Nucanoe Frontier 12 Kayak with Haswing Cayman Bow Mount Trolling Motor

This tutorial illustrates a Nucanoe Frontier 12 fitted with a modified Haswing Cayman 12V 55lb GPS wireless bow mount trolling motor. The set up was field tested for maneuverability, speed, and amp draw. The environmental conditions consisted of a slight breeze and chop. Here are the results of the tests:
Maximum Speed approximately 4MPH
Amp draw verses speed (approximate):
4MPH @ 28.5 A
2MPH @ 3.9 A
1MPH @ 1.3 A
The trolling motor performed excellently and was easy to maneuver when using the hand held fob (and foot pedal, not shown).
Warning: I do not recommend the Helmsman Application be used when this trolling motor is installed on a kayak. The application is calibrated for larger and heavier boats and thus compensates using greater amounts of thrust commands. This could be a dangerous situation for smaller and lighter watercraft.

[@roverrich]

Great job! Keep us posted on how the Haswing holds up!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you. Will do.

[@helicopterjohns]

Hi Aksel, Nice Video. PWM (pulse width modulation) is the way to go. The old 5 speed units were real AMP/POWER hogs especially at slower speeds. Minn Kota I know used resistor type devices that were mounted inside the motor head which helped cool them when in the water. When you wanted to go at slower speeds it activated various resistors to slow the motor down which put more drain i.e. AMP DRAW on your power source i.e. battery. The new PWM systems used on various manufactures including Haswing has dramatically reduced the amp draw at slower speeds which dramatically increases the amount of time your power source i.e. battery will power your kayak or boat. At full speed there is no difference between the old 5 speed units and the new PWM units. Where the PWM units shine is at the slower speeds as shown on your DC AMP Meter. i.e.full throttle 28 amps and 1/2 throttle at 4 amps. So if you are not in a big hurry to get somewhere you can increase your range i.e. battery life by a considerable amount depending on your actual speed and wind conditions. I purchased an AC/DC amp meter similar to the one shown in your video quite a while back and conducted the same tests on an old Minn Kota 5 speed trolling motor that I converted to PWM with a circuit board I purchased on E-Bay along with some relays for forward and reverse. I see now they offer one that has the forward and reverse built into the board. Not sure how it would work for trolling motor applications as I have not tried one. The SAD news is that the AC/DC AMP portion of the meter stopped working recently which is a real bummer for me. I may purchase another one as it was only around $40.00 and is the only meter that I found that could read both AC and DC AMPS in that price range. BTW: I have a Minn Kota 80Lb thrust 24 volt system on my Scout 177 Sport boat that I use for flats fishing. The Anchor Loc system is the cats meow. Keeps you right on your favorite fishing spot. No more playing around with dropping and retrieving anchors and all the associated mess in your boat. The nice thing about your Haswing and my Minn Kota is that you opted for the quick release mount so your could use your trolling motor on either you Kayak or boat if the shaft length was long enough. I know you are going to love your new propulsion system. Enjoy! John

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi John! Glad to see your response. You are dead on with your assessment of the old resistor 5F/3R verses the new digital (PWM) speed controllers. I have made controllers with the ebay (China) PWMs and they seem to hold up...for now. Too bad about the meter, for the price it is the best way to measure DC current and such. I use the same Haswing model for my boat trolling motor and it works great...especially the anchor lock feature. That feature though is too powerful for kayaks. If I wasn't experienced and had a stable kayak, I could have easily flipped it. The app works great with my boat though. The quick release makes moving and launching the kayak so much easier, especially since I have to put it in the water over rip rap and then pull it around to my kayak dock device (videos on both). I hope to see some new videos from you soon. Be healthy! Aksel

[@helicopterjohns]

@@Aksmaniyak Have you ever tried an e-bay version one i.e. China stuff like this: www.ebay.com/itm/Motor-Speed-Controller-PWM-HHO-RC-WS16-DC-10-55V-12V-24V-36V-48V-55V-100A/253719463030?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 It is (rated at 100 amps) that has the reversing relays built right on the board. I was wondering if the relays were heavy duty enough to handle the reversing (forward/reverse) trolling motor operation???????? I sold my converted unit to a local guy and he wanted to try this unit on another trolling motor he owns as all the electronics are on one board. I value your input. Thanks for any help you can offer. John

[@martinverajr82]

I been using the motor now and the helmsman app hold my kayak on anchor mode very well now Iam super stoked and happy with the product now

[@Aksmaniyak]

Great!

[@martinverajr82]

Aksman I don’t k ow if you I e noticed by now but I made the same mistake when I cut the shaft down I put the heading backward like you have on this video as soon as I turned it back and properly placed the head with long side being the front it fixed everything thanks for reply and hope this helps

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Martin!

[@colegollihugh226]

that motor is such a great price will be ordering one this week

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes it is.

[@ballensince88]

I’d love a video of the deployment and lift while on the water!! I’m Really close to pulling the trigger on one and go back and forth on if the GPS unit is worth the extra

[@Aksmaniyak]

The deployment and lift is very easy. It has a foot release. The F12 is really stable so you can get good leverage on the trolling motor. If you read my narrative, the GPS is made for a large boat instead of a kayak. It would be a great motor with only the wireless controllers.

[@porknbeans7407]

Great video! Really informative! Couple of questions. How do you like the nucanoe? I have heard good and bad about it? I’m a beginner and looking for a new kayak, me being a bigger guy this has a good weight capacity. And also with the trolling motor and set up for fishing you have a ball park figure on price? I’m really looking for a fishing outfit! Any input or suggestions would be great! Thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks. I really like the Nucanoe Frontier 12 for its stability and weight capacity. The trolling motor set up depends on what size and type you buy. There is the bow mount like this video or the transom mount which is less expensive. I have several examples of Nucanoe projects on my KZbin channel. Just browse through and it might help you.

[@spiroskardianoskayakfishin7560]

The maximum consumption is 30 aber?

[@daleb5696]

This was very informative thank You. Was shortening the shaft much of a deal? I have a small Pram and I am thinking the 48" is too long but they do not make a 36" shaft and that may be to short any way. Thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you. A Minn Kota shaft and similar shafts are easier to shorten. The Haswing shaft is different and need s a little more care to cut.

[@blainescott3717]

Great video.. Can this motor be mounted on the stern of a kayak... I guess the real question is it says bow mounted but i want to put it on the stern...

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Blaine. You could but they actually make a Haswing that is adapted for stern mount.

[@bdonzi]

Excellent video and demonstration aside for the week could you Mount that trolling motor to the stern of a kayak ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Bart. Yes, there is an adapter bracket that would allow for transom mounting. However, the steering would be reversed (l/r). Also, the prop unit would have to be deeper on the stern than on the bow in order for it to rotate for reverse without striking the hull.

[@WaynJul]

That is a nice set up. You can get someplace quick.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank Wayn. I was really surprised how smooth it was. This is the first bow mount kayak for me.

[@spiroskardianoskayakfishin7560]

Hello dude, very nice videos of this machine, we can use it as main?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes

[@spiroskardianoskayakfishin7560]

@@Aksmaniyak If I put it on main engine, front or rear;

[@Aksmaniyak]

This motor should be put on front.

[@SuperDuperOutdoors]

Man..I've been eyeing this...nice video.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thank you.

[@dalerehus3701]

Thanks for a great video. Are you saying that the anchor in place function on the motor is too powerful for a kayak (when using the remote) or that the phone App is too powerful? Just want to be clear before I invest in the motor.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks Dale. I'm saying that the trolling motor is fine when you have control of the speed. When using the anchor function from the app, the motor ramps to full speed in order to stay in place. The function thinks you are in a bog boat and not a kayak so it is an unsafe function in my opinion. Other than that, great motor.

[@skytecstudio1781]

I bought one and the motor and remote work well. You have to have the app running for GPS spotlock. So no fishing in remote areas. I put it on a NuCanoe F12, same as the video. The motor weighs about 30lbs. So imagine putting a 30lb anchor on the front of your kayak. You better have a heavy A 40 lb + battery in the back to offset it, not one of these 15lb lithiums that i purchased.. Hope this helps.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks for the reply.

[@cast_n_blast7496]

Good evening Sir, I bought the Haswing Cayman 12V 48” 55lb thrust motor a few days ago and got it in yesterday. I also bought the Nucanoe bow Mount as well but I’m having issues on where to mount the quick release puck on the mount. Is there anyway you could email me instructions on how you mounted yours? Thanks, Jacob- Corpus Christi, Texas

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi Jacob. You have to do a custom mounting job for the puck to the mount. There are not any real directions. Just line it up where you want to put it. The holes do not line up so I used 1/4 inch lag screws in the 6 holes. It makes a solid base.

[@cast_n_blast7496]

Aksman What’s the length of the 1/4” Lag Screws?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@cast_n_blast7496 I can't remember the exact length but they are long enough to go through the puck and at least half way into the mount.

[@cast_n_blast7496]

Aksman- Did you use the existing holes in the Puck to screw the lag screws in? Feel free to text me @ 361-876-3115. Thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@cast_n_blast7496 Yes, I used all of the existing holes just to make sure it was a solid mount.

[@MrSweetloustyles]

Excellent video! Would you recommend installing on the rear of a kayak?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Thanks! I wouldn't but many people have done it.

[@wkillam]

@@Aksmaniyak I’m thinking of mounting a non gps one on stern and a gps one on the bow of my hobie pa14. Do you know where I could see one that has been stern mounted? Thanks, Wyatt

[@rubenvangelderen2355]

Do you know if they already made a setting for lighter watercrafts?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Haswing mentioned that they would work on the programming but I do not know if they ever did.

[@getsomecustombaits]

Nice addition... but when you shortened the shaft, it looks like you mounted the head unit onto the shaft backwards... looks goofy. Boat was steering left when it should be going right, based on the direction the head unit was pointing...🤣

[@Aksmaniyak]

I liked the way it looked. Steering is not affected.

[@martinverajr82]

I just got same for my 2018 hobie outback you have advice on how to install quick release bracket on bow yours looks like it’s side ways or is that an added piece of support thanks bud

[@Aksmaniyak]

Nucanoe makes a mounting bracket for the bow of the boat. I added the quick release puck to the top of the mount for the Haswing quick release. The Nucanoe mount is for MK and MG trolling motors so I had to do some DIY to make it fit.

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi. Nucanoe makes a Minn Kota mounting bracket that I modified for the Haswing. I don't know if MK makes a mount for the Hobie.

[@Aksmaniyak]

@Matt Tate Not too difficult. I just needed to find/drill new mount holes for the Haswing puck.

[@wkillam]

@@Aksmaniyak would it be feasible to position the bow mount at an angle so when deployed your front hatch is still accessible? Thanks, Wyatt

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@wkillam That is possible. I just did that on my Hoodoo Hero 130 skiff.

[@AmericanSavage1776]

You said don’t use the app for a “light kayak” my question is Between my kayak, myself on board and all my gear I’m pushing 400 pounds is that sufficient enough weight to use the helmsman app?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I would advise against it unless the program has been updated. The program I used was calibrated for a boat, not a kayak.

[@AmericanSavage1776]

@@Aksmaniyak ok thank you for the response!

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome.

[@jackritter4805]

Why does it look like when your running the motor it’s turns a little to the left or right? Or does that video just make it look like that?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Can you give me a video time?

[@Archenhaust]

Have you tried making a remote controlled electronic deploy/retrieval system for the trolling motor?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No Wes, I think that might be a little too much gear.

[@Archenhaust]

@@Aksmaniyak Thanks for the response. I only ask because the Minn Kota Ulterra models have that capability and I was sure there may be a cheaper DIY way to do it. And, if anyone could do it, it would probably be you.

[@Aksmaniyak]

You are welcome Wes. I thought about it but it would be complicated and it was easy to deploy by hand.

[@martinverajr82]

Hello quick question when you hit anchor lock on your Helman app is the kayak to light for it to stay locked I just got mine and when I hit the anchor lock it try’s to full blast me up to speed all the time you have any advise thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

In the narrative, I had listed a warning of that situation.

[@martinverajr82]

I saw that once I finished typing the question 😅 so for now is the low speed route the best option for staying in position ?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have not used that function but I assume the app would still think it was moving a heavy boat.

[@juliolopes2940]

That is sweet.did you shorten the shaft at all?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Yes, about 12 inches.

[@stevenadinolfisr9820]

Do you transport your kayak with the trolling motor attached to it or do you remove it?

[@Aksmaniyak]

I always remove the motor and the battery. The road bounces could cause damage with the heavy parts on board.

[@stupefyD]

HI, I bought this yak from the person you sold it to. Did you sell it with the GPS trolling motor or a non GPS trolling motor?

[@Aksmaniyak]

It was a wireless non-GPS motor.

[@stupefyD]

@@Aksmaniyak I have been out a couple of times and I seem to get about 3 mph top speed. I have a brand new battery, I think it should be able to do a bit more. I weigh around 195lb.

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@stupefyD I was getting about 4 MPH and a little over. The prop should be about 2 inches under the surface. If it is too deep then it causes drag which could slow your speed.

[@stupefyD]

@@Aksmaniyak OK thanks, I had it way deeper. Will move it up next time.

[@chuck6499]

how has the haswing hold up? how long have you been running this model?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi Chuck. I have been using this type for about 3 years now and it still works great.

[@rickberger3213]

Does the anchor lock work if you have no cell service?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No. The Helmsman is a phone application.

[@poolman3939]

What happened to wireless trolling Pro. Do u know if any one else is making the same kind of stuff

[@Aksmaniyak]

I was in contact with the owner of WTP and they said they are still in business but are having staffing issues. Motion Dynamics in Australia makes a good PWM and GAMA Electronics makes one. Or you can make your own like my other videos show.

[@poolman3939]

Thanks

[@stevenadinolfisr9820]

Did you take any video of the foot pedal?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No because I don't use it on this kayak.

[@MartinMartinez]

How would this trolling motor handle saltwater?

[@Aksmaniyak]

It is both fresh and salt water rated.

[@danielmarteny1201]

What battery do you use/recommend? I’m concerned about weight on a bonafied ss107

[@Aksmaniyak]

I always use a 100AH battery. Yes, it is heavy but I have never run out of juice.

[@danielmarteny1201]

Aksman any certain brand battery you recommend?

[@Aksmaniyak]

@@danielmarteny1201 I found a good one at Sams Club if you are near one. I have also used VMAX from Amazon.

[@danielmarteny1201]

Aksman ty.

[@jaimedessus1605]

I also have a bonafide but the 127 model curious if you installed and how its been

[@ryankelly6126]

Hi how would the bow motor work in saltwater thats choppy

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have this same motor on the bow of my boat and it works fine in bad conditions. Of course, the more choppy the water you will need to increase the depth of the trolling motor.

[@tgutier214]

how is it holding up? any issues? thanks

[@Aksmaniyak]

Everything is still working just fine.

[@tgutier214]

@@Aksmaniyak lots of mixed reviews on amazon...might go with a motorguide xi3...not sure just yet.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I have owned several Haswing models without any problems. Most of the negative reviews I have seen are by people that don't even own one.

[@bnoj2007]

Thanks.

[@parkjames9443]

Great!!!

[@Aksmaniyak]

Hi James. I'm glad you like it. I was going to send you an email today with the link.

[@johnfitzhugh1354]

Does this motor have reverse?

[@Aksmaniyak]

No, bow mount trolling motors typically do not have reverse. The prop is able to rotate 360 degrees which gives you the reverse.

[@johnfitzhugh1354]

I realized that as soon as I sent it.✌

[@johnfitzhugh1354]

How's the durability on this motor?

[@Aksmaniyak]

Excellent. I have owned several Haswing models and they have all been great quality.

[@johnfitzhugh1354]

@@Aksmaniyak thanks, getting ready to drop $600 on one, just wanted to be confident that it's a good motor.

[@williamc7460]

Were can I get one at

[@Aksmaniyak]

Amazon and Ebay.

[@williamc7460]

@@Aksmaniyak do you have the one with GPS and if so do you have the part number. Thank you for your video.

[@Aksmaniyak]

I did use a Haswing GPS model but thought it was unsafe for kayak use. Read my comments about it in the narrative. It was an older model and do not know if they changed the programming. I do like the wireless Cayman B and it works great.

[@williamc7460]

Were can I buy one it for my boat. I can find them on Amazon with the GPS