Mount a trolling motor on a KAYAK - Cheap

Mount a trolling motor to a 10.5' fishing kayak using mostly household materials. This project was completed in four hours for about $70 which included the trolling motor and deep cycle marine battery. No mods made to the hull.

[@Vidocom]

*This makes my old motor look like a toy **enjoyable.fishing** recommend it's well built. I haven't had it on the water yet, but I'm very sure it will perform just fine.*

[@rareairentertainment2794]

Lol, “my wife HAD a canopy bed with these poles”. I can’t quit laughing

[@rothwegk]

I love it! "pick up a couple of things, one of those being a Kayak, and maybe a trolling motor and a battery." 😂😂😂

[@stevieward8177]

I usually never comment on a video. That being said, this video was very informative and unexpectedly hilarious. Thanks for posting this.

[@PoppyJone]

I like how he says at the end "Get the canopy poles from your wife's bed without her knowing"

[@outdoorthor9240]

Simple and elegant solution, sir. By far the best mounting idea I have found yet. The only thing I will add to mine is to leave the pipes coming out of the rod holders open at the top, so they can still be used as rod holders. Thanks!

[@saorihamajima]

ARF just got all my questions answered re trolling motor set up /pontoon setup .Thankyou SIR ARF .

[@StephenWillard1]

Love it. Give the basic concepts as to how to mount a trolling motor using existing kayak features.

[@MikeDesertHunterHale]

In 1967 my friend and myself found a company located in northern Utah that made motorized kayaks. The electric trolling motors were mounted internally along the center line near the stern, battery was in the bow, the only indication that the motor was installed was a small bubble just located over the motor... I don't remember the thrust but we could move about 7-8 knots all day long... the motor was controlled from the cockpit using a simply knob that slid forward for port and back for starboard. Along with a 3 speed forward and reverse switch and we were set... We fished and hunted out of these little boats for a number of years. I regret selling the boat, but time marches on. (I think the boat company went out of business in the early 70's, to bad, it was a super idea)

[@diybatterypower]

I would avoid a flooded marine battery like in the video. Vmax AGM batteries like the V20-600 or V30-800 battery are only 15-20lbs, sealed, spill-proof and give you better performance.

[@catbme]

Thanks so much!!! I bent the pvc with a heat gun and my kayak is a 14 foot future beach 75 pound beast 160 angler..I found a clamp in the electrical isle at lowes that locks tight about the trolling motor and is chained to the yak. thanks again for the reply and the great video.

[@reverseoreo08]

Really neat idea.. and you did a great job in my opinion. Easy to remove too if you ever get in areas where a motor isn't needed and want your holders back! haha

[@pissywilly]

Nice! Old school problem solving! Subbed

[@santosart11]

Thank you . Nice and clean thanks again for the information.

[@davidoberlin4186]

Excellent video. Very good job 👌

[@RoundeyeSamurai]

Great little, vid. Simple and informative, and I laughed pretty hard at your sound effects (I have a friend who used to tell stories with sound effects). I am doing a similar mount to my SoT kayak, but I am using ABS pipes. I like the idea of the U bolts being size fitted so you can easily dismantle it. Bravo Zulu, my friend.

[@ChrisDoesWhat]

Good video, just got my boy a kayak, going to let help paddle around a bit, but next year I may want to do this for him.

[@sheldonhaynes4915]

Dude this is awesome!

[@source1newsuntoldstories535]

Enjoyed the video

[@quinnellful]

I loved the sound effects haha

[@anthonymarino4260]

Nice build

[@80ajflores]

Great video

[@catman7153]

Nice setup! I am wanting to get into kayak fishing but wanted to find a way to have a trolling motor mounted on the kayak. Your video was very informative! When I build my setup I am going to look into a way to have the power on/off and direction controls be foot controlled, so I can hold the kayak in place without having to take a hand off my rod and reel. I'm pretty good with electronics so I think such a setup would be possible.

[@mantasticadventures8935]

I think it's an awesome idea. Not legal in my State but everything can be fixed with a little money. Maybe a little to heavy for some kayaks, maybe lean a bite for some...but one idea always leads to another...I am pretty sure your'e a better fisherman than a camera man...no worries...awesome idea!

[@faruqal-amin1993]

Lol😂😂😂 love the wood sawing sound effects

[@dannybigdog4384]

Nice and great video!!!

[@stacykidd926]

Love it. Thank you!!!

[@SaYYE]

Good job I like that and its easy to use easy to remove.

[@DogMan077]

Nice job!

[@verdugoadventures]

great video, very helpful

[@chuckiql]

Liked the video Warren, T-man can't wait for the video from today's event.

[@1divemaster1]

Thanks for the info. Very informative. May try that w/ mine.

[@bullyakker]

I've a tarpon 120 with a trolling motor mounted similarly though in the process of installing it in the rear and using foot pegs for steering etc. What i did to off set the weight was to install the battery holder to plywood and glued foam under the plywood to keep it from moving about. the battery holder is off set to the opposite side just about an inch or so. in a few weeks i'll have 2 lithium ion batteries which will save some weight and my back. Cheers!

[@FishingNOutdoorFun]

Wow bro this is very very good video thanks for sharing 👍

[@clints8731]

I have a similar set up on a Ascend 128T sit on top Kayak with a 85 lb deep cycle battery and it works great. I've been out 3 times with it and my battery doesn't even need to be charged yet.

[@madlifts1]

I was going to put one on my A12T would any trolling motor do. Any help

[@chriscunningham6197]

Great info! Thanks

[@gregroberts1142]

I think that is a great idea. The only problem I can see is that the uncovered ends of the bed posts are bare metal and will eventually tear through the plastic of the rod holder as the motor vibrates. The end of the posts should have an end cap.

[@johnchacos9744]

awesome idea

[@johnrproctor7551]

Thanks for posting. I will be coping some of your design to mount my 2 hp gas motor to my kayak. The little gas motors will weigh a lot less than the trolling motor and the battery. I only fish really shallow water so getting out to pull start the motor won't be a problem. Might not be so easy if you fish deep water. I will be you are a graduate of the Duck Tape School of Design. I am also an alumni.

[@DougHinVA]

A small trolling motor will burn up the controls at 4 or 5 after 20-30 minutes. Running it on 3 is OK, but use a digital speed controller (like a motor scooter uses) that pulses power to the motor.

[@jaymccraw9544]

Dude made a sawing sound 3:20 LOL!

[@WarrenWilliams]

Any trolling motor will work assuming it's not too heavy. Even my lightweifgt MG34 creates a little 'lean' on the hull which I compensate for by leaning slightly to the left. This is a VERY successful modification and I've logged a couple hundred miles on creeks, rivers and lakes, even passing through the McAlpine locks on the Ohio River.

[@silverdropstang]

As of current day, how is it holding up for you?

[@anglerstube8021]

@@silverdropstang Legend has it he's deep sea fishing.

[@Wildirishmanbiker]

great Idea, I may do just that and modify mine!

[@11304800]

Warren good vid,, but God dude I got seasick from watching it.!!!!

[@phoninta6285]

nice and smart ..good idea

[@jessebrown4755]

This is awesome

[@kielerjim]

They make small 12 volt deep cycle sealed gel type batteries for power wheel chairs. I use them to power my lights in my pdr business. They weigh less than 20 lbs and I know they will work great for your application as well. MK brand batteries are by far the best for longevity and I've tried many other brands with poor results. Good video

[@SeeThe23s]

Arf! Thanks for this sir! Well done too, btw! Excellent delivery of a smoothly clever idea... And Im not just saying that because Im also 205lbs...with a sweet lubrow (goatee) just like yours... Who also just so happens to have dated a woman...a decade ago...that left me burdened with a full set of queen size canopy bed polls to raise on my own. (In the garage...perfect cond.)... 2 -16' Ocean Kayaks Trident Anglers-ruddered...Check Rod holders...2? Check Wood...check Ubolts...I-bolt...Check 34 pnd thrust Minnekota...clamp mount...Check Deep Cycle...batt...Well, I moved the big one..hahaha...again, just like yours to my aliner. Ive got a motorcycle batt swingin in the bow tho, but thats for fishfinding...and way too small. I'll blow a part of my savings on this project on a perfect batt, w/o borrowing from other stuff. But thats it. Ive got the pipes bent and drying now from coating them with aerosol truck bed liner. The woods getting a marine gloss clear coat- natural grain..,with grey/black bedliner kevlar stuff coating the hardware This afternoon I was... (once again)... very specifically targeting the simplest...cleanest...COOLEST solution to powering my yak. Cost be damned...(actually...cheaper always feels better..). But, its been tough finding the right idea to get a crush on... Yours is going to be perfect! I hated those rod holders anyway. I always felt like I was going to lose my gear. Im going to mount a couple of holders on the back of the wood. Thats again, Arf. I salute your particular genius and the chinbeard. Respect! James - in Sacramento, CA

[@WarrenWilliams]

The yak is a Future Beach Trophy 126 (10.5') hybrid fishing. There was no precise bending involved. I actually used an old aluminum tent pole section and bent it myself until it looked about the right angle. Then I used it at the muffler shop as the guide. Once bent by the muffler shop, they stood straight enough and look great.

[@atreyu815]

I use the same kayak for my channel. That is awesome as hell

[@Adam-hb6go]

Thanks!

[@interstink]

Great video! Ever think about adding quick disconnects for the electrical hook up? A nice marine power cupeler and you won't have to worry about hooking up terminals to battery.

[@130June]

Very clever.

[@justinstansberry7555]

Nice vid

[@MrMolinari]

Well this turned out great! Good video. You should get a tripod for the camera so you have your hands free.

[@geraldpaul1870]

Dario Molinari how would I find out if the state where I live, I would have to register my kayak if I was to do the same trolling motor rig

[@robertrockwell7581]

Gearld Paul ask your local DNR officer or motor vehicle office. in michigan if it has any kind of motor even trolling we have to but only about 24 dollars for three years a DNR officer told me.

[@geekyPIANOman]

I have a same trolling motor for my tarpon100 just like that one except, I saw off the shaft to make it a little shorter n easier to handle. Great job...

[@Manuel_Z_Kayaks]

Take the table foot covers off and you have your rod holders back!

[@WarrenWilliams]

Excellent!!

[@bradleyfranklin3468]

Was thinking the same.

[@StephenSmithAgape]

I have the Island mount which has a counter weight on the other side. Without the weight you are putting a lot of strain on those rod holder mounts. They can be reinforced with some spray in foam. Also PVC pipe works fine as well. Made one out of PVC and 2 x 6 worked great.

[@BlueOriginAire]

Stephen Smith, M.D. . You can cook those PVC’s and softened them to bend into pretzels if you aren’t muffler shop connected.

[@demolitionwilliams]

Yeah!

[@bibspingi]

Hey!! Muy buena idea! Asi harè el kio!.. Gracias por el videos

[@WarrenWilliams]

YES, thick-walled pvc pipe will work. However, if you paddle (motor) in shallow water or creeks with stumps, submerged logs, etc, your biggest concern should be impact resistance. If you hit a stationary object, something has to give. If the PVC breaks, the trolling motor may go into the drink. I have an eye-bolt in the center of the deck just behind the cockpit and I tether the motor. Good luck and thanks for looking!

[@BluTrollPro]

Haha ive been wanting to do something like this for ages. Been kayak fishing for a while, I just pop my kayak on my roof bars of my car and drive up to the local lochs. However being the lazy bastard I am I tend to just paddling a few hundred metres then float about. Really want to do something like this so I can have a small motorised fishing boat with a bit of range (I would use a petrol trolling motor). Might try to assemble something like this over the summer, will need a slightly bigger kayak with rod holes, can put the kayak on the roof of the car then remove motor and put it in the trunk.

[@MrMd5555]

Now, how to put a 25 hp 2 stroke on it for wake boarding

[@harryarteza3435]

Thanks Arf.

[@WarrenWilliams]

On June 16, 2014 I picked the rear of the yak by the motor mount and pulled a rodholder off. Had to put washers on the screws to reinforce. Message is: don't lift the boat by the motor mount cross-board. Mine lasted a year before the screws went through but it was a 15 minute fix. Better than new. Boat has been in use as seen for 13 months on the Ohio River where it's been through the locks and back.

[@lizzt76]

Im literally car sick from watching this!!! Jeez louise!!!!

[@kc696969]

Well, don't watch

[@harisguhdija8778]

very cool

[@H-sgracesavedme1711]

A little long winded but over all I really liked that quick setup. Question: does it shake or vibrate since the pipes were a little loose

[@OnDayFiveFishing]

I Subscribed!!! Nicely done.... Be kind to the fish!

[@colacubers]

Well done. Needs a counter weight though

[@jamescobrien]

Thanks bud!

[@WarrenWilliams]

You are welcome! Paddle on!

[@cherokeeman7140]

I love the design, but now that you have a motor (electric/gas) you now need a licence for your kayak (at least in Florida for sure)

[@allstarpools4672]

cherokeeman 71 you don’t need a licensed unless is more then 10 hp

[@TheBambislayer]

They sell mounting kits and short shaft trolling motors for Kayak's .

[@geraldpaul1870]

TheBambislayer what is the website

[@daddyshark5871]

Do you have a link

[@bluemountaindrivepae]

For 200 bucks for the motor mount and they utilize the rod holders.

[@seanstacho4334]

Great video! I have the same kayak Warren. I really like your kayak seat replacement and was wondering if you could share with me how you did that. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks, Sean

[@WarrenWilliams]

+Sean Stacho Hey Sean, the seat was simple as well. It's a $25 stadium seat from Dick's Sporting Goods. I used thew same screw that anchor the kayak seat. The seat is comfortable with a cushion, but the fabric does not hold up to UV rays well and has 'rotted' along the top rail. -Warren

[@flowflyfishing2131]

clever!

[@hermanmoxey1042]

that works.. I did something similar but I didn't bother bending steel pipes. Instead I used 1.25' pvc pipe. I had to sand them a little to get them to fit in the flush mounted fishing rod holders. Then a simple wooden 2x4 across bolted to the pvc pipes. The 2x4 is on an the angle with the rod holders but it doesn't matter since trolling motor has several angle adjustments. Plus I left about 4" of pvc pipes sticking above 2x4 so I still have a place to put fishing rods. Works great for trolling. Now to find a good 10 pound Lithium battery to replace that 50 lb lead acid bohemoth.

[@WarrenWilliams]

Good post. Readers have asked about using PVC.

[@deweylee2449]

Go to Battle Born Batteries. But you not going to like the price plus you have to buy a special charger. Battery starts at 500 bucks but the dud at Smalltown bassing swears by them. Check him out.

[@WarrenWilliams]

I recently visited the Kentucky Water Patrol and inquired about the legality of this setup. The KY law states that any boat that is powered (even electric, even a kayak) requires a license. The license for my 10.5' Future Beach kayak with an electric motor would be $9. There is a serial number on the hull and that number is used on the registration.

[@whoodiestyle]

That's stupid.

[@DougHinVA]

too bad; it's the law. Same as VA.

[@wadesummers4012]

And Arkansas.

[@ltlwinters]

I was told there would be FREEDOM.

[@mattmulhearn668]

tell them F off...and troll on youre way

[@josephwingate1767]

Only issue I see with this is not sure how all states work but in Delaware once you put a motor on a canoe or kayak it has to be tagged.

[@crapanzanocarmelo]

I love it! I like the creativity. You had an obstacle and u made it work out just fine. Good job, great video too. But wondering. Does it throw off ur center balance alot?

[@jamesparker5004]

Hey, nice work I like ir Question just on the motor, do you think it would be possible to mount it on the rudder pedal system of a kayak, but detach the top half of it, and re-wire and mount that in the cockpit area? This would just be for the speed control, the steering done with the pedals. Thinking that would work great, but wanted an opinion, not sure how the motor will like being cut into 2 pieces! Thanks

[@daddyebzy]

How ironic I was sitting around by myself and thought wouldn't it be great if somebody put a video on KZbin about how to install a trolling motor to a kayak BOOM

[@slayer171163]

you might want to tie down the left side of the mount because it looks like it's going to pop off due too the weight of the trolling motor and if that happens that would suck cuz you would go for a dip and also lose a trolling motor

[@joehastings1]

Have you thought about placing batt up front to more evenly displace weight.? Is it fast.?

[@saxon1177]

It works but I don't like how the side opposite the trolling motor slides up higher on the vertical bar. There are a number of simple fixes for that so no biggie but how fast will it go with that 34 lb. thrust and how many hours can you expect to go on an average day between putting around, medium thrusts and maybe a few full throttles? Good job, btw!

[@gregorypotter844]

thanks you saved me a lot of ulcers .

[@michaelciceraro7707]

I hope you like astrology,cause your going to see stars after your wife sees that bed. Lol.

[@BigInjun05]

I have an anchor on 1 side of my yak and a trolling motor I rigged up into my center detachable section. I might have to rig up a 2nd trolling motor to the other side to balance out the anchor 🤣🤣

[@catbme]

I really enjoyed this video since I have a future beach 160 angler which is hard to get a fit for most motor mounts...I'd like to ask a question can pvc pipe be used instead of metal pipe?

[@chriselliott.4996]

The muffler shop could have just bent a length in one piece of tubing then all you need is drill holes to mount board across bolt to tubing.

[@Michael-cf9wq]

Warren, great info. I have the same kayak and I am using your plans, thank you for posting. I have a few quick questions if you would be so kind...1) Are you just resting the metal pipes inside the fishing rod holders?2) What type of metal are the U and I bolts you are using? and where did you get those?3) Do you think muffler pipe will work strength wise, as opposed to the Canopy bed frame metal?Any help is greatly appreciated, thank you!

[@surgefishing958]

I've done the exact same mod. Video coming soon :) I would def reinforce the area around it though. Also the rods don't need anything stronger as the motor doesn't push too hard. I'm using 1.3" pipes from lowes made for chain link fencing. Cheapest option by far.

[@OIVIARxPRx]

Hey i have a question if you install the trolling motor on the side will it destabilize the kayak would you flip over more easy??

[@saxon1177]

Not if you strap one of your kids to the other side.

[@kenpasols6463]

I did exactly that on my kayak, the problem was it wouldn't go straight. Kept going round and round to the left. Trying to fix trust now...

[@goinsolo7713]

@@kenpasols6463 fit the motor at the rear where rudder would be, no problems with direction or balance

[@morrisbenfield661]

Think I'll make my motor board the same on both sides and add a counter weight so it's balanced out to perfection.

[@bullyakker]

Better off sliding the battery an inch or so towards the opposite side. if you weigh the motor board, it'll become more tippy...

[@Driggs11]

Does this track fairly straight. Mounted on the side

[@raykiii]

I don't know what the laws are in your state but here in Missouri, if I put a motor on a kayak, I would have to register it and pay extra taxes on it. It's an interesting project though.

[@larrylyon1122]

That is correct, and once registered, you have to decal # on both sides of kayak. Got to have lights for night fishing.

[@donwilliams5400]

How did you paint it like you did? Very cool brother.

[@hepticfire9604]

Why use u bolts instead of just bolting the bored directly onto the pipe, just curious?

[@belmontcuban]

First question, what degree are the pipes bend to? Second question what kind of kayak?

[@FostaFunk]

Awesome video! Seems super sturdy and looks great. How did you figure the correct angle to bend the pipes to? I've got a kayak with rear rod holders and want to try this design.

[@WarrenWilliams]

Mostly luck. I put the pipes in the rod holders and traced the angle and free handed the vertical. I took the sketch to the muffler shop and explained the purpose to the pipe-guy. He understood the concept right away and made the bends according to sketch. Worked perfectly. HOWEVER, there is another way. I used metal pipe because I yak in creeks with stumps and submerged logs hazards and was anticipating bumps and possible breakage. I had stump bumps but quickly realized the moving mass wasn't sufficient to do structural damage. So, consider this alternative. Use thick-wall PVC pipe. Cut to size and use elbows to make the angle. Find the correct angle and glue it. Mount the board to the pipes and level it. Use the U bolts to secure. Easy peasy and no bender required. GOOD LUCK!

[@chekasout1781]

great job bud. i must have missed what the small eye bolt was for??

[@johnclark6571]

I think he said it was to tie off the motor, in case it came lose. If you are subject to flip over, like me. It may save you a motor.

[@jameson376]

Smart.

[@WarrenWilliams]

The Motor Guide motor has a 30" shaft. Elsewhere on YT is a vid by a guy who cut the shaft and made it about 20". I'm ok with the 30" b/c once it's going straight I can 'steer' by ruddering with the paddle.

[@ianhendricks6910]

what angle did you bend the pipes at ?