Ascend 128T Kayak Review + Trolling Motor Mod + Trailer Mod

My latest modification to my Ascend 128T kayak has been to add a Pulse Width Modulator to my trolling motor!! It has greatly increased my battery life and kayak range and versatility!
The install was super fun and pretty easy! I could not be happier with the PWM.
*UPDATED 9/26/29* I have been told, and as far as I can determine myself, that the company that was building these PWM's has closed it's doors :(
They are not responding to emails or phone calls, and their website is shut down.
Super bummed.

[@MrSteve280]

I realize it's been a few years but your motor install still remains the cleanest, most thought-out design I've seen. Questions: 1) Have you ever made a video of your kayak running with the trolling motor for speed and endurance? 2) You mentioned a move after this video to a 55 lb thrust motor. Did you have to make any changes to accommodate it (e.g., battery, modulator)? 3) Are you still a big fan of the MightyMax battery or has something new come to the market that you've installed (or plan to install)? I sold my Big Fish that I originally mentioned due to its weight (I car-top) and got a Hobie Lynx. The motor options are very expensive (Texas Power Paddle, Bixpy via cassett install, Island Hopper) and there's little, if any, performance increase over the Mirage drive. Anyway, I'm again looking at DIY Minn Kota install.

[@wesjones7260]

Now days just running a cheap walmart deep cell and 55lb minn kota. Ditched the pulse width modulators, kept failing on me. MightMaxx is still a badass brand but too good honestly for what I've come to learn a fishing platform needs.

[@MrSteve280]

@@wesjones7260 thanks

[@MrSteve280]

@@wesjones7260 Yep, the fishing equipment industry seems to have zeroed in onto our imagination. Seems there's a corollary between equipment and the actual fishing; you always have too much of one and not enough of the other. Can of worms and cane pole still work.

[@wesjones7260]

@@MrSteve280 true that. Think I might take the setup out today and do some bream fishing

[@MyChaoticFishing]

$14 PWM device from Amazon $12 watertight box from a local retailer. Custom links wiring, S $18. Super easy installation. No need for $100 plus device

[@4rocksteady440]

where can I get the pulse modulator wireless trolling pro you have?

[@eduardovaldivia6229]

Just bought a pwm from wireless trolling pro, 2 weeks ago and my credit card was accepted. ??? In their website it doesn’t mention their close???

[@wesjones7260]

Maybe they opened back up? Hell, last time I tried the buy one the website wasnt even up any more.. I've since stopped using their product. The first one I bought died after a year, and the 2nd one I bought to replace it was buggy from day 1 and failed a couple weeks later. Was able to get my money back though, which is nice. Now I just build my own PWM's. Total cost is about $30-40 and I overengineer and waterpoof mine.

[@daves9685]

@@wesjones7260 Really enjoyed your setup! I added a 35# electric motor to my kayak 2 years ago. All DIY, as I enjoy figuring out how to. I went through 2 PWMs...both failed rather quickly.. Could not find a quality unit. Ended up going back to the stock control that came with the motor. I like the motor lift you have. Not sure if I can change mine, since I use a manual steering arm, but will definitely use your pulley technique! I learned something new to upgrade my yak and greatly appreciate the time and effort you put in to show everyone.

[@mrdvcapj]

so ima copy pretty much your whole build...best lifting mod ive seen so far. clever use of harken and swivel pulleys.

[@wesjones7260]

Tight lines brother

[@4rocksteady440]

im halfway through my mod and my variable speed switch is not suitable for his project

[@blacknewmoonblacknewmoon1967]

Wes where did you buy the 30 amp minnkota plug?

[@lokoamerican4934]

Are you stil using this setup? I saved this video yrsss ago

[@teedub68]

Does the PWM come already with the speed control switch?

[@garzaglass]

can you show how you wired the wires coming out of the trolling motor head and how you cut the head off and made the PVC stuff?

[@wesjones7260]

I have a buddy with a kayak that I am going to help add a trolling motor to soon, I'll be sure to make a vid on that part of the assembly.

[@garzaglass]

Thanks. Can you call me when you get a chance? I would like to ask some other questions about your ascend. I am thinking about trading my Hobie in for the one you have. I will PM you my number.

[@garzaglass]

I guess theres not a PM function for your profile. Can you email me and I will send you my#. [e-mail]

[@brookelatiolais432]

Great up dates. Thanks for the video. I will give it a try this week.

[@NickolasHinderer]

Sick! Thanks for sharing, can't wait to build my own..

[@wesjones7260]

Thanks broski, tight lines 🤘🤘

[@caseymclamb5890]

Could you go into more detail about the wiring from trolling motor to the new plug?

[@wesjones7260]

Yep, black and red wire go to corresponding leads on the plug, just use the 2 wires

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Final question: Do I need to tear the whole troll motor apart to swap wires completely or do i just need to add to the existing wires that run up from the motor?

[@wesjones7260]

I just used the existing wires

[@caseymclamb5890]

Nicely done man!

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Im defo gonna get one of these bad boys provided that all the skills required are in my skill set

[@wesjones7260]

Post up a vid when you do brother!

[@popaki9484]

Amazing work! I won’t be able to mount my battery under but it’ll sit behind my chair. I wonder if that controller is still available! I’ll have to search it. Where did you get all the wiring and the breaker switch from? Sorry for all the questions I’m not an electrical guru. Do you have a video of the unboxing of the motor and the pvc setup?

[@wesjones7260]

The company that built that Pwm is out of business now. I've since had to improvise and figure it out on my own. Gonna do a vid soon how to construct own pwm, at 1/2 the cost

[@wesjones7260]

Been wanting to do this vid for a while, but it have a new born, eats up all my time now 😭

[@popaki9484]

wes jones I can’t even try to imagine what it’s like having a newborn but I would think it’s very time consuming and significant. Congratulations Wes! So no more wireless trolling motor smh. Thanks for letting me know. Yea I see you installed an elbow and somehow a T pvc pipe. Hmm what did you do with the third “white” wire that comes out of the head? Thanks Wes!

[@suryadeephooda6501]

@@popaki9484 you can see hes got it wire into one of the modules around the 3:30 mark

[@bayoufennec5434]

i'm no electrician but i have a question..... wouldn't the circuit breaker also protect the PWM if you put it between the trolling motor and the PWM unit?

[@wesjones7260]

You want to put the circuit breaker right off the battery to protect all connected devices.

[@bayoufennec5434]

like i said i'm no electrician.....thanks. i want to do this set up and your video gives me a lot of info

[@jamesstarkey6655]

What are the measurements of the board for your battery?

[@wesjones7260]

Something like 11in by 28in

[@mikerivera2235]

Do you have issues with your adjustment on steering cables when you lift your trolling motor up?

[@wesjones7260]

No I dont. The pedal tracks are long enough to give you plenty of play regardless of motor height. What I did is made sure the pedals were a little past halfway in the middle of the track when I measured and attached them to the trolling motor set at it's deepest depth. That way when you crank it up you're not resticted.

[@bjsmith9191]

How long does that battery last? Was looking into getting one and getting rid of this 24 series full sized interstate. Also the link you provided to wireless trolling pro says they are short staffed and wont let you purchase anything. Any idea where I can pick one up from

[@wesjones7260]

I charge mine after every 3rd time out on the water. I'd say 9hrs or so. Weird on the other part or your comment, I emailed the owner directly as I know him personally and they had a lot already built ready to ship. Their website stays outdated, it's very much a mom pop business you need to contact them directly.

[@bjsmith9191]

@@wesjones7260 could I get their contact info? Really want to purchase one.

[@ToolsForLife]

What is the name of the control arm you have on the trolling motor. That T arm thats connected around the shaft

[@wesjones7260]

I made it myself with pvc

[@crude4u1948]

Based on what I've heard, you need a circuit breaker inline, like you have installed. but it seems there are varying opinions on the size. At first, I heard that I needed a 60 amp, then a 50, then a 40. I have two Minn Kota trolling motors, one is a 30# and the other is a 40#. How did you decide to go with a 30 amp circuit breaker?

[@wesjones7260]

I used Minn Kota's circuit breaker chart to determine what was recommended, it is available on their website.

[@crude4u1948]

@@wesjones7260 That's really weird, because the Minn Kota chart that I have says minimum 50 and/or 60 amp. with #8 or #6 wire.. I guess I'll have to look again.

[@wesjones7260]

@@crude4u1948 remember too the length of the wire you're using is important too. I had like 1 ft from the battery to the circuit breaker so I was able to use a smaller gauge than if I had been running say 10+ ft.

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Ok Mr Wes I really like this PWM alot! I want one but im not sure what to get. I have a Minn Kota Endura Max 50lb thrust. I only see 55lb thrust PWM on the web page. Will that work? Also does this eliminate the need for the switch inside the head unit?

[@wesjones7260]

Yes it replaces the switch unit. Youll only run the red and black wires from the motor to the PWM. So far as your other question, i would email the manufacturer directly and ask him, you dont want to risk damaging any hardware.

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Oh nice!!! So if I saw correctly in the video. You run the - and + form the motor to the PWM and - and + form the battery to the PWM. I assume the wires are labeled on the PWM or there is a wire diagram in the kit.

[@TheKrosanRyu]

I just checked on the FAQ section and the PWM is backwards compatible. So a 55lb will work for a 50lb. It wont work in reverse so a 30lb wont work right on a 55lb as it can only go to a max of 30

[@willtraveltofish]

If you have a Endura Max, it has a pwm or “maximizer” already built into the head unit

[@rayhensley961]

Can you show your motor lift system? It looks a little better than one I am working on, email me or reply here. I keep an eye out. Thanks

[@wesjones7260]

Check my other vids, did a tutorial on it.

[@kerriesmith2777]

Wes where did you get the pulse modulator

[@wesjones7260]

It was a mom and pop business but sadly they're closed permanently 😞

[@09ironman1]

it says wireless, why wire on controler

[@wesjones7260]

I elected for the wired version. They're out of business now, but when they were producing, they offered a wireless version. I went with the wired because less likely to misplace it or god forbid drop it in the water!

[@Adeesicks]

Link to the minn kota plug and receptacle? Cant find it

[@wesjones7260]

It's called the MKR-18

[@Adeesicks]

Thanks wes!

[@sloshyjoe]

Bro I just ordered the PWM system got an email they're 5 weeks behind. I'm really disappointed hopefully it's less

[@wesjones7260]

They did me same way. I was disappointed because nowhere on the website does it say they're behind.

[@sloshyjoe]

@@wesjones7260 called them today they're now 2 weeks behind so that's a plus.

[@SuperDuperOutdoors]

Hey bro...you said superduper!

[@richardamaro926]

Is there a killswitch on the motor in case of an accidental falling over to prevent the kayak from running away??

[@wesjones7260]

Lol no....that's a risk I'm willing to take haha

[@bigalcervantes5118]

Wes, did you have to purchase additional wiring for the modular, and what gauge wire do you have running all thru out the system?

[@wesjones7260]

No the PWM had it's own needed wires. The only extra wire I needed was to extend out the trolling motor head to the PWM. I used 10 gauge off the trolling motor, 10 gauge off the battery into my circuit breaker and into the PWM.

[@bigalcervantes5118]

Thanks brother

[@bigalcervantes5118]

Best video on wired circuit

[@RedfishInc]

You Cut and patched your kayak rather than cutting and splicing the cable? Really? Lol

[@wesjones7260]

Let's see your motorized kayak setup then dipshit

[@TheKrosanRyu]

So it looks like the company that makes the pwm is out of business. The website has been closed for about 5 months or so and I've haven't gotten any response from emails either. Sad cuz I bout a 50lb thrust troll motor for my kayak that's kinda useless to me now.

[@wesjones7260]

I SERIOUSLY doubt that. Email the owner directly, his name is Leon. [e-mail]

[@wesjones7260]

Because I just bought mine like 6 weeks ago, email Leon.

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Will do thank you sir

[@wesjones7260]

@@TheKrosanRyu any luck?

[@TheKrosanRyu]

Just sent an email today. Will report back soon

[@lokoamerican4934]

Nice man. Are you going to mount the control. Also do you have any specs on your battery?

[@wesjones7260]

Aaron no i dont think I'll mount the control, i like having the extra freedom of being able to be anywhere on the kayak and the controller reach. My battery is a MightMax SLA 55Ah deep cycle from Amazon, $130 bucks. Very good battery that I can troll on all day.

[@crude4u1948]

And those guys are still out of business.

[@wesjones7260]

I havent heard back from my emails to them so I believe so -_-

[@crude4u1948]

Seems like all of the links on the wirelesstrollingpro.com website are not working right now.

[@wesjones7260]

Yes, sadly it seems they have shut their doors..

[@crude4u1948]

@@wesjones7260 Darn

[@philp2234]

Wes, tell me about the small Arkansas registration numbers and the location. Is that allowed or are you using common logic to justify it? I would like to do the same. I went years without being stopped in an aluminum river boat on the White River, but the first 400 yds in the water the first time out with my Old Town Predator, and I was stopped by AG&F. They checked my fishing license but asked enough questions, including where I bought my kayak, that I knew that was why they stopped me. Any issues with AG&F yet? Cool install. I was planning on buying the same Wireless Trolling Pro setup you bought. Just trying to decide on 45 or 55 lb thrust to go up river.

[@wesjones7260]

It's required to be registered is why I put them on. So far as which Wireless Trolling Pro to go with, get the highest one they sell because I've learned since they are compatible with even lower thrust trolling motors. That way if you have say a 30lb thrust motor now, you can put the 55lb PWM on it, and if you upgrade your motor later you wont have to buy another PWM. Good luck and happy fishing!

[@philp2234]

@@wesjones7260 Thanks for the info on the PWM. Good to know. On the registration numbers, Arkansas DFA website says "Number must read from left to right on both sides of the motorboat. Number must be in at least 3 inches high, bold, BLOCK letters." I can find no exceptions for Kayaks to allow smaller numbers. Kinda ridiculous I know, but I'm guessing the law was way before kayaks were thought of. Have you had any issues or have you been stopped? Do you know something I don't about letter size for kayaks? I would love to find an exception to the above rule. I was planning on going smaller than 3 inches but wouldn't have dared to go as small as you did. Thanks.

[@wesjones7260]

@@philp2234 bro I just slapped the numbers on, once the state has your money they dont give a shit lol