YOU Should Build an Electric Kayak and THIS is WHY!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

1. Replacement parts are easy to come by. 2. Economical.

[@jonathanlamontagne1731]

thanks a lot for all the detail and the time you took to edit and have this video online ! people like you are precious for DIYer like me ;)

[@chuckgilbert2035]

Like the engineering on this. I am building a system for my Old Town 136. Ordered all the parts I need and looking forward to getting it done. As I stated on your other video this idea puts my 106 Old Town a candidate for motorized kayaking. Using a New Port 35 with 50ah lithium battery in the front hatch. with through the hull wiring.

[@stephenborunda547]

this is the cleanest build i have seen so far on you tube. great job and thanks.

[@H-habilis]

Bravo and thanks for sharing! Very clean and economical method of adding a serious trolling motor. I'm at the OP build analysis stage, I bookmarked yours as "Best rudder delete rear shaft motor". I keep coming back to a pedal/fin inclusion with the option of quickly inserting a mid motor into the hole to cover water in a hurry, key reason is to get some excersize while locating fish. But I'm flexible if the right deal on the right yak pops up one mid winters day, in which case your design is at the top of my list.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I am currently finishing from a Hobie Compass with a mid drive motor option. Please check it out on my channel. I have one complaint vs. the Recon... the Hobie has a hand controlled rudder. If I have two lines in the water and hook a fish on one, it's much easier to land the fish and control the kayak with foot steering. I have given up on fishing two lines at once from the Hobie.

[@H-habilis]

Yeah the hope is that a lighter 12 footer would keep tracking fairly straight while under power during landing of a fish; crosswind and strength of the fish are certainly factors. I'll check your other vids and see how you fared.

[@CrazyCranker]

Great video from start to finish! I totally agree, the Recon 120 is a nice blank canvas for the DIY motor. You gave a me a lot of great ideas. It can definitely be a money pit-lol I went the NV-180s route, foot control steering accessories, batteries, total ran me about $1925.

[@donaldmerseal1713]

One of the easy and nices set up I have watched

[@Fishonthebrain315]

Still watching today 8/16/24 I’m still tinkering with my recon 120, about to start modifying it like yours.

[@randybye6539]

I’m building one now. Yours is the first I’ve seen with the steering below the bracket. I like that idea for two reasons. First it keeps the steering lines lower and more level, which should decrease drag, meaning less force to turn, and second because it double as lock down when reversing. I was planning to rig a lock release into my lift system. I can’t wait to see if I can rig mine the same way. I’m also using a pot for speed control. One last thing is the kill switch. I didn’t even think of that, but it should be easy enough to incorporate. Thanks for sharing.

[@ernestjordan7056]

Great video! I will be using some of your ideas on my yak build.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Absolutely fantastic build and cost. Love it. Great well explained video and Thanks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@HomesteadOnThePreserve]

Great tutorial man! I'm going to have to do something similar on my Native Watercraft Max 10. Thanks for posting!

[@yak_fishin_585]

Very nice rig ! I've followed your build all the way through.. Very impressed with the engineering and thought going into it.. I'm in the process of installing a trolling motor on my Bonafide SS 107.. I will be in contact with you for one of your PWMs in the near future

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thanks, I learned a lot with my Ride 115 but the Recon has so many "motor conducive" features it was pretty easy to figure out. The Bonifide SS107 is a top notch choice, I have extra poly-tube for steering lines and such from a rudder instal I did on that same kayak. If you would like I can send you some with your speed controller... just a thought.

[@andrewanderson737]

Practical aproach will keep you on the water great vid

[@genekind8752]

Great video! I'm looking hard into building one myself. I have a cheap kayak that has a motor installed already but I really like your ideas. I typically use mine for duck hunting and I run in super shallow water with large amounts of surface vegetation. Your video gives me a ton of ideas.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thanks very much!

[@letun3481]

Very nice design! Thanks for sharing!

[@300hiker]

Very inventive! Great video!

[@tonyallen1953]

The best one ive seen really helpful Thanks.

[@hughsommer9563]

Thank you for making a great video. It was very helpful.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

That’s a clean build!

[@BrokeBackBob4559]

Very nice setup on your kayak. I have a Ascend 128x base icky set up the same as your kayak. Except that I have a Newport Vessels 55 lb trolling motor on mine with a AGM 100 amp hour battery and Allen quick connects and I also installed a system to raise and lower the motor straight up and down and then I can tilt it and also pulls it into the kayak. Less weight hanging so far off the back of the kayak. I installed four pulley system on mine that helps in pulling up the motor. Seems like your only pulling up 3or4 lbs

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Sounds like a nice rig. I am a big fan of those Ascend kayaks, a lot of kayak for a really great price.

[@iftah111]

Great video! I’m thinking on building a dual motor system without a rudder. Controlling each motor separately by foot. Just need to find a pedal potentiometer with reverse.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Maybe in the rc world... the electric skate boards have a spring loaded throttle... check out Bass Man Strikes on YT, he has been working with that type of pwm for a while!

[@JUNationFishing]

Amazing setup! 👍🙏🎣⚒

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thanks for the kind words. Please join me sometime.

[@JUNationFishing]

@@TahoeYakFisher I’m gonna take you up on your offer. I love South Lake Tahoe! 🙏🙏🙏

[@michaell1665]

Great rig! Thanks! Thinking of powering my 2016 Native Slayer Propel for here in Louisiana. I was disappointed to find that the Newpork NK300 might be 1/2" too wide to fit in my pedal drive slot. I was shooting for 6+ mph - my normal, comfortable pedal speed is 3.25 to 3.5 mph. I'm also looking into a pair of dual thrusters that I could pivot out of the water when not needed. A lot of options are becoming feasible lately. The 3ph Newport NK300 plus batter is about a $2k to $2500 rig.

[@michaell1665]

I ended up getting the NK300 and their 40AH battery - a lot of bucks. However, it does push the slayer about 6.5 mph. I'm in the process of relocating that rig into my 2018 ATAK 120 and might finally give up the propel drive and have room in the cockpit!

[@PeterRanieriII]

completely agree! Nice build man, very neat and tidy setup, love that rear mount pull-up system you did. Are you going to put a motor on your compass too? Btw I'm going to steal your idea about the handle for the cup holder on the compass, that was genius.

[@zyrsys]

Nicely done! I have a Perception Crank 10, and it would be nice to add a motor to it (I would think, over this winter now... ). I have been looking at tons of videos, and I really think this is exactly what I was looking for. Though, I have some 'filling' work to do on mount... The only missing piece of the puzzle is the 'rope stopper'/'rope grab' you have there... I can't seem to put a name to it, so I can buy one, or make one from some yard-tool-hanger I have with similar spring-enabled 'catchers'... 🙂. Could you please advise on its name, or, where could I fine one? Thank you! Stay dry, and of course, tight lines!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Its a "cam cleat".

[@mansbfishing]

Beautiful kayak 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@riverpirate1022]

Walmart's in my area don't carry any trolling motors or large lithium batteries FYI. Northern Va suburbs. But we do have 1 Cabela's, and some boat dealerships and marinas so there are options.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Ok, my point was that the "off the shelf" versions of trolling motors and batteries are easily procured versus a replacement "Bixpy or Torqeedo" product... sorry I wasn't clear.

[@onchiu57]

I THINK the motor free from the slot holds in lock position, it become free to move upward. Could you please explain how to secure the movement while the kayak runs forward and reverse backward. Many thanks.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Rather than explain, check out this vid. Full explanation towards the end. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWknKCGlJ2Zm6M

[@darrent8863]

Excellent video! I have a similar setup on my kayak right now. Totally agree on the cost effectiveness versus the pedal kayaks! I am about to buy a Recon 120 myself to do the same thing. I REALLY like that the steering is below the pivot there. My current setup has the motor moving vertical to raise it, but that runs into some challenges where the steering pedals need to be able to move back enough for that height. Still looking through your videos, can you talk about the speed you are getting out of the Recon with this? Thanks!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Good morning. Thanks for your kind words. I am particularly pleased with the hoist mechanism. It's the second that I have set up like that, with favorable results. The top speed is 4 mph, but cruises right along at that! One bit of advice... 45lb. motor is perfect, 55lb. motor is too heavy for the hoist and NO faster. 12 volt trolling motors all spin at the same speed, bigger motors have more torque and get to that speed faster! There is a reason Old Town (same company as Minn Kota) uses 45lb. motors on all its "Sportsman" models! You will go faster with a 45 than a 30, but that is a prop that can handle the added torque not a faster motor.

[@darrent8863]

​​@@TahoeYakFisherUnderstood. I have a very old stainless shaft 45 lb on a 2006 Malibu X-Factor that can go 4.9. The 55 lb Newport that I bought for my Perception Outlaw will only take it 4 like you say. And that takes 45 amps! I figured part of that is the boat itself, but yeah I get the RPM and the pitch of the prop will combine to a max speed. I'm planning on experimenting with different 3d printed props when I get my Recon. I saw reports of a Torqueedo on. Recon going 6, so there is hope I think! 😁 I borrowed your hoist design on the XFactor, it does work great!

[@Evrenkaraveranli]

Hello. thanks for video. i have some questions. What does the circuit in the battery do?

[@F-N-C]

That is beautiful dude

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@skeeterguyfishing]

Please show me how the kill switch is wired? A regular marine switch will not work on a closed circuit. Thank you.

[@chriscampbell1456]

I have an Ascend 128X that I'm rigging up. I'm trying to round up the parts I'll need. I ordered a Newport Vessels 55lb trolling motor for it, a PWM, 10Ga. Silicone wire, PET wire loom, heat shrink, SAE connectors, etc. My question for you is, what size cable gland does it take to fit 2 10 gauge through it? I don't have much experience with them and not sure what size I need. If you answer it'll be greatly appreciated and I'll delete the comment after I read it if you'd like so no one else can see it. I say that because I know you sell PWMs and wanna protect your trade secrets. I just want to build it myself. Thanks.

[@flyback_driver]

11:02 is that motor control a pwm with the pot controlling the duty cycle? The reverse is just switching the polarity but I like the housing for the circuit. If the craft takes on water is there a plan in place for that lithium battery or will the craft maintain buoyancy regardless of the water taken on? If not it would be pretty cheap to attach some old foam life vests with Velcro so a lithium battery isn't sinking to the bottom if you need to abandon the craft. Have fun man.

[@dominic24332]

Wow nice video , do you have a video with step by step on how to instal a motor like yours ?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I do, please check out my channel.

[@darwinruiz5407]

How many hours it will last you running? And thank you for sharing that information

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I'm not totally sure, my fishing days average 6 hours of mixed speeds trolling and full speed to and fro... the battery, then, charges up in a couple hours which means I'm barely scratching the surface. The way the "battery management system" maintains voltage to the end and begins to drop abruptly, I always hawk eye the volt meter, I never got to the "drop off".

[@tonyperic]

Which PWM controller are you using? Very nice clean and simple build!

[@DigitaLIon781]

How much stretch/strain is happening to the steering cord(s) at the steering arm at the motor, when you bring up the motor?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

None. I did shorten the inner tracks of the "rudder steer" to create more available travel so the motor could go up all the way and the steering cords are still slack.

[@johnandersen4036]

Im actually interested in one of your boxes i also just got the saltwater nv55 but gonna use on side mount of old town 120pdl hopefully we can do something thanks

[@officialWWM]

Wow, that’s a lot of kayaks!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@officialWWM they aren't mine. The fishing kayak is, the others belong to the kayak rental company that I work for.

[@officialWWM]

@ oh, I see :)

[@roywasilla]

What company was the source for the cam block for holding the motor out of the water?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Racelite RL 260-S Cam Cleat with Strap a.co/d/88ZKK58

[@robjohn6943]

How did you PWM perform? Mine kept burning out here in Alabama during the summer.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I have yet to have a failure. Sold them to people all over the country.

[@robjohn6943]

@@TahoeYakFisher I built mine myself, but I think the heat down here was too much for it. I used with a Minnkota C2 30. According to its spec sheet, the max draw is 30A. Yours looks identical to mine, so I think we likely used the same design. But my luck isnt so good, I just took my kayak out on the river, only to run out of juice 40 minutes later. My Dakota charger said it was fully charged, turns out the charger went bad. Thats my luck. :(

[@TahoeYakFisher]

@robjohn6943 The main reason I quit selling them was due to lack of quality circuit boards! I would have to purchase from different manufacturers and send back 8 of 10!

[@twinenk15]

I have a recon 120 , not the HD model. It's my 1st Kayak. I have taken it out a few times, inshore fishing. Paddling has been a workout. Watching other Kayakers glide across the water so effortlessly. Well I am looking to motorize my Recon 120. Would you do anything different? Or Another of looking at that question, How would you improve your design? Thank you,

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thats is a tough question, there's always a better design! I think that my design is the "most direct"... I am sure there is a "midship" mounted motor design that uses a stern rudder, or even GPS navigation, that I would love to try and execute... for the time being there are no changes planned, except to try and fish more!

[@JJfishing00]

Great video man!! And where can I buy this speed controller?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Sorry, the speed controllers are no longer available. Thx for watching!

[@jimbob1096]

I'm not sure if I missed it didn't see where you are able to turn the motor.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

It has rudder foot controls with Dyneema rope... this vid outlines the steering. kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWknKCGlJ2Zm6M

[@jimbob1096]

@@TahoeYakFisher thanks

[@pb-bx1ll]

Great video, thank you

[@tavomotors9814]

Hello friend, what is the maximum speed reached with this PWM 100A module and how many large kilos will it capture from mober?Greetings from Colombia

[@TahoeYakFisher]

About 4.5 mph... don't know what mober is.

[@bassaholicfishing]

Very clean install! I want to build one of those PWM like you have. Yours is super clean. Better yet, price for you to build one haha?

[@stevetucker7230]

That is a slick and easy set-up.The only thing I would ad is a way to Guage battery life. Sort of like a gas Guage. Gitta know when your on empty.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Actually, there is a Bluetooth battery tracker on the battery and my "YakFisher" speed controller is now available with a voltmeter. This vid is a "starting point" for people considering building or buying, not so much a "full project" vid... thanks for watching.

[@donb3042]

Looks good.

[@scottstryker4107]

How do you deal with the lock lever to allow you to raise the motor? Thanks!

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I removed it. The motor is heald down by the steering cables/pedals. Works flawlessly.

[@scottstryker4107]

Was actually just seeing that with the cables mounted low, thanks!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

What’s the link to the reverse lock video?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Here you go. Fun to see how much improvement there has been... kzbin.info/www/bejne/foWknKCGlJ2Zm6M

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@TahoeYakFisher Thanks!!

[@shouavang4714]

I see a lot of video using trolly motor and they never talk about the battery run time. How long would your battery last you? Not full throttle but casually, on a full fishing day

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I have never fished long enough to kill the battery.

[@JeffLancaster1]

How long does the 100 ah lithium battery last on 45lbs ?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I haven't found a limit yet. Basic run times and math suggests 3 hours at full speed and 12ish hours at 1.5mph. I go out for 5-7 hours... about an hour of that is "full speed" and my "Battery Tracker" device says I still have 80+% capacity... I wish I had the patience to run the battery to dead so I could test full run time but I went with the 100ah battery for two basic reasons, #1 Enough power to get me through a full day of fishing and #2 the 100ah is sub 25lbs. Thats AWESOME power to weight ratio and lasts longer than I can fish in a day!

[@JeffLancaster1]

@@TahoeYakFisher thanks so much! I think for 4 lbs more I will go with 100ah

[@j03ng4ng]

do you video on installing the kill switch?

[@HappySnappyChappy]

If you moor this in mid-stream of a water current can you use the prop to generate electricity to recharge it?

[@tomwallis722]

Can you show how you did your PWM ?

[@FishingWithDummies78]

This is an aawesome video, but now you can get a Kayak for about 2600 and it don't come with a battery but it comes with the motor and all the rigging. I have a 540 kayak and I am trying to do this. Got the motor and battery and battery box

[@noelperez4180]

Is there a PWM for sale and where can I pick one up How much

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Price varies with options. Email me at [e-mail] for details. Thanks.

[@BadfishOutdoors]

Is that PWM for sale? I can’t find one that seems legit

[@GM-ri4ww]

Like to see how you rigged up the kill switch?

[@richardyuen6354]

Impressive

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Thanks.

[@MikeN-fr7td]

Mustve missed it, but how do you steer it?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Rudder pedals.

[@ecox8358]

How much for the PWM? Will it work on a Minn Kota 55# motor? How many amps can the PWN handle?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Sorry, no longer available.

[@LovingIdaho]

My t24 pushes my lure 11.4 at over 4 mph . It is only 24 pound thrust .

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Awesome, yeah, my Hobie Compass gets to 4.5mph with a Watersnake T-24. The beauty of a light boat I guess. That Recon 120 is a behemoth, 4mph with the 45lb. Was impressive, I bet the t-24 wouldn't get the Recon past 2.5mph, might not push it at all!

[@LovingIdaho]

@@TahoeYakFisher , I usually only go 3/4 - 1.5 moh trolling the snake river . I have a bigger motor cut down and ready to mount , but no real reason to . The t24 does just fine on the river .

[@LovingIdaho]

@@TahoeYakFisher , Yep , the 90 lb lure 11.5 is as heavy as I want to go anymore on a kayak .

[@ralfleal6670]

Can you please post links to where I can buy the components

[@EdwardCaudill-uw2nl]

Do you still build and sell the controller if so ? How much? Thanks Eddie

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Sorry, not at this time.

[@orbnitsky]

What is "snow" ?😁

[@aceofspadesc991]

what PWM do you use?

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Made it myself.

[@chads3308]

$2600!? I just bought a 1 yr old Ascend 128x w/ yak power that had never touched the water. With brand new Newport vessels 36lb thrust trolling motor and a brand new Optima blue top battery. I gave $500 and a 58" Hisense tv..😁

[@TahoeYakFisher]

Some people want more than an Ascend kayak has to offer.😉

[@tommyboy790]

My only issue is the Newport trolling motors come with a 3 blade propellor which are less efficient. But you have such a large battery, who cares 😂

[@kellymcclendon6601]

Wrong. Whammy mart does NOT have lithium batteries. Liar.

[@TahoeYakFisher]

I didn't say they did... I said you can get replacement components that will work and not ruin your trip! Listen more carefully 😉

[@jp9er4life]

Really looks like an ss127