Motorized Fishing Kayak- Jackson Big Rig (2015)

[@TMoua79]

Nice!!! Probably the best setup I’ve seen on KZbin land. Simple and clean!

[@benjimun1]

Thank God someone used their head on their setup. Love the way ya did this yak. Thanks for sharing with the world

[@stuartgoodwin7368]

You plucked half your idea out of my head and gave me a few new idea's, thank you and great job fella.

[@Velcrostraps91]

The creativity on this one is superb. Very nice very neat. Tight work man

[@benbaumgartner7460]

Kevin, I just gotta say, you are one lucky bastard! I watch almost all of your videos. Your reviews are extremely helpful. And you are a dynamite fisherman. You are living the dream of a bass fisherman with that kayak. And now you even have a trolling motor handy for you. I love your videos and keep up the great work. Have a good one sir, and thank you!

[@helicopterjohns]

Hi Kevin, Congratulations on a nice clean/neat install. Like the remote. Many thanks for sharing. I also use a manual cable steering system on my kayak as a backup to my linear actuator steering system with tilt and trim. I used round/smooth weed eater cable that is the same size as your stainless steel cable. It is less abrasive and you may look at it as a possible alternative. I am working on a prototype to convert the Minn Kota 5 speed units to variable speed. So far the testing looks good. John

[@kayakexcursions5570]

That is the perfect setup, you definitely did a great job with that! I want to try to do something like that.

[@StephenSmithAgape]

I have a Big Tuna and mount my trolling motor using a trolling motor mount in the two rod holders on either side behind the seat and use a tiller extension to control speed and direction. The big advantage to this setup is I have speed control. I use a small gel battery used to power a wheelchair and go half a day on it or I can put in the big battery and easily go all day on a single charge. The main reason I get so much more battery life is that I am not running the motor at full speed, which greatly extends my battery life. Your set is quite nicely done. I also saw a guy take the head control and mount it on the side of his float tube so he had speed control. I would take that head and mount it by your seat and you will find that not only will you get a lot more battery life, you also add a lot of finesse to your handling capability.

[@NickMirro]

I agree! Running at 1/2 - 2/3 power will give you endless running time. I really suggest lithium if you can afford it. 50 Ah's weighs all of 14 lbs. You get to use up 100% of the charge with no harm to the battery.

[@muddysledge]

I know this is an old Post but this is an excellent build man. It's what I want to do. I have an old troller, 20lb thrust but enough for my purposes. I want to take the control head off of it so it isn't way high up advertising itself, then remount the controls and run a steering linkage. Be proud man, well done.

[@SeeJojoSenpai]

thank you for giving me awesome ideas for kayak fishing. since I can't afford a boat. keep the videos coming

[@BigKeithDog]

If you can afford this set up, you can afford a boat. My first was a 59 StarCraft 15' runabout that I cut the bow open, added front and rear decks and carpeted them, made a very nice little fishing boat. Total investment, $1100 and a bunch of work. It had a 50 HP two stroke, ran about 45 mph.

[@roguelock7125]

getting a little used Jon boat would be great for fishing and crabbing

[@frederickmenu3140]

Nice video Kevin! Yes you can be proud of this work, all the facilities are integrated very well in the kayak. I'm motorising my own kayak this time, and you gave me some ideas. Your mistakes are usefull for me :-). Happy you did some :-). So thanks to you.

[@Distinguished_Hillbilly]

Yours is the best .. let me know when you see this , I have some questions.. us yak’ies gotta stick together

[@grampa_ahah]

Kevin I have a similar setup but on a non description Future Beach fishing yak. I didn't have the remote. I place the control head in a rod holder next to me. I steer with a push pull stick until I can set up foot pedals. I also included a release mechanism and a tilt rope. Works great. Nice work. Very professional.

[@redroofretriever]

Needs the - in the water test run - at the end of this video. Great job and very creative way to propel your kayak.

[@thomaskirkpatrick244]

You should be proud! It's a aweosme set up a instruction vid on how you did the transom and electrical parts 😅

[@joehentalack2443]

Best set up man,I have exactly the same Kayak and motor(with an extra full back-up battery),but i am an overweight guy,so I needed extra stabililty.I assembeld Two large PVC tubes(filled with foam)with moped shocks...!!!!!.Hawaiian style but on both side,and you could not flip it over ,even if you wanted to,i have 5 hours autonomy(with back up)I fish large lakes and calm rivers,I installed a tubular/fabric shade spot,I have had the best naps on that 'boat',next project is to build something much bigger,with two electric engines,a four people covered sitting table and a tiny BBQ(a fresh perch or trout on the grill is fantastic......

[@jasonyannuccelli2499]

That’s just awesome and exactly what I want to do to my Kayak now. Mine has a rudder system on it but I think I might be able to retrofit the pull cables setup to turn the motor shaft. I’m mostly impressed with the mount you made to fit the transom to. Great work. Instead of just the one forward and reverse speed I think I’d like to build a speed controller to adjust speed in forward and reverse from A control knob where I’m sitting. Love you’re work, well done 👍

[@BigInjun05]

I have an old town kayak angler Xl. Has the removable floor so naturally I drilled a hole in it and put rubber grommets in it and slid the motor up through. No leaks at all. Mounted a waterproof box on my right side with a speed controller so perfect for slow moving fishing. Also added a minnkota deckhand anchor with 100 feet of 1000lb coated kevlar rope. And the 80AH battery keeps me out all day

[@facepalmdaily4404]

Just remember, if you are in Texas, adding any motor to a kayak puts it under powered boat regulations, meaning your lighting requirements for night time are different and you also have to register the boat and put the registration number and state tag on the bow. Just a tip for any fellow Texans watching and considering this amazing build.

[@georgekrug2071]

Wow good point

[@brandonbrown7725]

FacepalmDaily....... as far as registration for your boat your sure I have to have a tx number. I thought it was only if the motor was over a certain horse power. I know that a boat over 12ft with a motor exceeding 5hp has to be registered but didn't think a kayak with trolling motor did. But I'll check before I use the motor

[@ericschmidt9507]

Thanks Ned Flanders

[@robertbullard6983]

FacepalmDaily yes indeed TX does require registration, and to get reg. You must get s title! Know from first hand experience! Pain in the butt, but shure is nice cruising along peacefully.

[@RedfishInc]

Yep, you can read the requirements online, they specifically mention electric trolling motors and you know how Texas is, they won't let you get away with anything.

[@woodman39]

Excellent job. Best home built set up I have seen yet.

[@JungleJimAB9AB]

Awesome thought process! Thanks for sharing this idea. Great video. This is exactly what KZbin was made for. Keep up the great work.

[@desertlogic222]

The best trolling motor setup I've seen. Badass.

[@chucksmith5002]

Nice setup getting ideas to do my Big Rig Thanks for taking us alone

[@ArcticCoonass]

WOW... Excellent video, gives me all sorts of good ideas for when I purchase my first Kayak!

[@michaelpacker9805]

I know this is super late, and probably doesn’t happen often, but if you flip the yak, the weight of the battery will pop your hatch open. I understand that the battery sits upright nice and clean, but you should still consider a battery strap with a simple buckle. Mount it to the wood that you have in there. That way it will keep the battery pulled towards the bottom of the yak if ever flipped. Love the setup man!

[@russellthemuscle6250]

I know I am responding to a very old post but I have this setup on my big rig, I did flip and the battery did open hatch allowing rear of kayak to sink. I was able to swim kayak over to area of river where I could stand waste deep and remove battery and motor, then I pulled kayak up on a log and bailed it. A 2 hour ordeal in alligator infested waters. I am currently looking for ways to get battery out of hatch and have quick disconnect. I would rather lose the battery than the whole kayak.

[@chrisdodsworth7828]

How do you lift the motor when coming into shallow water or beaching

[@kevsgonefishing]

Also you might want to check it a producer called a bull nose(I believe) but it's a rudder that mounts to the shaft of the motor, it helps eliminate the "Pushing" that you get from a trolling motor. I have one on my pontoon boat and it helps a lot.

[@natenhb2495]

Wow! The end product has a really clean finish! Great job!

[@KevinBullington]

+Nate NHB thanks Nate!

[@Deliriousintentionsprojects]

I love those kipawa propellers! It adds a lot of power to the throttle action and a lot less weed tangle.

[@KevinBullington]

+DeliriousIntentions very nice props. Treats me very well.

[@m.jmoore654]

Thats the nicest trolling motor mount i have seen yet ..

[@JoseReyes-ph5lu]

Kevin, just to echo so many others, this has to be the cleanest install I have ever seen! Thanks for sharing. Can you please advise where you purchased the collar to install the two eye-bolts. Vendor and part number information would be greatly appreciated.

[@bobgransee874]

thanks for the help. I've been looking for ways to rig my trolling motor to my kayak. Your video has been the best

[@maxwellschell8979]

this is the best way I've seen to do this so far. good job guy.

[@Hydrayak]

I like the video! Great job! I have a big tuna and have been thinking of ways to incorporate a trolling motor.

[@shawnearly6572]

Wow. That is an amazing setup. Iv been looking for a way to use my endura max on my kayak. This is so perfect and cleanly put together.

[@flinginairos]

Super awesome set up! I will be using the same motor on my Vibe SeaGhost and installing it very similar to that. I want to keep the variable speed for trolling though. Havent decided if I will mount the head from the motor up near my seat or make a new box with on/off switch and potentiometer for the speed control or not. Need to figure that out. Looks great though and very professional install!

[@JMD535]

I luv the way you did your Trolling motor! I think I'd consider a "Throttle" on it vs "On/Full Power - Off". Nice work all the same...

[@damavox]

I did a system very similar to this one, I used an adjustable type spring made from hardware from home depot on the pedals to give it power stirring of sorts. That way if I wanted to straighten out I would be fighting left leg against right leg to get it right. I just let off one side of the pedal. The spring straightens the pedals / motor out for me. and it's alot less work.

[@miked8227]

Not a kayak guy but definitely admire your set up.

[@jamesschell911]

and I like that you can still tip the trolling motor up for shallow water

[@420sookie]

I HAVE A BIG RIG ALSO.... WITH MOTOR ALSO.... THESE KAYAKS ARE HARDER TO USE THEN MY OTHER . BUT WE GET THE STABLE STANDING FISHING..... SO I LOVE IT....

[@Ramshackle6984]

Great set up! I've been thinking of doing this same thing on my kayak with the same idea for the pedals. Well done.

[@bobstigler]

Nice set up! You should youtube etc. research how to add an inline variable speed option to your motor setup so that you don't lose that capability. You can control it from your seat (I would miss not being able to troll at variable speeds.) Also there is a simple way of flattening out your motor shaft to aid in launching your kayak with the motor installed and not scrapping under the prop...then lowering it once you are in the kayak and in the water. I have seen both of these features documented on youtube. Thanks for posting all you vids! I have learned a great deal from your efforts!

[@shannondefriese9598]

I would like to see the videos you're talking about. Doing research now on how best to raise and lower the motor.

[@shannondefriese9598]

Also, I thought the white and yellow wires controlled the speeds. Am I wrong? At the moment, I'd like the ability for variable speeds, but am questioning if I really need that. If that's the case, the remote setup would be ideal.

[@dymo99]

Hi Kevin, just watched your video your a cool guy, I’m impressed with your set up very professional. I am considering buying a kayak to use here in the UK, but there so many available it’s hard to know which one to choose, I don’t want to spend a lot until I know it’s going to be something I will keep doing. I look forward to your next video 👍

[@bradreid6057]

Kevin, great! Just a thought that what you might do is leave the set of foot pegs that are attached to the cables running back to the TM, just leave them on and push them all the way forward when not it use, then leave the non-attached second set on behind them. I suppose this could be done in the other order depending on leg length and how far forward you have to set the pegs up for paddling. But, this way you wouldn't have to replace them, remove hardware and so on. Brad

[@trainerlance]

Simple yet elegant solution. Great job.

[@barrythompson6472]

Kevin, please provide more information on the switch. Also have you thought about a variable resistor to control the speed? Outstanding video and craftsmanship on your modifications.

[@obanquet]

Clean. Can't wait to see how you utilize it on the water. Very nice!

[@KevinBullington]

I'll include some on the water video in my next fishing outing

[@KevinBullington]

I'll include some on the water video in my next fishing outing

[@michelraymond286]

Very nice setup my friend! Nice and clean job!💙🎣🤙

[@robertvalley5239]

Hi Kevin. I recently added a trolling motor to my kayak and am very pleased. I was wondering if you could explain how you managed to get the brass fittings to stay in place for your steering cable so as not to wear out the rubber tubing? Also, what are those fittings called so I can find them in the store. Thanks. Any info would be appreciated.

[@howiemoth3847]

As soon as I saw that my mind went to a shielded hand brake or throttle cable from a bike or 4 wheeler.

[@KingJoey.]

That is such a cool setup. I don't trust myself though. Im looking into buying my first kayak and i'd love to be able to using a trolling motor with it.

[@wyrick6869]

Dam! Good job ! One of the cleanest set ups I have seen here on youtube !!! and seriously ,thank you for stoping and putting the information on each part you have changed out or highlighted . I am a sub now because of that! Looking forward to the next one. Stablelized pontoons video next?

[@normanmilano973]

Really awesome bro, yout did a great job. Excellent video, explanation and in depth review of what toy did

[@CuriousSoulCanada]

This is a smarter setup than the horizontal transversal wooden motor holder design people do for cheap. The only downside is that you will need two guys to put in in the water if you launch from a steep terrain. Itherwise you have to carry this setup one by one and assemble it on the water. i do that on mine

[@mikelollar657]

Really sweet set up one thought that could help by a small solar trickle charger for the battery mount it on the lid of the battery box . While you are fishing you can recover some battery life .

[@edwindearti4791]

You should look into Nissan Leaf Li-On cells. They are the best Cells for DIY kayak projects. You need at least two at 64Ah , 7.4V each. You get more power for about 1/4 of the weight of the battery you have installed. I have 4 cells for a total of 1KWh on my setup, for what it seems like endless power...

[@lojofishing]

does all that weight in the back effect the kayak at all?

[@radioactivetitan7771]

LOJO hi

[@PaintSlinger99]

yes

[@garonsutherland7912]

bro got left on delivered for 4 years 🤣🤣

[@Xt1000]

I like the set up. I think I'll use bicycle brake or gear shift cables and route/ mount them on the exterior. Also use or fab the trolling motor mount out of aluminum.090. An upgrade would be 2 lithium batteries in parallel.

[@heatherm8261]

Nice setup! I like your Appomattox River Company stocker also! I bought my Jackson Zen and accessories from them.

[@slikrik6098]

Great job, nice clean set up. New sub I have a large kayak a beast to paddle ,was thinking of selling it but I think going this way should be better and cheaper that a Peddle kayak.

[@jube42]

glad I found this video. I have started my update now on my kayak. Only thing I have a question about is the trolling motor. It is variable speed motor so I am assuming you will lose that capability with the RF Connector. For me that is not a game changer. Other than that this is a win win for me. One more thing, What state are you in and did you have to register your kayak because of adding the trolling motor?

[@ryankoehler3170]

You should do a complete build with materials and wiring instructions. Very cool man.

[@nickfrank4814]

Just a suggestion I wouldn't use that remote thing for your trolling motor because you can't control your speed because since you did the controller thing it's now one speed forward and one speed backward and sometimes when your going into a cove you might just want to go really slow into the cove and fish it for a little while instead of Turing it on forward and the it just guns in so just a suggestion

[@Masterguitarist-k1z]

So I guess it would be silly to suggest perhaps "quick ON" then "quick OFF"? Just because you turn it on doesn't mean you have to go full speed. He also mentions it will "stop on a dime" going from forward to reverse. Great setup and the fob is a nice touch.

[@NickMirro]

I completely agree. You really should use variable thrust. I have a big tuna with variable power and its a freaking dreamboat. Also, you can use reverse to stop, but you need to let the motor have about 1 second to recover before switching or it won't respond and its life may be shortened.

[@Pusfilth]

Nick Frank just paddle lazy ass

[@kevsgonefishing]

Looks awesome, the only thing that I see failing in the field are the eye bolts for the steering. I see one is bent already. May want to try and find some stronger metal.

[@dirtybasscatcher205]

what's up Kevin, so I got the Field & Stream Eagle Talon 120 Kayak. if you don't mind checking it out and giving some pointers on where to mount a trolling motor.

[@morrellp]

Just a suggestion but I would add a voltage monitoring device in the cockpit to monitor the battery just in case. Great setup.

[@brandonjohnson1822]

I'd love a set up similar to this...but even easier. I'd like to just have the trolling motor mounted straight, without any steering. I'd have no problem using my paddle to get me turned in the right direction and then just flip the motor on to move me forward. I think it'd be pretty easy to steer while moving using my paddle. Super cool set up, though. Congrats.

[@larrybeckett8280]

Kevin, kudos on the kayak. Maybe this comment is obvious, but I don’t understand how to get your kayak in and out of the water without tearing up the trolling motor or completely uninstalling it.

[@peteatparafinale9348]

Easily one of the best set ups I've seen on here. Thanks for the tips..

[@cup_and_cone]

Now to do this in Florida you need... -Title the kayak as a boat (requires builders certificate/proof of ownership paperwork, which most people don't even have) -Register the kayak with the state after getting title -Boater ID card since you're operating a motor boat -Flares (or other signaling device) if operating in salt water, and noise signal (whistle is fine) in addition to your PFD

[@pkoerner6]

Really clean rigging. Very impressive!!

[@chrisginnewhamp]

That is one sweet setup. I'm going to have to do this to one of my kayak. Thanks for the great video.

[@vu8502]

Excellent! Looking into mounting a motor on my 3 Waters. Can the motor speed be controlled with this setup or did you set it at one speed and forget it? Thanks for the awesome tips!

[@garycalcote1227]

Did a nice clean job. I have yet to see anybody use tension springs at the motor control wires, if you were to step on both petals for some reason the springs would take up some tension and possibly save something from breaking.

[@bobbyvu2104]

Awesome video and clear, I watched your video over and over and really impress what you did. Question: Where do you buy a ring that connect to the cable? and what is call? Thanks

[@josephlassiter1412]

I love your set up if you put a switch in to use the motor on low settings like it come form the factory you will get a way longer run time

[@chrisbennett7576]

How did seal the top of trolling motor shaft? PVC elbow? Rubber boot? Thank you very much for sharing all your hard work & knowledge.. you designed exactly what I had in my head for my 3waters BigFish120.. your awesome for sharing.. thanks again

[@michaelcollins5003]

dang buddy, you just made me want to drop the $ on a big rig... Sweet setup! Thanks for posting a helpful detailed video.

[@shanewinburn2583]

Really nice setup, looks like that would work out great on the water

[@KevinBullington]

Thank you Shane.

[@jimthompson1839]

Very nice setup! I have a Jackson Big Rig also and have been searching for a trolling motor solution. think I found it. Can you explain how you made the transom, or where I could find a similar one?

[@michaelmencev4529]

Great job mate. Your remote idea kicks ass.

[@hillysoutdoors1974]

That awesome man. Good job. I’d like to do it to mine, will just have to figure out the transom set up because my kayak is not square in the back

[@maxbomb101]

thats fantastic man, top work...i get my 1st ever kayak tomorrow so im stocked to modify it....thanks for the vid, you just got another sub

[@dmildrum91]

nice set up man. good job. love the foot pedal design you did

[@13krazykazik]

Hey Kevin, Love the setup looks very clean and organized, and i want to follow a similar setup that you ran. I was wondering how you ran the wiring from the stern to the foot peddle. Did you have to make any holes, if so is it easy to run it through the hull? it would be a huge help thx

[@Hellhorde.]

Very clean and like its meant to be there this is the setup ive been looking to do.

[@Somegoy]

Also something else is you could rig something up to where you hit shallow water and you can pull the motor up to horizontal, so you can skim if you want. Looks like it does come up, just find a way to pull that pin manually and a pulley system to pull the motor up

[@richardbest3079]

That's one of the best setups I have seen.

[@billdaugherty4218]

Sweet set up! Ever think about adding a solar panel to keep battery charged?

[@dascoadams30]

Slick setup man..very nice work and great tutorial!

[@rodrenegadesofdirt923]

Kevin this is a very clean trolling motor setup. Could you give me more information about the key fob please thank you

[@chittlingwhittles1198]

That’s awesome! I looked at a few videos today and this seems like good alternative to Bixpy or Torqeedo.

[@michaelteeple8704]

There are some pretty important parts left in the top part of the trolling motor. By keeping those important parts, your battery life would be pretty good, by discarding them, a good deep cycle batt. Will only last about an hour max.

[@barnette35]

I really like the big rig setup. everyone pushing the self propelled kayaks on me but the peddles take up a lot of space in also see there have been problems with the drives. the kayaks cost 2600 to 3300 bucks and come stripped. the big rig comes ready to fish with hatch covers and and and. what are your thoughts on them, also have you considered a solar charger to charge battery while your out might extend your battery life, just an idea.

[@MC96701]

Awesome setup! How did you make that steel bracket for the transom clamps

[@yiannimigias4024]

This is beyond impressive. I have a cheap dolphin closed top kayak and I feel like it already sits too low in the water to be able to make a system like this. Maybe I should consider an open top instead. I'm not much of an angler but I do enjoy watercraft and being out on the water. so something like this would be amazing

[@elsinorebrewing3841]

damn sweet build and you should be proud of it.

[@LeeFazzani]

Just an observation I had: With the steering cables attached below the pivot point on the motor shaft, if the motor hits ground or something hard underwater there will likely be damage. If the cables were attached above the pivot point then hitting something would cause the motor to flip up out of the way and avoid damage.

[@KevinBullington]

+Lee Fazzani you are right except for the motor is locked in position so damage would occur regardless

[@earthheartcenterforconscio6283]

That’s really creative! Good job and thanks for sharing 🙂

[@verdellparentaaawink268]

I do my battery the same way but I if I have no room I use gorrilla duct tape believe or not it works to keep stuff slideing the down side it doesn't distrubite weight I also use it for my keel nice setup keep up the good work ,

[@avereeloutdoors7586]

Hey Kevin, I was wondering how you rigged the steering linkage on the trolling motor shaft. What is the round piece you used to thread the "eye bolts" through to secure it to the shaft? I have my motor mounted on my kayak but been looking at several ideas for the linkage. Looks simple and was wanting to do the same thing to mine.

[@italystallion699]

Yes please!