Kayaking is a popular leisure activity. This sport is enjoyed by many people in freshwater as well as saltwater. The sport is a way for kayakers to maintain their physical strength. Kayaking is a great way to work out different parts of the body. You need to exert a lot of effort whether you choose to paddle or pedal a kayak.

Some people kayak to relax or have fun. Physical effort is not required in such situations. Some of these kayakers have their kayaks equipped with a sail kit. Others even equip their kayaks with trolling engines. Sport fishermen are particularly fond of this. Kayaks are a low-cost alternative to fishing boats.

Why would you want to equip your kayak with a trolling motor?

As an alternative to fishing boats, a kayak is a very versatile option. You can easily transport it because it is small and lightweight. It won’t require any special maneuvers in order to get it into the water. A kayak can be used to fish in rivers and lakes despite its size. Some kayaks can be used to fish on the beach.

With a kayak, you can fish using foot pedals or paddles. A trolling motor can simplify fishing. A kayak packed with fishing equipment and accessories (tackle box, cooler, etc.) can be very heavy. It can be heavy. You will need to use your strength for several hours in order to move the heavy object.

You should also approach certain spots while fishing very quietly. It is important to do this in order not to spook the fish. The kayak can be moved slowly with a trolling motor and at a minimum of noise. A trolling motor makes it easier to position and maneuver your kayak. You should buy the most powerful saltwater trolling engine that you can afford if you fish in the ocean. Later, we’ll explain why this is important.

How To Choose The Right Trolling motor for Your Kayak

You need to first know what motor you kayak requires before you can decide whether to install a trolling engine on it. To make your decision, you must consider the following:

• The thrust
• The mounting system
• The weight;
• The power supply.

Let’s examine each point in detail.

Trolling Motor Thrust

The mechanical power delivered by a trolling engine is measured in pounds of thrust. Trolling motors of larger size tend to deliver more thrust. What power should a kayak trolling motor be? According to a general rule, every 100 pounds you weigh requires 2 pounds of thrust. A 200-pound person in a kayak weighing 50 pounds would require 5 pounds of thrust. You’ll also need to add another 100 pounds for fishing gear.

A small trolling engine that can deliver 30 pounds of thrust will be more than sufficient to propel your kayak. It’s a good thing, since a kayak doesn’t have a lot of space to accommodate a motor.

The Mounting System

Some kayaks have a mounting system to attach a trolling engine. Some kayaks have a mounting system for a trolling motor, while others don’t. You can check if your kayak has a mounting system so that you can purchase a trolling engine that will fit. You can also choose a trolling engine that you can attach using clamps. This is the easiest system. Your trolling motor can be mounted and removed without the use of special tools.

The Weight

You said that a kayak’s advantage is its light weight compared to a boat. Do you want to lose that advantage by using an overly heavy trolling engine? You should therefore look for the lightest motor. Kayaks are not designed to carry much weight.

Power Supply

The trolling motor is powered by DC electricity. You’ll most likely need a 12V power source to run it. You’ll put too much weight on the kayak if you use a marine-grade battery. You should choose the lightest possible battery. In most cases, lighter batteries will provide less electrical power. You can choose a solar-powered system. These systems are relatively recent.

Always keep in mind that the power supply could fail. Trolling engines can also fail. If this happens, you will need a way of moving your kayak. It can be either a paddle, or an oar. It is especially important in the sea.

How to Mount a Trolling Motor on your Kayak

No matter what type of trolling engine you choose, you will need to know how to mount it to your kayak. This is an easy task. Verify the weight limit on your kayak. Verify that the trolling engine and the battery it uses will not exceed the limit. In your calculation, you must take into account your own weight as well as the weight of your gear. If your kayak is not strong enough to support a trolling engine, it makes no sense to mount one.

You will need a mounting kit if you are able to mount a trolling engine. This kit includes all necessary parts as well as instructions. Most of the time, you only need to drill a few holes in your kayak. It is possible to build your own trolling motor mount, but it will take longer. You can also mount the trolling engine directly onto the bow or stern. You’ll need to drill holes for the clamps to be attached to the trolling motor if you choose this method.

The most practical option is to mount the trolling engine on the side. The trolling motor mounted on the side of the kayak will make it easier to reach the handle. Make a mounting that crosses the stern. It can be a sturdy rod. This pole will be used to hold the trolling motor clamp. Which side should the trolling motor be placed? You can choose to be left- or right-handed. You will need to hold the steering wheel with one hand while holding the fishing rod in the other.