Kayak Rear Trolling Motor Cable Steering Set Up

In this video, I illustrate the stern trolling motor cable steering set up used on my customized kayaks. This configuration can be used with similar modified control arms and foot pedal steering. This design allows for almost 90 degree trolling motor rotation.
Parts:
Steering control arm with end connection points.
Stainless steel "S" carabiners (2).
Section of T-Track or similar.
Stainless steel 1/4 x 20 eye bolt.
Stainless steel 1/4 x 20 nut and washer.
1/4 x 20 T Track nut.
Dyneema cord (2mm diameter).

[@MakerPipe]

I like the eye bolt that gives you a better turning radius. Smart!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks!

[@kenblair8268]

I like how you placed the cardboard behind the trolling motor to block out any clutter from interfering with the view of what you're showing us. You are very thorough in your descriptions and explanations

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Ken, that is exactly correct. Space is a premium and I have found that background clutter can interfere with build details.

[@geoffreydebrito2653]

Sweet. That's some elegant engineering. I'll look over the rest of your videos to see if you show your steering foot pedals setup. If you haven't shown that, please do.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Geoffrey. I have different pedal steering videos for different models. I hope that helps.

[@SandDuneProperties]

I also used his center bolt idea for the greater turning radius. I mounted it to a simple 3.5" "T" plate that happened to fit the space on the motor mount and have attachment holes and eye bolt mounting holes in the correct place (just needed to enlarge them slightly). OF NOTE: I originally thought I was saving money by using "WEED EATER" monofilament for my steering control lines, but found that this line has too much STRETCH and am in the process of changing over to similar paracord as shown here. Great videos!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! I use Dyneema cord. It is used in outdoor environments with minimal stretch.

[@ernestjordan7056]

I really enjoyed the video. I'm currently building my yak and several of your ideas have already came in handy. Thank you.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Glad to help Ernest!

[@paulfox-v7q]

very nice, wish I had a machinist friend .thanks for getting back to me ,your videos are inspiring.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[@SerpWerx]

I wanna set up something similar to this for my 14ft sportspal square stern with 2.5 suzuki. This has given me some ideas. Thanks for sharing

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome Shaun.

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

Thanks for sharing the ideas.

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome.

[@russlanning7206]

Awesome job love the way you set this up, thanks👍

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Russ!

[@jayfromtexas6718]

Back to work on mine. Was wondering where you got the collar used on the shaft?

[@appamtnculture1302]

Good video, thank you. Very helpful to me….

[@Aksmaniyak]

Glad to help Appa!

[@jesusislord-ht1nj]

Good setup

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks.

[@ifster7273]

I like the eye bolt idea, will be incorporating that to mine. Also, I think if you cross the cord at the eye bolt then it'll steer in the same direction as the foot pedal being depressed. (Is this correct?) That's just easier for me. Can't seem to get a hang of the "opposite direction" steer.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks. The set up is not opposite steer. Push R turn R, etc.

[@ifster7273]

@@Aksmaniyak Thanks.

[@osimogaming47]

I bought a similar setup from someone recently except he used a clamp for his centre piece to the control arm. Problem is it keeps coming loose on the shaft and I loose my steering. What is that centre piece part you are using for the control arm?

[@RachiOrion]

Thanks for your Nice step by step instructional video. I have a question how do you manage the weed when you on the water, because now the motor is out of your reach. i’ll appreciate your reply.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you Saikh. Unfortunately, if something gets tangled in the prop you will need to go to the back of the kayak to clear it.

[@Greenwashedhipppie]

Pretty cool.. if you could put some angle in each of the control arms so like a wider Y , instead both being straight you would get even more throw from your set up. Not that you really need more movement.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I've seen the angled control arms. As those arms are pulled in for a turn, the angle of the line exiting the hull changes. This puts more stress on the hull exit points and can act as a "saw" that could damage the kayak. This method keeps the angle constant which also means a constant force is used. You are right...do I really need more than a 90 degree movement?

[@herb1959]

newbie here with a Sundolphin Journey ss12 liking what I see. .Do you have a vid of the foot pedel asembly build ? also, what about the speed controls? ty

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Herb. Just check out my YT channel and you will see many foot pedal steering videos.

[@oilheating214]

Nice job would like to see how you make with power cables stay like that did you kink the line

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks. I used 10G wiring and zip tied the split tube every few inches.

[@paulfox-v7q]

what is the clamp around motor shaft really like the set up. thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks. That was a custom clamp made by a machinist friend.

[@Van50van]

Where can I get the main peice for the control arm that connects to the trolling motor shaft? Great video, again 👏

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Steve. The clamp section was custom made for me by a friend. You can easily make one using the stock height adjuster and two 1/4 x 20 turnbuckles. Use a cut off bolt or piece of all thread thru the center.

[@Van50van]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks brother, keep up the great work 💪

[@alfadawggaming8962]

You can make the bracket yourself with Marine plastic board 1/2, trace shape, bore out 1 1/8" hole, then cut out 2 piece triangle shape with jig saw, then drill ends of larger bracket to size you need need for bolts.

[@MVPTimothyMichaels]

Two questions; What trust is your motor? AND; I am considering a DIY design which mounts the motor slightly forward of the rudder to port or starboard. This kayak has pontoons. Do you imagine any issues with this design? Thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

It is a 46lb thrust Newport Vessels. Whenever you mount a trolling motor off center, it requires more amps to steer. That means less battery life on the water.

[@thomasmclean9511]

I REALLY like your steering control arm. Did you buy this or did you make it yourself ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Thomas. The bracket was made by a friend. The turnbuckles can be bought at a hardware store.

[@osimogaming47]

@@Aksmaniyak sigh just answered my own question. Was hoping this piece could be bought online.

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@osimogaming47 Hi. I have a steering control arm playlist with other options that may help you.

[@osimogaming47]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks so much. I’ve ordered some 3/4” and 1 “ split hangers to try that method. Should I bother putting anything between the shaft and ring to prevent slipping?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@osimogaming47 You could try strips of rubber or even electrical tape if needed.

[@maxroberts185]

elite

[@toddvest9298]

You mean decrease the turn radius, which means tighter turns.

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, I mean increase the turning radius to almost 90 degrees in each direction.

[@NiteWolfeFishing]

i see you have the motor lift system on this set up? Will this system still work with the motor trimmed up?

[@Aksmaniyak]

As long as the pedal cable length is long enough for the lift. It depends on the initial position of the pedals.

[@NiteWolfeFishing]

@@Aksmaniyak Thanks, iam finally going to make the change from stick steering lol.

[@ljc_outdoors9511]

Another great video man!! Can we still use the split ring hangars for the main controls attached to the trolling motor or was there. Major set back with those (where we can thread the 3/4 I-bolts into)???

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! Yes, you can use the hangers. This can be used with any steering bar as long as you can connect cables to it.

[@outdoorswithedsometimesg]

I have the NV 55lb TM on a Catch PWR and would like to have this same setup. Do you have a video showing how you converted the TM control center to be able to control speed without having to turn around?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I use a PWM (digital speed controller) set up. I have several videos showing different designs.

[@BassManStrikes]

Looks good is that a minn kota or a motorguide?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Newport Vessels 46lb.

[@raymonddover1434]

What is the mounting bracket called and where can I locate one?

[@danterwilson]

How'd you get the Kevlar line through the. 25" tubing? I can't anything narrow enough and firm enough to feed through the tubing.

[@Aksmaniyak]

It is 2mm dyneema cord. Sometimes it feeds through easily or you can use baling type of wire.

[@michaelsavage3244]

Do you have links where to purchase the steering stuff

[@Aksmaniyak]

The parts are listed in the narrative. Just cut and paste for options.

[@michaelsummerford2360]

Where would I find the piece that goes inside the tee track that holds the I bolt down

[@Aksmaniyak]

I bought mine from Amazon.

[@kalcorn8]

How do you remove weeds and lily pads if it gets hung up?

[@Aksmaniyak]

You use the 2 pulley lift system and raise up the motor to clear.

[@kalcorn8]

@@Aksmaniyak and you can reach it ok from where you are sitting?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@kalcorn8 You need to move back there to clear it if that happens.

[@Preston1989ification]

@@Aksmaniyak Does the pulley lift system affect the control arm/cables when being raised or lowered. I'm fixing to do a setup like this on my kayak but I'm trying to decide between the lift system or the tilt system. Any help would be great. Thanks!

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@Preston1989ification The lifting doesn't affect the cables as long as you have enough slack in the lines. Unlike other lifting options that use the pedals, just keep your feet off the pedals when using this system.

[@elboregojhb]

Where is the link?

[@Aksmaniyak]

What link?

[@my92channel]

For the parts.

[@Scorpio-tn4vy]

Why would you use rope, have eye bolts that have a break in them and have the ropes exposed. You never showed the pedals or whatever you have. Btw, take a breath while posing.

[@Aksmaniyak]

It is not rope. It is dyneema cord with great properties. The eye bolt gaps don't matter when using the "s" carabiners. The pedal steering is explained in other videos. I guess I'm breathing if I'm talking.