DIY Fishing Kayak Trolling Motor

Book a guided fishing trip with me
www.flobass.com
It's not perfect, but I had fun and can only improve from here! Mounting this trolling motor was actually super easy. I just took my time and made sure to plan 5 steps ahead before I made any cut or drilled any hole. All in all it was a success. I'll definitely start tweaking the design. Maybe I'll cave in and mount it in the rear and hook up cables... For now it gets the job done and get to more places that otherwise would take me 5 times as long to paddle to. Oh, and the big camera is back! I hope I don't let too many people down with some B Roll.
~Eric
Enjoy these dope beats by:
Future Joust - Sunset Drive
www.epidemicsound.com/search/...

[@AdventureIndiana]

You have me kayak cred for having something you made. Pretty sweet

[@MrNatureboy2010]

Great video ! The rail system built in the yak that was utilized for mounting was a major factor in the build. I'm thinking of installing a rail system in my yak to do the same. This looks like the most efficent and simple method I've seen for such a build. Thanks for the idea and direction !

[@randywilliams847]

The old 2x4 has been that size for about 50 years.

[@FloBass]

Its just like buying a set of 35x12.50R17 BFG KM3 mud terrains. You think you're getting a 35" tire, but its actually more like 33.8".

[@TheWormzerjr]

should have used pressure treated wood

[@itsbrandy4680]

I've always been told it's to allow for 1/2in sheetrock

[@jimlahey3919]

Wrong. You can put half inch Sheetrock on it either way. A 2x4 is the size of the board when it’s rough. If you buy a rough cut 2x4, it’s true to size. But for building purposes, a smooth board is preferred. So they plane off a quarter inch on all 4 sides of the board to make it smooth, and that’s how a 2x4 really turns into a 1.5 x 3.5

[@FishingFreshies]

That's Awesome!!

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

I've scoured KZbin for this video. Best one on the subject thanks

[@FloBass]

Too kind. I just wanted to have fun and mess around.

[@medicgor]

Did this over the weekend and tried it out today. Fantastic! Thanks Flo Bass!

[@FloBass]

Yes!

[@elevin1972]

Good vid E! Maybe adding a skeg will help track straight...it's another inexpensive project I believe Zoffinger has an episode where he fabbed one up. Stay creative bro!!

[@FloBass]

Thanks dude. I was using my powerpole to provide some drag and it helped a lot when I have the motor on 10 and im fishing. But I can't do that cruising. Its just a waste of battery. Zoffinger has some awesome DIY vids.

[@DavidAguilar772]

Love the video. I’ve got an ascend 128t and I’ve been thinking of putting one on but now I’ve seen the the front doesn’t work as well but if anything if I figure it out I would love to help you out. I stay in Florida as well in the treasure coast area just north of you

[@FloBass]

Treasure coast has some gem fishing spots! I really need to get back to the Indian River asap.

[@AndrewVSmith10]

I will be doing this but with a counterbalance. Thanks!

[@hansolo7205]

You just gave me an idea, I have a motor mount from a Sportspal Canoe. Just like yours except its made of aluminum bracket. Thanks

[@medicgor]

I'm going to try this thx! Just trying to find the tracking hardware you used. Where did you get yours and what would the hardware name be for the sliders?

[@FloBass]

The track hardware you can get from yak attack. They have a spare gear track hardware kit that comes with a bunch of goodies.

[@medicgor]

I found tooling at Home Depot in Canda. Worked out great. Friend me on FB (Kevin Gorman, blue EMS Star profile pic) and I'll send you pics and the video. Flew through the water on a very windy day.

[@popaki9484]

Nice setup! What kind of hardware did you use to mount it in the track itself? I didn’t see that part. Is it regular bolt from a hardware store...screwed into what?

[@FloBass]

I had some spare track hardware from some of yak attack stuff. It’s a long flat plate with a threaded hole in it. Brought it to the hardware store and matched up some bolts with the same threads

[@S_oX_x]

T bolts from Amazon work great on tracks

[@slikrik6098]

just finished mine today but rain rolled hopefully do test run tomorrow./ mine is mounted behind the seat off to the side

[@FloBass]

Your kayak will track straighter where you're mounting yours. I played around with the position on mine and it worked best just behind the seat.

[@popaki9484]

Does it track way better behind the seat or slightly better?

[@FloBass]

Just behind the seat it tracks much better.

[@tubingpro]

How about 1.5 square galvanized tubing? Might be able to open that box a little further.

[@mikeyoks]

Motor shaft length?

[@jackhelm1537]

I put my trolling motor on the back of my kayak but I used a longer handle on it

[@FloBass]

I'm not sure it will work with my style of fishing. I like to stand up and cover lots of water so having it close by to help maneuver is sort of a necessity for me.

[@tooshmart6669]

I run mines in the back with a 3/4 inch pvc pipe running to the front for steering and a speed controller for motor control. I dont like the foot steering because you have to be seated, with the pvc pipe I can stand and steer.

[@zacheiriksson]

2x4s used to actually be 2"x4" now they have a nominal size which is actually closer to 1.5"x3.5" after planing and drying

[@giovannyavalo4790]

Epic man i plan to rig something up like that just not exactly sure to how make it work lol

[@FloBass]

Just gotta have some confidence and try it. Even if it doesn't come out perfect you still learned from it and can only make it better.

[@jaymcwethy9026]

how did you like it long term? I had mounted one like that on the front-ish side of the boat, but I also had broke my prop that day, so between the two the tracking was horrible. I could not turn to the right (the mount side) at all.

[@FloBass]

Long term it sucked, but only because the yak didn't track straight. I moved it to just behind the rear seat and it was much better. I moved on to a Hobie PA12 with the 360 drive and was more happy with pedal power than an electric trolling motor.

[@jaymcwethy9026]

@@FloBass most of my tracking issues was due to the position of the mount for me then probably. thats fine, i got some more track coming this week, ill just mount it behind my seat. appreciate the response

[@bsdgffishtuna5186]

can you lock the motor into place without moving? like have a direction and not worry about it being nudged?

[@FloBass]

Yes. Tiller operated trolling motors have a clamp you can tighten so it locks the position of the motor.

[@Rybay]

nice. could you mount it right behind the seat?

[@FloBass]

I thought about doing that. Might give it a shot and see if it tracks any straighter.

[@Johnny-kc2vm]

Did you find our away to keep it driving straight

[@FloBass]

Yes. Moved it to the center.

[@hxcbmxallday]

I would have got pressure treated. I’m sure the 2x4 won’t be getting to wet anyway. Also, it’s a lot prettier than pressure treated.

[@wedkawodaiprzygoda5324]

👍😎

[@chrismiskimen4368]

Does it track straight being mounted on the side like that?

[@FloBass]

No. I played around with it later on and got it to track straight as an arrow with it mounted closer to the center.

[@lakalkoul]

@@FloBass how so? pics?

[@jaybirddiyandsafaris5847]

Amish Lumber is the only real two-by-fours anymore

[@shanehamaker1623]

The 2x4 being smaller is called “inflation” lol

[@HiepNguyen-tt7lq]

With the rack. Can u mount 2 trolling motors and somehow sync em to get double power? Just wild thought.

[@FloBass]

Dude.... YES!

[@HiepNguyen-tt7lq]

Wait for your update video bro. Make it real!!

[@beerbeforebreakfast]

You can use same battery for both, a set of wires to each motor. You will need to control both separately tho. Requires super battery, lithium 100ah or higher. Nice benefit is lacking need of re direction of using the single side mount. Dual layout will act as power and steering! Very nice situation.

[@medicgor]

That would be super cool! Post pics if you try it.

[@medicgor]

As far as a battery goes, I'm using a DEWALT 1500V battery booster/pump/usb/lights. Duel Cycle Battery. Heavy but works great. Just clamp the red to red and black to black and you're good to go. I'll do a yak hack video when I get a chance.

[@Johnny-kc2vm]

Move you battery to the other side for balance

[@Rhodeislander]

Rudder?

[@FloBass]

Needs one, but it tracked much straighter when I moved the motor right behind the seat

[@getoffyoubassandletsfish8565]

2x4 is what it is before wood is dried

[@allstarpools4672]

I got a battery and a trolling motor and a charger for 120

[@emichemich4938]

Where? Aliexpress?

[@EmilyTienne]

Get some olive drab paint.

[@chucksmith5002]

I like the Old Ford Truck . Your Sawhorses are on the expensive side . Yes wasting a lot of Battery power with the Trolling Motor turned that much . Try to figure how to mount it on the back with your power pole . Sometimes cheep is not the best way to go .

[@FloBass]

Was never meant for the kayak. Just keeping my hands and mind busy with a cheap project that is temporary.

[@daltonstorm7549]

2x4 is when it’s rough cut. You bought finished product that has been sanded down

[@damavox]

all "2x4s" are those measurements. that's something you learn in high school shop class and I know I'm alot younger than you.

[@SnowHunter44]

yup, pretty strange to see someone actually measuring to "see" !!

[@peterreeve2779]

Hi good show but THE SHADES take the edge off it all

[@FloBass]

The shades are prescribed by my neurologist

[@floppinfish]

Ah the good old baitcaster switch hands back and forth. You know they make left handed bait casters to avoid this learned habit.

[@FloBass]

Different situations call for different casting techniques. Literally the next cast shown in this video was done with my left hand...

[@adammilan6434]

@@FloBass I do the same thing, I cant reel worth a shit with my left hand.. im used to switching hands.

[@johanngrundeling31]

What is the idea with the darks. We need to see your eyes.

[@FloBass]

They're corrective lenses and I have an eye condition that requires me to protect my eyes in any bright light situation, including from florescence.

[@SnowHunter44]

I cringed when you started measuring the finished dimensions of the lumber, and even more when I saw you marking with many lines and then cutting, missing all of them!

[@FloBass]

I'm sorry you're not having a good day, week, month, and/or beyond. I have a lot of resources if you need to talk with someone. It really helps. Just lmk and I'll gladly provide you their contact info if you want help.

[@Johnnyreengo]

That’s some Sanford and Son looking shit

[@joedanvers1010]

Might be a warrant out there for stealing that motor/ battery/ charger. 🤷

[@FloBass]

I don't follow what you're saying...

[@joedanvers1010]

@@FloBass just saying you got it so cheap you may have well stole it. It's a joke.. chill.

[@FloBass]

@@joedanvers1010 Oh lol. Yeah its been a while since I made this video so that went over my head.

[@Dbars19]

the 50 eats ur battery way to much. i have a 30 on my kayak and i can go miles and still have plenty of battery life.

[@Dbars19]

and you didnt mount it in the back? big oof

[@FloBass]

Hey man, first time fiddling up something like this for the yak. Gimmie a break. I did end up moving it around, and she tracks way better with it right behind the seat. Simple, hardly any parts, and cheap. On high it definitely sucks the juice out of the battery somewhat quickly, but I like the larger motor because I can turn it down and get the same thrust as my buddy who has a 40 on max. Really it was for the jon boat all a long. I just can't sit around without a project to work on. Idle hands are the devil's playground.

[@sonnyjim7579]

What amp hour do you have for your 30lb? I have a 32lb and still trying to decide on the battery

[@adrianmccann6428]

FYI, pigs do not sweat! Good video though.