If you’re looking to add more power to your kayak, a trolling motor may be just what you need and can be a great benefit to kayaking. And also if you are curious to know about this frequently asked question how to mount a trolling motor on a kayak?
In short, when you are planning to mount a trolling motor on your kayak, the first thing you have to do is to find a location for the trolling motor. It is better if you can find a place near the center of the kayak so that the weight will be evenly distributed. Next, you will need to install the battery. The battery should be installed in a location that is easily accessible so that you can change it when necessary. After the battery is installed, you can now start installing the trolling motor.
No worries! I’m going to go over all the different methods and techniques so that you can pick the one best for your kayak.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Best Methods – How to Mount A Trolling Motor On A Kayak?
The following are the best methods to mount a trolling motor on a kayak:
1. Motor Mount
This is where you attach your motor to the bottom of the kayak and these work well with small motors. However, most kayaks will not support a bigger trolling.
2. Transom
It has been the standard method so far and it attaches to the back of the boat behind the paddler seat. They are good for smaller boats from 12 feet in length or less, but on longer vessels, they can be unwieldy and move around too much while you’re paddling.
Depending on your kayak type this can limit angler positioning as it may interfere with fishing from multiple locations.
3. Rail Mounts
These mount right on top of your pier railing or gunwale which allows it to be used easily on most makes and models of kayaks. And they allow the use of either small or large motors, depending on your needs, with less interference with anglers in the cockpit.
4. Trolling Motor Tabs
These are not as popular as other trolling motor mounts but do provide very good adaptability for different types of kayak setups.
Because it can mount onto any flat surface which means you can attach it to the side of your kayak for example, if you wanted to fish from two positions without having to stop and change your position.
5. Side Brackets
These attach to both sides of the kayak and can be used with most makes and models. They offer the most mounting options and rely on your paddling skills to move around rather than an electric motor.
Why Mount A Trolling Motor On A Kayak?
Trolling motors have been proven to be extremely helpful in kayak fishing and when you add a trolling motor into the mix, it makes your kayak more efficient for fishing.
A trolling motor is great for kayak fishing as it gives you the ability to cover more water and as well as maintain control of your kayak.
When Do I Mount A Trolling Motor On A Kayak?
Trolling motors are great for kayak fishing and once you know how to mount a trolling motor on your kayak, it can help you fish more efficiently cover more water, and do it silently as well as be able to maintain control of your kayak the whole time and only use your paddles when you need to.
The best season to use a trolling motor on your kayak is during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Now if you are curious to know if you can mount a trolling motor on any kayak. Here is the answer.
Can I Mount A Trolling Motor On Any Kayaks?
You can easily mount a trolling motor onto most of the fishing kayaks. But you need to consider some factors before mounting it like weight capacity, thrust (how much water the propeller can push), how flat your boat is (you don’t want your battery or motor lying down), etc.
If you are wondering if there is a specific kayak for mounting a trolling motor on your kayak, here is the answer.
Is There Any Special Kayak To Mount A Trolling Motor On?
You might be surprised but, you can use almost any type of fishing kayak to mount a trolling motor on. And it depends more on your personal preferences and needs while going out into the water.
You need to consider what kind of engine power you want or how much weight capacity your boat can support and then choose from our top 5 best trolling motor mounts mentioned above to get the most efficient performance from your new trolling motor.
Conclusion
It is possible to mount a trolling motor on any standard fishing kayaks, though considerations must be made regarding weight capacity, thrust, etc. There isn’t one specific type of kayak which is optimal for mounting a trolling motor onto – compatibility with your boat remains more important than special design features.
So it’s up to you if you are interested in adding more power to your kayak. Try out the best trolling motor mount that works for you and have more fun fishing on your kayak.
I hope that now you are well aware of how to mount a trolling motor on a kayak
FAQs
Q1. Is it worth putting a trolling motor on a kayak?
Adding a trolling motor to the mix makes kayaking and fishing much more efficient and if you like to cover a lot of water and stay out on the water for longer periods of time, this is perfect.
Q2. How do you hook up a trolling motor to a kayak?
The most common way is to use a transom-mounted trolling motor. You’ll need to drill a hole in the back of your kayak and install a mounting plate, which you can then attach the trolling motor to. You’ll also need to wire up the trolling motor to your battery, which is usually done with a simple wiring harness.
Q3. Where do you mount a trolling motor on a kayak?
There are a few different ways to mount a trolling motor on a kayak, depending on the type of kayak you have. The most common way is to mount it on the back of the kayak, using brackets that attach to the hull. You can also strap the trolling motor to the deck, or install a special trolling motor mount that fits into the scupper holes.