Trolling motor on my kayak?

CLICK HERE FOR NEW VERSION • V 2.0 MOTOR+KAYAK? (T...
Yah, so this is long over due, but here is my fishing kayak. The Ascend FS12T! However, I changed it quite a bit. I added so many mods to it, it's now the Frankenstein of the water, but it fishes like a dream! I went really fast explaining everything, so comment in the comment section if you have anything to say!
Kayak: Bass Pro Ascend FS12T
Trolling Motor: Minn Kota Endurance
Filmed With: GoPro Hero 3+ Silver

[@RealChoice1776]

Loved your video

[@TheFishingForecast]

Why thank you :)

[@touaxiong279]

That’s a great setup. Great job buddy. I’m using the same trolling motor as you are. I found that a one inch 90 degree CPVC elbow fits perfectly where I cut the trolling motor shaft. Just FYI for other enthusiast out there. :) Also I love the idea of the arm rest setup for the trolling motor. You save money instead of spending $ on another control unit. Minn Kota Endura Max 55 are roughly $250+, mind as will use the control unit that comes with it right. Awesome setup bro. :)

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers! Thanks for the comment! Funny, I actually just finished building another mod for my kayak, and took this one fully apart. I'll post the video in like a week! Keep an eye out friend!

[@juanaspi9150]

Such a great video! Good information and such a cool customisation you've done to your yak. I'm keen to getting a trolling motor on mine so this has helped a lot, awesome vid... subscribed!!

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers!!! Glad it helped, any questions, be sure to message me!!!

[@grahamball364]

some good ideas ,happy fishing.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers!

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Love the kayak. That was going to be my 1st. Theyre very stable,, and can add tons of accessories. II went with the Oldtown 120 pdl. I just put on my Bixpy j2 to my toe control rudder. I did purchase a 2nd battery, and have the cabela's 12V to run my FF Garmin Striker 4, go pro, and a DIY Battery box, with mu usb/vm charge panel. Be safe bro..Today all kayaks are being setup and motors are being installed 🙏 🎣

[@TheFishingForecast]

Yah totally! Seems like you know what you’re doing! Tight lines!

[@krisnickfffs]

Very nice!

[@TheFishingForecast]

Thank you!

[@wenly1028]

Nice video bro . Thanks for sharing.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers! Check out the new version of it in the description!

[@marksabia3468]

Great vlog...like ur transom with hinges

[@TheFishingForecast]

Thanks, at the time, I needed access to that handle, and to pull it up for shallow water. The new version I did not opt in doing the hinge mount. The link for the new one is in the description of this video, check it out man, let me know what you think of that one.

[@officialWWM]

Wow, that thing is tall! You should put a GoPro mount on it, could get some interesting footage with the turning of the motor Etc.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Where were you when I was building this?! Fantastic idea!

[@wyrick6869]

Very informative , thank you. Nice set up !....

[@TheFishingForecast]

Thank you! Check out the most recent video, I totally reworked the set up! Love it even more now! Let me know what you think of that one!

[@user-iz3mw3qv4q]

Nice hook up I'm going to do the same thing to mine in the shaf of the trolling motor ther is a red wire and black and white and yellow did you leave the yellow and white wire disconnected and just use red and black

[@1967rockclimber]

Looking forward to seeing your video of the kayak in use with the motor. Have you considered mounting the trolling motor on the front, with a non-moving rudder on the back? I ask because it seems like windy days might want to throw the front of the boat around more than wanted. It seems the rudder would help control drift as well, and keep the boat tracking in a straight line. Cheers

[@TheFishingForecast]

A lot of people ask me this. But ultimately the front of the boat would get more in the way of my casting (in my opinion). The rudder would have been a great addition, it managed really well in the wind but I understand what you mean. Cheers

[@cheech325]

Great video but I’d really love to see how you get it on your roof rack. I can’t imagine being able to rack it right side up so that means you would have to detach whatever you could and flip it upside down, if so does the motor head not get in the way? Hopefully you see this, really interested in your reply.

[@TheFishingForecast]

My apologies for the late reply! What I would do is, yes like you had said is take whatever is not physically attached to the kayak off and place it in my trunk. Then what I would do is place padding in between my driver and rear driver doors and place the nose of the kayak on that padding on my roof. The I was maneuver the back of the kayak up and over the back rook rack, then reposition the nose onto the front one. Hope this will help!

[@OutofWORKoutdoors]

i am planning to doing to my kayak too. Which battery are you using and how much time do your normally get on the water?

[@TheFishingForecast]

I never had an issue with battery life with this guy I could get full 8h days no problem. I would conserve as much energy whenever I could though, like if I was working the shoreline with wind at my back that would just push me along with the motor off. This was my battery I believe. www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-nautilus-group-24-deep-cycle-battery-0102492p.html#srp Cheers!

[@davidhunt6152]

Great execution of your ideas. Would like to see a video of it in use. What are your thoughts of the Minn Kota? I'm considering getting a Minn Kota, but trying to decide which pound thrust to get and whether to get the Endura C2 or Max. BTW You have a great presentation style, very engaging!!! Enjoyed watching.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Your wish is my command sir! I will make a video on how I use it on the water! I personally am partial to Minn Kota, but I am bias as I have one right? The best thing about the Endura Maxx is the battery life. I never really have to worry all that much about it losing a charge on the water it is that good! And the C2 vs the Max depends on the size of your kayak right? And of course thank you for the nice comment in regards to my presentation style please like and subscribe :)!!!

[@happykayaker9027]

The Fishing Forecast Thanks in advance for your upcoming video on your Minn Kota. I've watched a bunch of vids on it, but everyone is always shifting their camera angle so that I can never judge how fast the motor is able to push them. I will also be using it on my 10' jon boat and not a gas motor, so power/speed is of critical importance to me. I'm also considering investing in a lithium battery for the weight benefits, but they are very expensive, so I would appreciate your thoughts also. Thanks again!

[@happykayaker9027]

The Fishing Forecast Thanks in advance for your upcoming vid on your Endurance Maxx. I've watched many vids on Minn Kotas, but everyone's is constantly shifting their camera view so that I'm unable to determine just how fast their motor is able to push them. They either focus on the water directly by them or on an object too far away, vs an object which they are approaching and are able to focus on long enough to get a fair judgement on their craft's speed. I will also be using it on my jon boat instead of an outboard, so power/speed is of critical importance. In an effort to keep the weight down, I'm considering in investing in a lithium battery, but their expense may outweigh the benefits. I would appreciate your thoughts on this subject as well. Thanks again and keep up the great vids. Dave

[@scotts8587]

Love the setup - looking to do something similar on my own kayak. Most of the how to videos I’ve seen show there to be 4 wires coming up the shaft to the control unit. Does the max have 4 or 2 cables? Did you cut these cables and extend them? What gage wire did you use and how did you attach the extension (soder, butt connectors or something else)?

[@TheFishingForecast]

I thought I replied to this I am so sorry! In this there is two main wires. One for the battery and one for the motor. The battery ones will be red and black and attached, the other should be just black from white I remember and for the motor. That one was the one I extended, the other I did not. To extend it I just intertwined the wires and used electrical tape on it all. Also one of my close friends is an electrician and was a very large help!

[@garryeurich5941]

I did this to my lifetime kayak about three years ago

[@TheFishingForecast]

Right on, love it?

[@corysnladventures2758]

Good job 👍👍👈

[@TheFishingForecast]

Why thank you!

[@popaki9484]

Very nice set up...you are a genius with mounting the motor head next to you. I am curious how you secured the wood frame to the kayak at the back. You screwed in deck screws..how long? I assume since you cant get in there to secure them with a bolt, that they are secure enough? Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers! Appreciate the compliments! I secured the wood frame to the kayak by using 3" deck screws I believe. I also used a product similar to gorilla glue that bonds well to any surface to give it extra support. Yes, you cannot reach under the deck and use a bolt, and it is more than secure enough, I can lift the kayak up by solely that part. In hindsight, I would have anchored it down for peace of mind. And gone with what I am running now. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZvckI14rtl-bdU This is the link to the new set up I'm running on the same kayak, definitely a lot better!

[@anthonyharris2874]

Great job!!!Like your mods and I would like to incorporate a few into my own yak... do you have any plans available or info you can share? Thank in advance

[@TheFishingForecast]

Sure!!! Just shoot me a message on Instagram @thefishingforecast and I can share these kayak mods with you!

[@hpcoo37]

I was thinking of also doing a stern trolling motor mount on my Pelican Catch 100. I can't reach inside the kayak at the stern so unfortunately I can't use nuts and bolts, so I was wondering if the deck screws are good enough to hold the weight of the motor? and what glue did you use?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Uhm probably a marine epoxy of some kind. On my new one (see link in this videos description) I used marine epoxy and coated the anchors and screws in silicone!

[@DiamondHead2010]

I like how you have the head unit of the trolling motor right next your seat I might have to steal that idea!

[@TheFishingForecast]

Mi kayak, su kayak

[@jimkeeling]

Question. Noticed on your power plug you only had a three prong plug but you have 4 wires to connect? Stumped. What did you.not wire up. Which color wire?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Hey Jim! Thanks for the comment! To answer your question, I connected all of the wires. The 2 wires from the head unit of the trolling motor were extended then put into the three prong plug. The battery wires connected directly to the battery. Check out the link in the bio for my new modified version, it's much better!

[@TheChico1332]

How exactly did you mount that motor head on the yak? I see the flange as the base but what else was used to stabilize the motor? Thanks much.

[@TheFishingForecast]

So sorry for the late reply! The flange attaches to a pipe fitting which was fastened to the base of the motor mount by threading a bolt through the base itself, simply put a nut on the other side. In terms of what else could be used... Not fully sure my friend. Thanks for the comment!

[@SuperGreyfox99]

😘I am wondering in reverse how does the motor stay in place without coming out of the water. Because you say you tie open the latch so you can tip the motor. Or do you just use a very soft reverse

[@TheFishingForecast]

I had never had that issue really, I think a few times however it would start to come up but it simply was not enough power, even at its max reverse setting, to launch it out of the water. Like you said, if you use a soft reverse it won't budge, but you'll see some movement if you have it at the max setting in reverse for a long time. Thanks for the comment! cough subscribe cough.

[@willbill2209]

Hey there, Do you mind letting me know how you mounted that head to the side on the track?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Hey! I did not mount it to the side track, but rather an open area of plastic. I used a Zinc coated plumbing flange and pipe fitting attachment that would fit inside the flange as well as below the trolling motor head. Then I drilled through the pipe fitting and secured it to the trolling motor head. Let me know if you have any more questions, check out the new video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZvckI14rtl-bdU

[@RealChoice1776]

Looks like you did an amazing job, super smart. But your moving and speaking so fast we have to watch several times ! Which I did because it is worth it, will be looking forward to more info.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Haha, sorry for the late reply! Yes, I tend to talk fast...too fast clearly. If you have any questions, just message me directly :)

[@210fishing6]

Just came across this video one quick question how long does you battery last on a full day of fishing

[@TheFishingForecast]

Oh nice, hope you enjoyed eh? Check out this video, it's of the updated version. To answer your question, On a full charge, I have yet to even get below 50% on a full day my man. The enduramax series is built for long use, and works very well for yaks! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZvckI14rtl-bdU

[@derricksheppard3336]

Does the back of the yak ever fill with water from the scupper holes due to weight?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Amazing question, if I didn't have the scupper plugs in It would fill with about an inch of water. It is back heavy for sure. I put epoxy in the back scupper plug holes and had the scuppers permanently in essentially. Something I would modify in future builds. Thanks for the great question.

[@timwilliams2749]

Awesome idea for a rear trolling motor mount. Not a lot of cool ideas out there in regards to the fs12t.

[@TheFishingForecast]

Cheers! Yeah, I didn't see any ones like this, where the motor was at the back, so I decided to make it haha.

[@katthandel818]

I just bought a 10 foot lifetime angler kayak and off Craigslist I found a 70 thrust trolling motor. ($30) It's about 25 pounds. With the high thrust and weight will I sink my kayak?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Well, with a 10', you'll be worried more about the weight of the battery and motor etc more so than the thrust to start. I had to epoxy shut the scupper plugs, to prevent about 4" of water from sitting in the back of the kayak. I would say if you manage with the weight, to not use it full thrust. I have a 45lbs thrust motor, and it pushes just fine! Tight lines!

[@kidcardfish]

would you happen to have a list of the supplies I would need to do the same thing to my kayak?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Hey sorry for delayed response. I'll be posting soon, like within the next 2 weeks of my new UPDATED modified kayak, which is hands down more sleek than this one. But if you are set on these specific materials private message me and I'll get them to you friend. Sub for more!

[@arttukleemola6964]

do you think that two of those 30 pounders would move my 4m long 3m wide wooden catamaran that weigh about 400kgs?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Ouf, thats a good question. Based on that math, I am going to say no. However, Minn Kota would know better. Here's a link to their contact info. Goodluck! 800-227-6433

[@huntersimmons7155]

What type of cover do you have over your milk crate?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Honestly, I think it is discontinued! But there are plenty on amazon. Any of them will do!

[@speckspeck]

is it waterproofed if the kayak tips over?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Good question. The trolling motor and wiring, all that stuff is, to a certain extent.If you sink it, and it stays under water for days, months, etc. She gone. Haha hope this answers your question.

[@RedfishInc]

I was really worried that you were going to go fishing without any reels... 🥺

[@TheFishingForecast]

I would not be surprised if I did this aha, however, I think I just placed them there to show how they'd look! :)

[@RobBastien]

What? You can actually install a sonar on top of plastic and it will work?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Yup! It's thin enough to get a clear reading with no issues, however, the temperature will be off. If that is a big factor for you, I would not recommend this.

[@gilfredooquendorosado3988]

Will it stay locked when you put it on reverse?

[@TheFishingForecast]

Yes absolutely. I have changed it and you can see that in the link in the description. However, when I had this like this, it never posed any issues.

[@philipstempien8256]

Would it still be okay if I set the trolling motor on the back SIDE of my kayak.

[@TheFishingForecast]

I mean, I assume you COULD, however I feel like it would push you slightly toward that opposite side, and you would constantly have to be correcting the direction of the boat.

[@philipstempien8256]

Yes, that's what I was worried about but if you see on Key west kayak fisherman he has his motor on the side so I'm kinda stuck lol. @@TheFishingForecast

[@TheFishingForecast]

@@philipstempien8256 Direct message me if you want help friend!

[@philipstempien8256]

Okay will do!!@@TheFishingForecast

[@petert6028]

Why does everyone attach the trolling motor to the back. It seems like it would be better to attach it to the front like they do on bass boats. Would the weight of the battery behind you not offset the weight of the motor in front. Thanks for the great videos.

[@djowen23]

Peter T ... I was thinking the same exact thing!

[@TheFishingForecast]

I think my logic to this was to have everything behind me so it would not get in the way of casting. With the majority of my robs behind me it was already occupied area that was limited to where I could cast so I wanted to put it in the same area. Also in bass boats, when people are on their trolling motors they are usually right on top of it and can see upcoming obstacles. In a kayak you can't really so if I bump a rock or log, I know i have about 11 more feet until it's going to hit the motor and gives me time to bring it up. I regards to spreading the battery and motor out, that is a great idea, and think in the future I would try battery at the front (in the hull somehow) and then the motor still at the back! Sorry for the novel, and the late reply!

[@coolkayak5255]

Hey can you go reverse with that mount?

[@TheFishingForecast]

You sure can! Because the weight of the bottom part of the trolling motor is greater than that of the force it requires to lift up the hinge, it has no problem going reverse, and has helped me out of some very tricky situations. A few times when I went full throttle in reverse it creates a kind of "prop wash" behind the yak, but overall has no problem with reverse.

[@coolkayak5255]

The Fishing Forecast are you from California?

[@TheFishingForecast]

No sir, South Western Ontario, Canada!!!! EHHH

[@JohnnyQuestFishing]

You should have used "The Skimmer Motor" it only weighs 7lbs... Also they have real light weight batteries now a days.. they only weigh like 6 pounds..

[@TheFishingForecast]

No way 6lbs?! That's unreal I will have to revisit it! Thanks!

[@raymondsuckow1569]

Why don't you just add a control knob instead of having the top of the motor sitting in the side that might work better but you would lose your arm rest

[@TheFishingForecast]

That is a great call!!! The reason behind this mainly was simply accessibility to that part, at least one of decent quality! But yes I would lose that arm rest, and I swear to you it is like it is meant to be one. Super comfy :P

[@TheFishingForecast]

Hey just wanted to give you an update. I actually followed your advice this past summer! Looked for your comment for a while aha, control knob was added. Check it out, link in description of this video. Thanks again for your input.

[@jorgeestrella5721]

Beer ...lol

[@TheFishingForecast]

Jorge Estrella well whatever floats your boat. Am I right or am I right?

[@jorgeestrella5721]

The Fishing Forecast absolutely...tightlines friend !!!

[@nonuman1]

Looks like you dont have reverse

[@TheFishingForecast]

I do have reverse! Just got to put the throttle in 'reverse'. :)

[@kielerjim]

No

[@TheFishingForecast]

...Yes

[@OscarHernandez-vg4ni]

That’s another video with a cheap finish on all upgrades... 👎🏻👎🏻

[@TheFishingForecast]

Awe sorry you did not enjoy it! I think due to my lack of experience modding kayaks, I used the "May not look nice, but it works!' mentality. In future projects I definitely want to prioritize a "not cheap finish" on the upgrades. And I will be sure to link it to you Sir. Cheers!