I need to get one right away. Someone said to get the best I can afford but I'm not sure what is best and what is just more expensive.

 

How about a battery(s) for a trolling motor and accessories? Seems like I'd need a 100 amp/hour but there are so many options. I don't want to spend $300 on one right now. Any suggestions on type and brand?

 

I figured out how to rig the trolling motor to use a PWM to make it more efficient. It also works as a wired remote.

[flyfisher]

aluminum is heavy.  My paddle is a hybrid, carbon handle and resin blades, good balance of both worlds and not terribly heavy or pricey.  Think it ran about 150..manta ray hybrid.  

As far as batteries go, i have no idea so i'll let others help there.

[Smalls]

In the $100 range, you’re looking at a fiberglass paddle. If you can spring a few extra bucks, go with carbon fiber. 

 

 

[clayton86]

For the enclosed milk crate or like wise check out the wilderness systems krate it’s enclosed has a nice storage lid and 4 rod holders that are attached. 

 

 

[Allen Der]

Regardless of paddle shaft material, make sure the blades are a large size designed for a heavy fishing kayak. 

[schplurg]

I ordered this paddle, not fiberglass but it's lighter than the fiberglasses I could afford.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W9M3NMC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I wanted the 160 cm which limited my choices. See if I like it. I will probably cover the hook retrieval notch, maybe not. I hear they tend to pull up grass. Blades are bigger than the cheaper model I had selected. For distance I will use the trolling motor a lot anyways. Tendinitis and all that.

 

I wanted an enclosed crate but went with a milk crate for now. Making my own 3-rod holder set with black PVC pipe and some hard plastic material I found that handles like wood. I don't know what it is right now. Painting it all. That was my project last night and I should be done today.

[Smalls]

On 6/15/2019 at 12:46 PM, schplurg said:

 

 

I wanted an enclosed crate but went with a milk crate for now. Making my own 3-rod holder set with black PVC pipe and some hard plastic material I found that handles like wood. I don't know what it is right now. Painting it all. That was my project last night and I should be done today.

You can take another milk crate, cut the bottom off, and make a lid. Plenty of YouTube videos showing how. 

[Fishingmickey]

Ya might want to slow down a tad Schplurg. How big a guy are you? 140-150 lbs? The Ride 115 isn't a overly large stable kayak. hence that "shaky" feeling ya got when ya stood up in it.  I'm guessing that ya might be a tad over that 140-150lb range from your profile picture. A decent sized SLA 80-100 amp hour deep cycle battery will probably be in excess of 75-90 lbs. plus another 15-30 for the trolling motor & mount. If ya can go Lithium ion you can probably cut the battery weight in half. But you still talking 25-30 lbs for a 100amp hours worth of juice, add yourself into that mix, a cooler of drinks, couple of fishing poles, tackle, anchor etc. etc. That Ride 115 will be noticeably more unstable and more then likely overloaded.

     My advice, get that anchor trolley, anchor, couple of rods and reels, a bit of tackle, lunch bag cooler, a good paddle, PFD, sunscreen and go fish for a month or two worth of fishing trips (20-30 times). Then if ya still want to "load" her up by gosh have at it. I really like your enthusiasm for the sport Kayak fishing! I'd just hate to see you go overboard on your first kayak. Dump it, lose a ton of gear, the high dollar seat and your shirt. Then your WS Ride 115 will be back on Craig's list. Take your time, ease into it go out and fish.

Good luck!

Fishingmickey 

[schplurg]

I had a nice long answer typed out complete with some math, but my internet sucks right now and it disappeared.

 

Probably a good idea to do some math and figure this out

 

Ride 115 weight capacity 500# supposedly. Don't want to even get close to that.

 

So I'm 185. 

 

10 Crate with 4 Plano boxes and 3 rod holders

6 three rods. Guess probably high.

5 small backpack with extra stuff, scale etc. Weighed it.

8 gallon of water. That's more than I bring so I'll include a couple possible beers/drinks in that weight. My water starts frozen solid so I take no additional ice.

3 food, overestimate

14 seat.

2 paddle

 

233 lbs so far without a motor. Still less than the average American fisherman probably

 

15 Minn Kota 30

38 55ah Battery I have in Amazon shopping cart. Still shopping, this weight could change either direction.

10 motor mount, cables, PWM, switches.
 

I'm at a little less than 300 pounds now.

 

When I stand, by shaky I mean that it rocks slightly left or right, like keeping it perfectly centered is hard because it's like trying to keep it on a fulcrum point. That's how it feels to me. It would be easier maybe to just keep it tilted ever so slightly left or right. I don't feel like it will tip by any means. Me falling out is a different story

 

Sitting is perfect. I can crawl around and it's great. I never feel it really lean at all. Putting a battery in the hull may help. The motor will counter that though probably especially when it's up. I actually feel like if I had more weight in the yak it would be more stable as the sides wouldn't dip as much when standing. I could be full of crap there though haha!

 

So, I'm 233 with no motor and 300 with one. Something to think about, but I think I'm okay with that. Most items are tethered - my crate, seat, rods when not in use. Crate latches shut. Battery under the deck. I'm prepared for a capsize.

 

I guess I could throw another 70 pounds in it and see how it feels. I'm glad you brought this up, it is definitely something I should check out. I mainly want the motor for travel to and from any fishing spot that's far from launch (tendinitis) and for maneuvering sometimes while fishing. So I don't need a 100ah battery probably, maybe less than the 55 even.

 

@Smalls

I made a flat solid lid to keep a little sun off the stuff inside. I saw the lids made with milk crates but it wouldn't open with my rods behind it, plus I didn't wanna buy another crate I'd rather have a solid box but I did this temporarily.

 

If I find I need a small boat instead of this yak, very possible, I can sell the yak and seat for more than I paid for it, so that helps too. Can use the motor in a small aluminum boat if it comes to that, but so far I love yak fishing.

 

Thank you very much for the advice on weight, Fishingmickey, it's good food for thought.

[Allen Der]

There's a difference between primary and secondary stability.  I used to jump up and down in my ride 115.  It is very stable.  I'm 180lbs

[schplurg]

Here is my crate. Used black PVC for the rod holders and painted them after routing out the slot and flaring them. Lid is some plastic stuff I found at the shop, and I made a latch to keep it closed out of some stuff that's like StarBoard.

 

 

I made a jig for the slot routing. Two pieces of wood clamped down with the PVC in between. Then another taller board for the "fence" to keep the cut straight, like a table saw fence.

 

 

Flare is just heat the end of the PVC over a heat source then press it over a wine bottle. The frame for it is again like StarBoard. HDPE. $25 in the store or $6 for a homemade 3 rod holder just like it

 

 

Scupper plugs

 

 

The yak. I've done work since this.

 

 

It is nice having a large cabinet shop on the property that I'm free to use 

[VolFan]

My advice would be to grab your pfd, leave your gear, and go lean it until you fall out so you know where that is (and you get your first dunk out of the way). Take a friend.  Otherwise everything you're doing looks great. 

[schplurg]

8 hours ago, VolFan said:

My advice would be to grab your pfd, leave your gear, and go lean it until you fall out so you know where that is (and you get your first dunk out of the way). Take a friend.  Otherwise everything you're doing looks great. 

 

I totally plan on that, that's great advice. I want to make sure I can flip it back over and crawl back onto it. I'm gonna walk, dance and flip around on that thing and see what it can do.

[schplurg]

Few more TM questions:

 

Do you need to keep your feet on the steering pedals to keep the yak going in the same direction? Will the motor flop or turn randomly if you don't?

 

Hmm thought I had a few more questions but can't remember now lol.

 

When using reverse does the motor want to pivot up out of the water? I've seen fixes for this but wondering if it's really an issue. Probably depends on how you connect your steering cables.

 

As for the yak itself, I'm liking it but am debating on getting a small cheap boat instead (or in addition to), which was my other plan. Gonna use this all summer then see how I really like it. I have a list of pros and cons about kayak fishing in general now that I've done it. It is very fun though.

[schplurg]

Kayaking isn't for me it turns out. I am probably going to trade my kayak for a small boat.

 

Reasons:

Tendinitis and paddling do not mix. This was the main test for me. It ain't working out.

 

I find myself fighting the yak more than I fish. A pedal kayak might help or maybe a trolling motor, but really if I'm gonna do a motor I may as well get a boat. I can get a foot controller for hands free operation. I really want hands free as much as possible.

 

I want space to move around. I find myself not changing baits as often as I would normally just because it's more of a chore.

 

I think I'm too impatient for a yak. I feel stuck in the seat and I just don't care for it for long periods.

 

The yak isn't as stable as I'd like. Anything better is too heavy for me.

 

I initially wanted a boat but wanted to try a kayak due to it supposedly being more likely to get me on the water more often. It isn't true where I live.

 

Pretty much every aspect of this kayak would be improved, for me, if it were actually a boat. Even launching would be easier and faster for me.

 

I've actually been depressed for many days over this, mainly due to my tendinitis pain. I'm going to a doctor by the way. It isn't an easy decision for me to sell this. But I see a boat as allowing me to fish more by not tiring out my body paddling. It will also be much more comfortable. I really wanted to do an aluminum bass-conversion to begin with. Now I will do that knowing that I tried the kayak first. I am now confident that it is 100% what I want.

 

I'd keep the yak but I could use the money towards a boat. Hoping for a trade. I practically live at a cabinet shop so doing a deck will be easy and fun for me.

 

I gave it a shot.

[markedman]

Just a few thoughts.

 

You can greatly increase the stability by adding some Scotty 302 stabilizers. Also, a bixpy jet is a much better alternative to a traditional trolling motor. It's much lighter and easier to set up as long as you have a rudder.

 

The major benefit of a kayak is getting into those places you can't take a boat. My favorite fishing spot has a very limited opportunity for bank fishing and you can't get a boat to it, but you can pull a kayak down the trail and launch it.

 

[schplurg]

It's been decided

 

I fished in a 14 foot aluminum v-hull converted to a "bass boat" yesterday. That is what I wanted to do from the start and I should have done it. I loved it. Then again if I hadn't tried the yak I would have always wondered. I'd like to go to 16 foot if possible, but 14 was stable and very very nice. Good seats too.

 

It's so nice to be able to move around, have space for stuff that you can actually retrieve, stand up easily. Fish with a buddy. Was actually easier than launching the yak. Losing the gigantic paddle is nice. Even without my tendinitis this is the right choice for me. I like everything about it better.

 

I'll take the kayak out a few more times but it is definitely getting sold or traded this year. I just can't see adding outriggers and motors to the kayak. It seemed like a good idea after so many YouTube videos, but now it seems ridiculous compared to just getting a boat.

 

If anyone near me wants to buy my yak hit me up.