Homemade Kayak Motor w/ Bixpy Hand Control | Full Install | DIY

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In this video I fully install the all new Bixpy hand control steering system. I install it on my 2017 Vibe Sea Ghost 130, With my brand new kayak trolling motor!
If you like my videos, don't forget to subscribe and share! I appreciate all of the great support and I have big plans for the upcoming season!!
#kayakdiy #kayakmotor #kayakfishing

[@Bixpy]

Hi TJ, Thanks for the install. Just a couple of quick hints for this install. Most of the heavy lifting is done by making sure the tubes are really nice and tight and flared at the insertion point. That way when you steer and the lines move, they don’t cause the tubes to move with them. The clicking noise is the steering “locking” and it can be virtually eliminated if you push down on the spring loaded handle when you steer. Love the video!! Thanks, Bixpy people :-)

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for watching! I was just thinking the same thing about the tubes not being tight enough, I’ll definitely be checking that out this afternoon. I’ll try pushing the handle down when I turn it today as well. BTW, I’d love to do a full install video of the actual Bixpy motor kit on my channel!! “Hint Hint” 😂 But seriously, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, Feel free to share the video 👍🏼

[@phil2537]

@@KayakUSA1 The Bixby I installed on my Big Game 2 has been good so far. Louder than a trolling motor but my biggest issue so far has been my lack of confidence that it will stay secured to the universal rudder mount. I have to figure out some sort of leash to make sure it doesn't do . submarine impression while I'm in 200' of water. 22 pounds for motor and battery can't be beat.

[@evancleland1775]

Slap some short springs on each side of the shaft where the cables hook they will allow the motor to return to center each time

[@PaulJr70]

I believe the tubee is flexing inside the kayak that is why it's not responding. It's moving the tube. If it was solid or fastened to the kayak there wouldn't be any hesitation in response time when you turn. I'd pull that other side, that's not a straight shot to the back of the kayak, as tight as you can get it. That will help I believe. Good luck. Great video bud! Oh yeah I got my kayak finally. Got the camo 130 two days ago👍🏻 !

[@frankobryant]

Congratulations welcome to the madness

[@ryans9029]

Tubing flex can't be the culprit. 6ft of tubing is 6ft of tubing whether it's straight or curved or coiled. If you pull 3 inches at one end, the tubing can do whatever it wants, it will still pull 3 inches at the other end. The only thing that could cause the problem is stretching of the line.

[@ryans9029]

Maybe try the heaviest spectra braid you can find, or even weed wacker line.

[@jeffhutt4873]

@@ryans9029 if the tubing is floppy inside, pulling the handle will move the tubing. Same principal applies to bicycle brake cabling. If the cable is unsecured, it won’t work properly.

[@ryans9029]

@@jeffhutt4873 literally incorrect .. Your example of a bicycle brake tube is on point... The tube is free to move... But the cable inside the tube is limited by the sheath\tube... They work in conjunction... And if both ends are secured .. it will function perfectly... It's all about lengths... The tube inside the kayak can move wherever... But at long as the two ends are secured... The length of the tube inside the kayak doesn't change... Regardless of it moving around... These systems work by length of the tube vs the length of the cable inside the tube... You pull (shorten) the cable inside .. that translates to pulling at the other end.... And vice versa... Bike brakes don't work.. when one end of the sheath tube is free to move... 👍

[@TxHornyToad]

Since you appear to be right handed, I would think you should mount the controller on the left side. Right hand for the rod and left hand for steering.

[@maryfield6920]

Thank you so much, I want to buy the sea Ghost for my husband but he lost a leg to agent Orange. So I needed another steering idea. He will love this.

[@akhenatn]

nice, thats something I can build with my 3d printer, thanks for the video

[@YankeeTankerOutdoors]

YES THE AIR HOSE trick was f'en epic!!! Great video! Great job!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bro!!🤙🏼

[@jholl7339]

Yeah, that's an old electricians trick.

[@dlspoon]

Woo.. Nice hand control bro

[@davidrios9094]

Cool setup. But I would reuse the cable wire to minimize the stretch and get a tighter swing and grind off smooth the plastic gear teeth on that handle. It is an annoying sound. Good deal

[@nibbsie7875]

Can also use a vacuum cleaner to pull lines through. Hard to see but the line may be too small for tubing. I prefer stainless wire.

[@WestMichiganJigCo]

I think the hand looks good as it seems to match ur seat

[@paulmckeown2423]

Nice set up I was trying to source this kit but no where delivers to Ireland unfortunately. I might try to get it sent to my sister in New York she could bring it over at Christmas

[@cahabaoutdoors6549]

Thanks for the video and the air trick 😁 can't wait to rig my 128t with a trolling motor

[@KayakUSA1]

No problem! Thanks for the support!!

[@aidencameron1701]

Merry Christmas 🎁

[@allenherinckx4474]

Merry Christmas!

[@awoodkayakadventures5329]

Love the idea of the turn handle but im like you the noise is loud as heck when you turn. Maybe file the inside so its smooth or Lube!!

[@ryans9029]

If you push down on the handle its silent.

[@kernlkajun1]

And so....after almost a year, what is your opinion of the hand steer vs the foot steer? Which one are you using now? Thanks

[@BrianDaleNeeley]

I would get a can or two of spray paint (and probably a can of primer) and paint the body and handle to match the boat. Maybe an orange for the handle and leave the body black, or orange body and black handle? Whatever you think suits your kayak best. And then possibly add a bit of silicone in the body to seal the tubes. Probably unnecessary, but it would help to keep grit & sand (and salt if you are on the ocean much) out as well. But if you don't find any of that getting into the handle body, it would just be adding mess.

[@shaunacosta7793]

Merry Christmas!!

[@frankobryant]

TJ nice option......i might have to try it. I was going to use a long tiller rod...but this looks interesting

[@brianwehrstedt6712]

you have the cleanest and most organized work bench I've ever seen!!!! Great install vid too

[@KayakUSA1]

Haha, thanks man! I am kind of an organization freak... lol

[@theupstateangler]

Merry Christmas..!

[@NiteWolfeFishing]

Nice clean install! A couple of things i see. I think Paul jr is correct there is s bow in the tube inside the hull. May need to check that out Possibly find a way to lock them down inside the hull so they cant flex when pulled. Test this by taking the handle off and puling on the cord with your hand and see if you get slack that snaps back but doesnt move the motor. Also i think you will find you can get more turn from the motor if you make your steering cross member longer on each side Maybe set up one that is V shaped

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud! I have the tubes straight and tight along with the lines. The line stretches pretty bad and I also think my metal carabiner things they are tide to are part of the problem. I do think I’m gonna try to get the bixpy steering arm, like you said, it should be further off the shaft on each side. I’ll have it all worked out soon, and I think I’ll love it. Thanks for watching!🤙🏼

[@NiteWolfeFishing]

@@KayakUSA1 didnt know they made one also. The one i was thinking of is by easy mount or i guess now primal www.4primal.com/shopprimal/v-force-steering-bracket

[@ryans9029]

You would shorten the arms on the shaft to get more tight turning radius. The lever only pulls so much line, so adding longer arms on the motor would cause the motor to react less, this turning less. Shorter arms will be harder to turn, less mechanics advantage, but will turn the shaft more. Like any lever or gear system.

[@markie871]

Nice! It is off to the side and not center of the kayak so maybe that is playing a part with it not popping back over to mid? Did you use silicon where the tubes went in the back and front, just for extra sealing? Should fit perfect on my tamarak! Has a lot of space on the right side. It will be a while before i get a motor on it and everything. My wife was nice enough to get me a fish finder for it last week. Need to get that installed along with a gear trac. Then i gotta get the battery box made and wire everything up. With 4 kids (3, 7, 9, 14) getting everything is slow going. Lol Also been so cold up here in Ohio i haven't had the will to go in the garage and do anything. The kayak is still in plastic. Can't wait to get out and do some catfishing on it! Nice video!

[@kerstinr.1]

Looks great, TJ!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks Kerstin! 🤙🏼

[@dewayneearley9103]

You could use a shop vac also

[@dogman7789]

could you uses the bixpy hand control with the beaver tail rudder?

[@bigalcervantes5118]

T.J. I bet you will have to change the line, because the drag from the water on the motor. Also, is there a way to get rid of the clicking of the handle. That noise would scare off the fish.

[@gamefisher2639]

When mounting hand control on vertical surface do you know if the control handle can be adjusted to be in neutral position straight up? That would be 45 degrees out from original rest position. In other words mounted like a stick steer. Thanks and appreciate your clean detailed workmanship.

[@ryans9029]

It cannot. But with a little modification, it seems to be possible.

[@mrbrightside4082]

I saw your video and ordered the hand control. Installed it on an Ascend 12T and after the test run I changed the lines. I used very thin wire line that has a rubber coating. It fit easy and now it turns on a dime. Was wondering if you ever did change your line and if so what did you use?????

[@jimmynguyen2082]

Does the clicking go away when you push down on the handle to steer? Is the clicking the “locking” system?

[@Lethallead138]

What kind of wire did you use?

[@mrbrightside4082]

@@Lethallead138 it was rubber coated wiring from Home Depot.

[@Lethallead138]

Ok thanks for help. I will look for it.

[@joshavila1950]

How did you handle the difference in line length with the actuator up vs. Down?

[@PaulJr70]

Yeah man, that clicking would drive me nuts. I mean that's really the point being in a kayak all quiet and creeping on those fish. LoL. but what about putting some bushings in there and make it a pressure fit that wouldn't let the motor turn by itself, still would need some force to turn it. Just a thought. You might have to diy it. You can do it brother 👍.

[@1FishinAddict]

Change out the Kevlar line with stainless cable, it works a lot better.

[@milsurprifles]

I want a Bixpy, they are super cool...pricey though. 😅

[@BassManStrikes]

You would have been better off installing sliding foot pedals for the steering, the stock ones on a seaghost blow chunks. With the hand steering you won't be able to be mostly hands free LOL

[@stanleymclain402]

You are on top of it man. I was just sitting here thinking about that. Have you seen the new 2019 hatches and console for the seaghost 130 by vibe? KEEP UP the great content man.

[@donjuan4113]

I wish we had 40 degree weather right now but instead its 1 degree with a high of 13 here in indiana one week we're in the 40's and 50's the next week its 0

[@edgarvilmanyi3948]

Thanks for the video, can this work for any trolling motor 55 or 65 brush or brushless?

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for watching, yes it can. 👍🏼

[@markhicksphotos4338]

Great video bro!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks man!!🤙🏼

[@jshall1000]

Is there anyway to install a small throttle control arm to control the speed like what is used for outboards that would be awesome mod

[@bigfred2630]

Thanks for the video. I’m having a turn ratio issue. Maybe I missed the updated video, any suggestions on getting more turn ratio?

[@starclawsgaming]

Spraypaint the handle incoming?

[@michaelwchristen]

How many times did you go around the handle before you tied a knot.. what was the process. Doing mine today . Many thanks

[@JackMW1992]

what did you replace the rudder lines with on your previous set up? Looks like some sort of spectra braid? Thanks

[@Foshizzle904]

So after 4 years, what's the verdict?

[@ehumaui4087]

I added it to my rudder.

[@FlaYakker]

Thinking about doing it to my Sea Ghost 110 as well

[@frankobryant]

How long have you had it, and did the clicking sound subside?

[@milsurprifles]

Is it difficult to paddle while trying to steer with the hand controller?

[@ryans9029]

If you wrap the line around the internal pulley one whole turn or more, can you get it to pull more line by turning the lever more, thus pulling more on the motor shaft? I have essentially designed this same system on paper, now that I found someone actually already makes it, I don't have to mess with making it.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud! I’ll definitely try that out!!🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@B1GTOBACC0]

I know this is an older video, but how does the cable work with the power trim? Wouldn't the cables get more slack as you lower the motor?

[@SirWilhelm46]

Is there a followup? Did I miss you putting the spring back? Did you figure out how to quiet the ratchet noise? You may have already done it, but I found that the cable sold for bicycle brake controls is just the right size/length.

[@michaelwchristen]

What is the right bicycle cable info

[@popaki9484]

Nice! But how did you run the stiff wire to the holes you drilled by the chair?

[@GodSilentGrace]

Have you looked at doing a solar panel charger for the battery powering your units and such been looking at doing it but can’t figure out where it would be best to mount it on sg 130

[@KayakUSA1]

You read my mind! Lol 🤙🏼

[@GodSilentGrace]

Kayak USA www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06WP95W51/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=A2ITCJZ76JTN7Y&psc=1 here’s the one Iv been looking at just can’t decide where to place it to charge the battery in the front

[@tegansims8954]

I'm giving my husband a MinnKota Endura for his b-day. Will this Bixpy hand control work with the Minnkota Endura motor? Trying to decide between several different motor mounts and between a hand extender, foot pedal control, and now this hand control (LOL). Of course I'm doing all this without getting his input and trying to decide what "HE" would want without asking him and ruining the surprise...any suggestions much appreciated.

[@KayakUSA1]

Is he planning on doing this same kayak build on his kayak? Which kayak does he have?

[@BluntTruth7]

Don't like the noise and vibration. Also, could you use a wire cable to get rid of the stretching from the manufacturers line?

[@davebeard4987]

Think that the clicking noise will bother you after a few trips.........Let us know??????

[@Bixpy]

Hi Dave, that clicking sounds can be avoided if you push down on the handle as your turn. The clicking is a soft "locking" mechanism to keep the rudder's direction when the handle is not held. The handle is spring loaded and if you push it down, it will get past the notches and not click while you turn. Hope that helps!

[@jack91522]

Is it possible to hook a 12v marine battery as a power source?

[@jamescasteel2766]

Question.. how long did it take you to receive your PWM after you ordered it. Its been around 2 weeks and Nothing for me? Thanks James Great video. You have me thinking again..

[@KayakUSA1]

I heard that they are about 3 weeks behind on orders, but if you call up there and get them on the phone you can rush them a bit.... thats what i did

[@markie871]

Hey, i have no experience with fish finders. If i mount my transducer through the scupper hole and it sets up in it good, will it effect the readings?

[@KayakUSA1]

It shouldn’t hurt it at all!🤙🏼

[@terrywright8985]

With the steering lines tight, are you still able to raise and lower the motor? Looks like there would have to be some give somewhere. I just received my hand control and am in the process of replacing my foot steering with it on my 14. Native ultimate. Foot controls hard for me to use with my wading boots on. I must be able to raise and lower motor. Can you do it? Thank you, love your videos.

[@KayakUSA1]

Yes, it still raises and lowers. The only difference now is, when it gets high, it tilts the motor forward a little on the way up. But that’s kind of a plus 🤙🏼🇺🇸🎣

[@seancochran8522]

Its been a while since you installed your steering mechanism. How do you like it? Anything you would have done differently?

[@KayakUSA1]

I have only been able to try it out twice so far... It actually does great! And I have it dialed in very good now, I still don’t get a full 90 degree turn either way but it’s only because of the actuator arm being in the way. If I didn’t have the actuator, it would turn the full 90. But it still works great🤙🏼

[@seancochran8522]

@@KayakUSA1 Cool, I have an older Minn Kota 40lb thrust I'm trying to mount on a Feel Free 13.5, and your video's are really helping me decide which way I want to go! Thank you for posting the info!!

[@BluntTruth7]

What's the name brand of the trolling motor you modified on your yak?

[@redwood1957]

Thank you I agree that sound just sound nasty

[@bigalcervantes5118]

T.J. question bro. I've got a field and stream eagle Talon yak, I need to raise my seat however when I raised it 5" the kayak became very unstable. I need outriggers to stabilize, do any recomendations on how to make outriggers or anyone's channel o making outriggers.

[@KayakUSA1]

I’ll do some digging for ya🤙🏼

[@bigalcervantes5118]

Thanks bro

[@tedsell1455]

they probably don't need to be very big, but should be light 🐟

[@tedsell1455]

use PC pipe to make any size you want and custom fit, use round end caps on tubing

[@awoodkayakadventures5329]

Did you have any problems with the place you got the speed controller from ? I ordered mine last month and still havent heard anything from the people. And no one will answer the phone

[@KayakUSA1]

I heard they are really behind right now, I called several times a day until they answered and I rushed them. I think it’s an old man that builds them from home lol but they are great!

[@awoodkayakadventures5329]

Thanks man i was getting worried about it and i didnt know what was going on . I called them and the voice mail sounded a little sketchy lol. Like you need to have a real person on the other end . But im waiting patiently for now.

[@anonimus-hr2op]

Nice😍

[@Southernlyfestylez]

Could it mount vertically?

[@KayakUSA1]

Probably, with a little rigging..👍🏼

[@Southernlyfestylez]

Thanks! You ever figure out how to cut the clicking noise down?

[@kentkoehler4460]

Magnet and string and nut

[@kentkoehler4460]

Vacuum

[@windowclean100]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheChrisfleury1]

all this and no link to the product?!

[@KayakUSA1]

It’s literally the top link in the video description, as I said. It’s a link to my page with all of the gear in this video.

[@TheChrisfleury1]

@@KayakUSA1 page not found with that link

[@KayakUSA1]

www.kit.co/kayakusa

[@evancleland1775]

Cool.. but man it sounds obnoxious

[@dirtyphil7012]

Where in Alabama you live I live in Morgan county

[@KayakUSA1]

I’m down the road from JSU 🤙🏼

[@davebeard4987]

@@KayakUSA1 Down south in Brewton AL myself.......... Keep up the great vids!!!!!

[@RedfishInc]

DUDE! ANSWER THAT PHONE!

[@normanrogers8057]

Really noisy