Kayak PWM Trolling Motor Speed Control, Best One Yet!

[@wyldbill100]

Suggestion and Interests, please:? How difficult would it be to install a battery voltage meter and incorporate that into the control box? Interests: I'd really like to understand better how you have the trolling motor configured i.e., the turning control feature that is mounted to the trolling motor shaft as seen in this video; as well as, how the "head unit" on your trolling motor has been reconfigured. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos, kind sir. Thank You.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Hey, Thanks for the interest. If you take a look at my channel I have a vid on almost everything you mentioned. I haven't worried about a volt meter because they are not as useful in lithium battery applications but incorporating one would be easy enough, just need room in the box so worst case scenario you would need a slightly larger plastic box. I have a vid on motor mods and the steering arm here: kzbin.info/door/Ad1ZlBm6cfZkNRdNBg0dig

[@michaelflores369]

Nice job. Yours is very similar to mine.

[@traildadd]

The wireless trolling pro unit has soft start built in. I wonder what you would need to make yours soft start.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

A different circuit board. The advantage to what I have is price/availability. The separation of the switches is actually very intuitive, solved the problem as far as I'm concerned.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Also, I didn't realize this at first but ALL the controls in my system, in that box, are remote/removable... less weather exposure. The boat is simpler, technically any controller you want can plug right into the SAE plugs. The WTP system has a pwm box to be kayak mounted, usually below deck and a separate remote, wired or not. The WTP system I had was wireless but I still mounted the remote. This new system with the whole pwm mounted to the chair is less obtrusive than the WTP remote I had mounted to my gear track on my old kayak.

[@traildadd]

I think you have a good setup. No criticism intended. I’m just wondering if a different pwm card installed in your box would have the soft start built in. I don’t know how WTP achieves soft start. If you could get it by replacing the circuit board for a few bucks it would be nice to have.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@traildadd ya man, no worries. I have to keep my videos short to keep eyes, I don't get to explain solutions I came to so I'm just mentioning stuff... I'm not at all offended... I appreciate your input, thats where solutions come from... that said, to get a pwm with soft start is outside the Amazon/eBay realm, quite a bit more expensive. Part of my goal overall is to offer DIY solutions anyone can pull off... cheap and simple, the soft start solution is "get a WTP unit" they are great!

[@traildadd]

I checked and Amazon does sell them with soft start. I understand what you mean by switch locations. With my controller I’ve accidentally bumped the switches. I like being able to shut it down or hit reverse when needed without lowering the speed setting. Then I can return right back to the same trolling speed. I just ordered some ram mounts so I can put the controller on my track like yours. 👍

[@tonyperic]

How do i contact you to buy one of these PWM's boxes?

[@nunogato7440]

hi from Portugal can you tell me where i can buy one of this PWM? thkxs

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Have you looked at the one below, I believe it ships internationally. www.fishingonline.com/a/s/products/fpv-power-motor-controller-pwm-50a-v2?currency=USD&variant=30292764524567&Google%20Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQjw--2aBhD5ARIsALiRlwCirnzpymjT444beVhYxITR3tXndq6SFURH_1mNQEQzXLs2Z8SXfD0aAujOEALw_wcB

[@keithkeating9691]

What size box are you using

[@motorizedkayakadventures7603]

how long does you potentiometer last? I run a 10 year old motorized kayak touring biz.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I'm not sure, I haven't had a failure yet. I have approximately 60 units out there but I have only been selling them for a little over a year.

[@1xenman]

Any idea why the PWM might not let the motor go as fast as it did without the PWM? Mine is running about 2.2mph top end and before I installed the PWM I was close to 4mph.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

First thing to do would be to test voltage in and out at the pwm. If there is 12v on the "in" side and not on the "out" side, then there is a problem with the circuit board. If there is not 12v on the "in" side there is a problem "upstream" and if there is 12v in and out, then there is a problem "downstream". 12v out will only be with speed turned all the way up, btw.

[@1xenman]

@@TahoeYakFisher Thx. I’ll give that a test. Does anyone ever use the rudder to steer and just leave the motor stationary?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@1xenman absolutely. That is a fantastic route if your kayak has a "midship hole for the motor, especially if you already have a rudder installed. Now, having both the motor and rudder hanging off the stern together might not steer well as the turbulence of the water might overpower the rudder. One thing for sure, the bigger the rudder surface the better in that application.

[@KingdomChristian]

@@1xenman Yeah, I have a 3 Waters Bigfish 120 that has the center pod mount for the motor along with a rudder kit for steering. The motor is locked down for center drive. Alternatively, I also have an Ascend FS128T with a transom mount motor that steers with cables run from the foot pedals back to connections on the motor shaft. Both work well.

[@1xenman]

@@KingdomChristian I have a PA 12 so I don't see how I would set up a steering mechanism for the motor.

[@bobdent572]

I am using one with a minn kota trolling motor. Have you had any experience with loss of speed through the speed switch inside the minn kota head?? I have read that some people see loss of motor speed and some people do not i would like to keep the minn kota head on for fail safe reasons but if i will lose speed i guess ill take it off. I have it all built just havent had it on water yet to test

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Should be no problem, the factory switch should be turned up to full speed/forward and the pwm will control the motor from there.

[@naugrim316]

What did u use for the box?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Sorry, secret recipe... I am selling them, email in the description, if your interested.

[@lawrencedarby3444]

Is a problem with overheating? I have been thinking of doing one of these and installing a 1” round louvered vent with screen to help with cooling. Any thoughts on this

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I have not had any failures from heat or otherwise.

[@austinandersen3364]

Is your pwm still going strong? I’ve gone through 2 so far and they only last a few uses. Reverse goes out then forward goes out. Tried replacing switches but still doesn’t work. Hoping to find a quality replacement pwm lol

[@TahoeYakFisher]

No failures so far. I have sold about 20 of them as well as th one I'm using. Everyone is happy and none have been returned for repair.

[@austinandersen3364]

@@TahoeYakFisher You sell it in the box like displayed in video? Where could I see price and purchase? I’ve got 2 kayaks that need a good pwm setup

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@austinandersen3364 Yes, just as pictured, here is the vid that shows off everything included... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKbIeYOLo6magZo Contact info is in the description. Thanks.

[@austinandersen3364]

@@TahoeYakFisher sent you an email

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@@austinandersen3364 don't see an email from you. [e-mail]

[@danielscott3157]

Email sent

[@Cook2430]

How has that Newport held up? I found a 55lb for $100 on Marketplace. I have an inflatable Excursion 5 and I plan to go lithium. Will the pwm be what makes sure the trolling motor doesn't recieve too much power from the lithium?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

The NV motors are nice, I think the Minn Kota motors are nicer, they also cost a little more. One hundred bucks is a bargain. I'm sure you'll be happy. No regulators on the pwm, the motors handle a few extra volts fine... unless you run full throttle all the time in the hottest conditions, you'll be good with Lithium.