Kayak Trolling Motor with wireless remote control / DIY

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#kayakdiy #kayakmotor #kayakfishing

[@EyesWideOpen77]

The modifications you've made to your kayak are very cool. And I believe you when you say it's all pretty simple but your narrative is really convoluted and makes it seem way more complicated than it probably is.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for that amazing backhanded complement 👍🏼

[@EyesWideOpen77]

@@KayakUSA1 Sorry, wasn't intended as such. Was intended as a complement followed by a constructive criticism. And I'm telling' you bro, you digress way too much. Definitely distracts from what is otherwise a great presentation. Damn, there I go again!

[@nathantaylor3645]

By far the best DIY video on a remote control trolling motor conversion I have found. Thanks man! I have been brainstorming for a month and couldn’t solve some issues you made look easy lol.

[@rossprivate5456]

you can buy water proofing gel which is a 2 part mix to fill your junction boxes to totally waterproof your wiring , it stays as a jelly and can be easily removed if needed

[@zacmcguffin2472]

I don't subscribe to much, if anything, ever! Had to do so here. I am doing many diy mods to my old school Manta Ray. Your videos... hands down, the best I've seen. Clear, concise, easy to follow. One badass yak my man! Tight lines!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud! Glad to help!🤙🏼🎣

[@robertcoggins5527]

Very sweet build I got to stop watching these videos am going to never make mind up on how to build my titan 12 . You do some awesome videos guy thank you for sharing all you do

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks for the support man!!🤙🏼

[@gordonwest2655]

Excellent and an educational discussion for better design. I really appreciate you sharing your skill and giving credit to vendors. Great work!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words and the support!🤙🏼🎣

[@phil2537]

this is one of the best remote trolling motor setups I've seen. Thank you for sharing it here for the rest of us.

[@KayakUSA1]

Phil , No problem bud! Thanks for watching and for the nice comment! Be sure to subscribe and share! 👍🏼

[@phil2537]

@@KayakUSA1, already subscribed. When are you visiting Hawaii for some serious kayak fishing?

[@WereAllThatBored]

Have you thought about using the motor from the actuator to steer the kayak? If you removed the motor from the linear actuator, installed a simple belt and gear set to the motor shaft and trolling motor shaft, you’d be able to steer without the cables using the actuator switch.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Hey bro love all your vids! I'm in my 2nd season. I have my 120 pdl, and just installed my J2 bixpy over the winter..You are "Exactly like me Finatic" lol.Gotta Wash, and dry my yak, before she goes on the Cart, and in the garage, after every trip. And I have my 08' Jeep Willy's purchased new in Rescue green Metalic, and she's also showroom. But really love how you take your time. Extreme talent bro. Learned some installs, and diy's, you've done.Stay safe.. 👍🙏 😎 🎣

[@KayakUSA1]

Awesome man!! I appreciate the support!! 🤙🏼🎣

[@dtprice5917]

One of the issues with steering probably has to do with the mobile top and the fixed bottom connections of the actuator. A better setup may be to use two shaft collars that are mounted loosely (using a spacer between the two halves). A long bolt can be used as the tightening bolt and allowed to extend beyond each collar and serve as an attachment for the actuator. Like this >collar has two halves > use one regular bolt and one long bolt with a thin spacer between the two halves > attach the actuator to the long bold with an inner and outer locking nut. In this manner the actuator will be attached to two collars that can allow the shaft to rotate without moving the actuator.The upper collar will press up on the elbow. The lower collar will press against the shaft mount. If the elbow is not strong enough tighten a third collar above the top loose collar and press against it. Be careful that the collar does not dig into the shaft when raising and lowering. If the collars are loose the actuator will remain inline as designed.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Awesome job on the build. I’ve gotten a lot of ideas from your channel.

[@BillNoneya]

I have a Kaku voodoo and I used the wired version of the speed controller. I wanted to steer while standing so I used the island hopper diy kit. I like that I can set the speed really slow, stand up, steer, and cast my way along a bank. I have a 360 video on my channel where I am using it.

[@KayakUSA1]

Bill Noneya , Heck yeah, I’ll definitely check that out!🤙🏼

[@alanhanley9515]

Superb job, well explained, clear and concise.

[@arniearnieluv6172]

I really like your presentation, its help and learn for me of idea how to DIY Motor Trolley, excellent video. I understand all your details for this video.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud!! I’m glad I could help you!🤙🏼🎣

[@PaulJr70]

Hey man great build! I just ordered me a vibe 130👍🏻😎 because of your review & value of the cost factor. So stoked to get it and start tricking it out! You have given me some great ideas, & projects to look forward to, thanks! I've been watching everyone of your videos on this yak! Definitely the Best vibe 130 I've seen to date! Tight lines bud!

[@KayakUSA1]

Paul, Thanks man! That’s awesome bro, you are gonna love it! I think I’ll be adding L.E.D. Lights next... If I can ever help, just let me know! 🤙🏼🎣 Tight Lines

[@PaulJr70]

Yeah man, LED's will look tight! I'm at least going to have one under the center lid and hatches! Thanks man, I will hit you up if I run into some issues - I appreciate that!

[@justinfinchum5439]

So hold up!!! You're telling us guys @ 9:42 that if we "dig in our drawers long enough we will find nuts and a bolt"!!!! LMAO!!! Sorry...couldn't help myself! Great video man. Been looking at adding an actuator to my TM as well. Looking to do the up and down as well as lay down/deploy. Keep the great vids coming!

[@johnrugani9832]

Nice Video, I love the wire you used coming out of the trolling motor 4 leads and very flexible!! Cool, I'll be hooking up the same WTP unit Next month. Definitely going to buy the wire!!

[@johnrugani9832]

Unless i over looked it I don't see the wire used from the trolling motor (lowes) in description

[@mychalboose5470]

In the same project right now too. Great video, great content. Love the set up, cant wait to see the follow up maiden voyage and the feed back. These lakes in dfw are going fun with motors brother!

[@paesanidesigns7405]

I love the idea and would really like to do the same to my kayak. I only have one question. With the motor being loose, when you run it, doesn't it kick it up?

[@nicstr28]

You might try to cross the connections on the steering cables on the angle brackets...hook L to R and R to L. Might give considerably more.

[@FlexMoePower]

Great video! I have the Kevin Dismuke mount but really liked the controller you showed. I bought the wired version. Just so everyone else knows, theres a 2 to 4 week lead time on them. Plan ahead!!

[@43026auto]

I had a wireless trolling pro and had to send it back 3 times they had it for 2-6 months each time then sent one that was wired instead of being wireless. Never worked more than 10 minutes correctly. Actually stuck wide open, full throttle in reverse on a lake. I hope you have better luck then me. I would never recommend it to anyone. Nice set up.

[@kellyroup6665]

Thank you for the excellent vid. I really got a lot out of it!

[@michaelmiers4852]

Thanks for the video, you had couple of tricks, I'm looking forward to adding to my SeaGhost trolling motor, at 25:40 you mention a strap to hold the shaft up... I use a caribeanor on the end of stock cord for raising and lower the rudder. I run the cord under the back handle like a pully and added a ring to latch it to on the T.M. shaft so when I am launching or in shallow I can just reach on the side pull that cord binging the motor up and latch it tight with the cord keeper that comes stock for the rudder. (if that makes sense)

[@KayakUSA1]

Michael Miers , Makes perfect since! And I can use the factory rudder cord. Thanks man!🤙🏼

[@billyallred4959]

Just a heads up that the Wireless Trolling Pro 12-P controller and PWM power drivers company is not in business. Ordered it online but never received a confirmation and had to get my charges reversed via Paypal. Big hassle! Just go another route and save yourself the trouble.

[@jckay5087]

To get a full 90 degree motor pivot I'd just attach the bottom of the actuator to a swivel joint, which is in turn attached to the motor mount.

[@michaeljohnston777]

Super clean work Man! I bet the guys at Minn Kota are watching this video. They might offer you a job! Thanks for this tutorial Bruv!! Tight Lines!🤙🤙🤙

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks man!🤙🏼🎣

[@tezzaskayakfishing]

Merry Christmas TJ

[@richardwaynick8795]

Have almost the same on my kayak but had to make mount (used a cutting board ) just don’t have actuator on it. Lol love it

[@spotlightinspect5540]

Richard Waynick I used a cutting board to make a mound for my depth finder!

[@XWhiskey91X]

Those little clips you have holding the steering cables are called shackles. Lol good stuff man!

[@KayakUSA1]

Whiskey91 , Lol, Thanks man!👊🏼

[@coreyfrasnelly7364]

Actually they are called clevis’

[@michaelrose2652]

Hi, I just watched your trolling motor build. I am wanting to do the same thing. If you could had actual written detailed instructions, I would actually buy them. Just a thought.

[@nicstr28]

Nice job. I think you'll be looking to sharpen the steering. Might need it in wind or currents. 180° would be more controlable.....but great job!

[@ornametalsmith]

Merry Christmas TJ.

[@chrischeah3075]

Cool and neat work there. I'm doing it on mine with quick release added but I'm having some lil issue to figure out and hoping you could provide some ideas. Mine came with rudder and am planning to steer with the original rudder. is there anyway to hold tight/lock the TM for not turning while maintaining the lift? if tighten the TM shaft would disable lifting. am mounting TM at stern position behind rudder. keep up the cool work.

[@theupstateangler]

Hey, Merry Christmas again..!!! Lol

[@rice256]

Just subscribed from down the road in Sylacauga. I am thinking about putting a trolling motor on my kayak and this was great

[@tsimpsongoodyear]

Glad your back brother.

[@KayakUSA1]

tsimpsongoodyear , Thanks man!👊🏼

[@rubenweisson1153]

Hello. Thanks for the video. Did you downsize the battery? What is the smallest battery that can be used to power the trolling motor?

[@Bobbers_Outdoors]

As small as you want. They're all 12 volt. More amp hour will just last longer. Mine is only 23ah and does great because it's lithium.

[@cindywhitley69]

Merry Christmas!!🎄

[@bluedoggey]

Merry Christmas!

[@aidencameron1701]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@todddavidson5012]

I was wondering why actuator is always mounted on inside part of trolling motor if it was on the other side it would move left to right better. I do think you would have to trim mounting bracket but it would turn better in my opinion with swivels attached to each end. Figuring out how to attach to the head in the other side may be a little problem. Your opinion please! Thank you

[@jerrykrobby]

Nice job! You got a lot of sweat equity in that boat. It's fun doing these mods. I did one similar to this. The heavy battery was what I got tired of lugging around. By the time you buy a lithium battery your looking at the same cost as a Bixpy.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks man! Yeah the battery sucks, I’ll definitely be going with lithium 🤙🏼

[@eagleeyevideoandphotograph2578]

Not sure how to message you but bought all the stuff you mentioned. Curious if you have a wiring diagram and how you got the rocker switch and wiring installed there. Awesome job brother!! Hope to hear back from you.

[@michaelfalscroft4892]

I really like your build. I wish I would have seen your video before I did mine. I was looking for the link for the remote control. I didn’t see it with your other links. Am I mistaken?

[@LuisHernandez-qf7fc]

Merry Christmas !!

[@tegan6167]

Merry Christmas

[@alexandarj5332]

Dope AF!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Do you see any difference between having your rods on the back of the crate or the front? Just personal preference? I've seen them both ways.

[@KayakUSA1]

TheGoatMumbler , Well if you put them in the front they will be in the way when you want to get in your box.

[@stevenireland7086]

By switching to the black marine wire it looks like the gauge of the wire became smaller are you worried about overheating issues? According to mine Kota you want 8 to 10 gauge for the length you’re running? Have you noticed the wire getting hot? And what gauge is that black marine four wire?

[@guyjaxn]

I like it.. My only concern is not having a stiff trim.. I like the idea of it going over the stump and popping out of the way... However I think its going to give you issues and end up popping up the motor under load.. You're probably going to have too lock it down and replace the spring clips..

[@KayakUSA1]

Guy Jackson , the only real way I think the motor will pop up is in reverse, and that’s only if I turn it wide open. I really don’t think that will be an issue, I have used a similar setup before . I might get to find out how she does tomorrow, the weather is looking decent! I’ll let ya know 🤙🏼

[@guyjaxn]

I can't wait to see! I'm curious.. Just thinking about what happened to me on a boat when the trim motor went out..but this isn't as heavy either! Love your videos!

[@FlexMoePower]

Forward thrust will keep it where it needs to be. Like he said, only wide open in reverse will it begin to bobble. Even then, once you get moving it stays down. I have a Kevin Dismuke mount, the pivot is basically the same concept.

[@ericwm1]

You’re a kayak mad scientist!!!!! 😂

[@tomjeser6679]

The 8" Actuator is not available. Would you use a 6" or 10" in place of the 8". I am trying to copy your install. Thanks for all of the info

[@Scubastevetampabay]

I'm just wanting to know if your only running hot and ground did you sacrifice reverse or do you still have reverse with your remote?

[@KayakUSA1]

Reverse isn’t a third wire, it is just reverse polarity. You just turn the knob backwards.👍🏼

[@chriswingard6742]

Thank you for the video!! I'm going to try this. Great design! I see that when you lift your motor up, the wire to your foot pedals/L bracket get tight and then loose when it's lowered. How do you determine proper length so its not too short or too long?

[@KayakUSA1]

I think if you set the motor hight in the running position and set your feet pedals in the center of the tracks. Tie them tights there and you should have plenty of clearance 👍🏼 thanks for watching, be sure to subscribe

[@gizmocross4453]

Trying to do this build but for some reason can't order the Wireless Trolling Pro 12-P controller and PWM power drivers

[@umpy3152]

You took the lock off so it would flip up if you hit a stump. That's fine going forward as the thrust puts forward pressure on the kayak but what happens when you put it in reverse? Won't it flip up out of the water? I have an inflatable raft and when I go in reverse I have to actually hold the motor from flipping up. My transom mount isn't ridgid because it's a rubber raft. Just wondering.

[@KayakUSA1]

As long as I don’t punch it, it does fine 🤙🏼🎣

[@jacobrytlewski3858]

I looked on your site I couldn't find where you have the remote control unit?

[@jahabean]

how often it get full of weeds ? dont look easy to get weeds off less u off the water

[@williambrewster5125]

So how did the trolling motor hold up connected to the kayak that way. Im doing the same thing bud iy seems a little bit heavy. I dont want to break the kayak. Also im making KZbin videos of my build and was wondering if its okay if i put your channel name on them. Since i got all the ideas from you.

[@magosteamj1243]

WOW . VERY Nice BRO !!! try used pulley cleats and horizontal this sistem . just say !!

[@d8alot]

Im curious about the limited turn and how it affected maneuverability. Did you make any changes? Would some type of pulley system exaggerate cable travel and give you a better turning radius?

[@davidrios9094]

Was that a radio I saw mounted up front and center?

[@acarter6561]

I have a native kayak.with that rudder system would i have to cut the mount as you did. i think i should be able to mount it on the transom without connecting wires for the rudder/

[@adrianquinn6822]

Merry Christmas from Ohatchee al

[@WayneBurnettOutdoors]

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

[@medicineman303]

I like your mods and videos, very informative. I do however have a question about your kayak. I am wondering if that center console gets in the way. I want to be able to stand and get in and out easily. I am trying to decide on the Vibe Sea Ghost or Bonafide. Your input will be helpful.

[@KayakUSA1]

I thought it would be in the way, but the truth is you will never put your feet in that location. Even if there is nothing there. I talk about that in my video when I got the Vibe last year. It’s on my channel🤙🏼

[@popaki9484]

The trolling motor is screwed into the kayak with a bolt, but is there a nut on the other end? I have a wilderness thresher, and currently I have a rudder and I believe there is one hole but the screw/bolt doesn't go through to the other end (bottom). and I do not have access to the inside of the kayak. Do you think a trolling motor would hold if I just screwed it into the kayak with nothing securing it on the other end? I would really appreciate your input. I wish you made a video on all the steps of how you did this, with running the wires through the kayak and to the battery, etc. Thanks for posting this, just a little difficult to visualize.

[@basketballref420]

Did the mount work? Looking at doing mine the way you did.

[@KayakUSA1]

Yep 👍🏼

[@gmo592002]

On your kayak motor build sheet I don't see the marine grade wire sheathing. please advise. thx

[@michaelforbis1551]

Great video. I know this was 2 years ago but what was your final verdict on the wireless system?

[@KayakUSA1]

I really liked this set up, the build was fun and the kayak handled great. But, if you are going to build this keep in mind that you will need to treat it like a boat and trailer it everywhere, load and unload like a boat.. If you plan on hauling it on a roof rack or picking it up to put it in a truck bed, you probably won’t be happy. 👍🏼

[@jtravis30]

Enjoyed the video. Liked and subbed

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud! I appreciate the support!🤙🏼

[@jcarr4065]

I don't have any hull access on my kayak, would I still be able to safely run wire if it gets wet?

[@ryancanaway6922]

Yes you can, as long as everything is secured and has a waterproof connection. I recommend getting some pcv to protect the wires from outside elements.

[@calebshoupe4915]

Can the saltwater trolling Motor in your kit bio be used on the sea ghost 130 instead of the minn Kota freshwater motor in this video?

[@KayakUSA1]

Yep!🤙🏼🎣

[@55jorge02]

its awesome. but please realize that you are putting a lot of stress where you drilled to mount the motor mount. try using a bracket to strengthen the area. thank you for the video.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks, you should definitely watch the full walk through video of this kayak, I added a bracket 🤙🏼

[@madventuresnstuff9178]

You should go more in depth on how to do the wiring and the plugs.

[@tomtazz]

Where can you find the wireless remote control? I did not see it on your list. Thank you

[@J.WannaFish]

Nice build. Is there any concern about the weight of the trolling motor that it may leave stress cracks in the kayak?

[@KayakUSA1]

Naaa, not the way I have it mounted now, check out the kayak maiden voyage video and you’ll see the bracket I made🤙🏼

[@jasmany19]

Great videos!

[@markhicksphotos4338]

I love your videos bro!

[@KayakUSA1]

Mark Hicks Photos , Thanks man! I appreciate the support bro!🤙🏼👊🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@chop345]

Hey man, great video. Did you tie in your motor and actuator wires together so that they both plug into the trolling motor plug as one? Or did you run 2 separate plugs, one for motor and one for actuator? Thanks!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks! Yes I ran them together all to one plug. 👍🏼

[@clenzyson]

The only thing i see that may be a problem for you, is your trolling motor going into reverse. It seems like it will pull away from you kayak when you try to back up.

[@KayakUSA1]

Only when I punch it hard, watch my maiden voyage video 👍🏼

[@09ironman1]

great video

[@henryperry2541]

Hi TJ, I enjoyed your DIY video on motorizing a kayak. My kayak is not a fishing kayak but your demo and info gave me a great start. It is a 12ft NECKY sea kayak (work in progress) I’m going to use your suggestion for steering using the foot rest conversion. Looked at the Mighty Max battery you suggested. I am not really well versed in battery terminology. Is this battery a deep cycle and is that important? I am going to be running Minn Kota RIPTIDE 55LB THRUST MOTOR (FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT KIND OF RUN TIME ON THE WATER DO YOU THINK I COULD EXPECT IF I USED THAT BATTERY? I LIVE IN FLORIDA AND WOULD NEED TO RUN MAYBE ½ HR FROM MY CANAL SYSTEM TO FISHING SPOTS IN CHARLOTTE HARBOR FROM THE CAPE HAZE PENINSULA NEAR ENGLEWOOD FL. Great KZbin Channel!!!! Henry

[@robertjenkins3422]

I know this is an old video but I can't seem to find the materials list for this build. any help would be appreciated.

[@lorimunn9403]

Clever but dont need actuator if your going pin free on the mount- Reverse will lift your prop out of thr water tho- lol

[@Shoalie]

Has using just the rudder hole put too much stress on the kayak?

[@KayakUSA1]

Dakota Farrulla , nope 👍🏼

[@JohnnyBlaze6954]

this video is fucking amazing! thank you so much for making this! I am totally going to do this to my SG130 later this summer!

[@KayakUSA1]

No problem bud! Thanks for watching 🤙🏼

[@drsoot9760]

Only fellow mechanics would understand why we keep every nut and bolt.🤣

[@christophercracraft1235]

Do you have any issues with the motor not being locked? Thanks

[@williambrewster5125]

Nice set up. Im building the same set up. I have one question for you. Is your yak power and trolling motor hooked up to the same battery. If not why. I would like info on that. Like fuses. I would like it all ran off one battery. If i do that do i have to use a fuse from the yak to the battery? Please help me out. Thanks

[@KayakUSA1]

Hey, thanks for watching. Yes , when I put in my bigger trolling motor battery, everything is ran from it. But if I don’t plan on using the trolling motor, I just connect my smaller battery box. It runs everything except my motor. Yes I have inline fuses between the battery and kayak. I have videos on my channel of me building my power setup. 🤙🏼

[@rbarbour64]

I got a trolling motor from the dump , does run but the old owners cut the wires before it was dumped. The motor that runs the left / right motion works. I can make a switch for it but the forward/reverse I need help with. What is the best way to install a switch for it?

[@kappa888af]

Nice video. Any issue with the water affecting the actuator

[@markie871]

30# good enough would you go bigger after having for a while? Maybe 40# thrust?

[@KayakUSA1]

30# is perfect for me.

[@todhagan7568]

Is it okay to charge the battery with the PWM still hooked up?

[@KayakUSA1]

Not sure, I always removed the battery and charged it separately. 👍🏼

[@joshuastubblefield678]

Question on kayak is there a kayak that is a 500 lbs weight limit for under 700

[@2160thibsy]

How do you connect both the actuator wires and the trolling motor wires to the same battery?

[@Aceislife6]

hey man great video. so i have do have a rudder hole on my kayak i have the cabelas adventure pro 120 but how do i know if my kayak is strong enough to take the pressure form the 30lbs thrust or should i even be worried about that

[@jonathannorman7356]

what elbow size is that?

[@williambrewster5125]

Do you have a video on how you wired the rocker switch. I got all the same stuff you did. I just cant figure out how to wire that switch. Also hows your turning. Does it turn okay With that set up.

[@KayakUSA1]

Wire the rocker switch like this... On the back you’ll see 6 post together 2 on top 2 in the center and 2 on bottom ( if your switch has a light there will be an extra post on the side) Top 2 post : battery pos. / battery neg Center 2 post : actuator red / black Bottom 2 post : battery neg / pos. The extra post (7th) will be a battery pos. For the light on the switch. 🤙🏼

[@williambrewster5125]

@@KayakUSA1 thank you so much.