A few of years ago we got into Kayaks. My wife and her sister bought Outback’s and I bought a Wilder

[Whopper Stopper]

A few of years ago we got into Kayaks. My wife and her sister bought Outback’s and I bought a Wilderness Ride 135. I work outdoors all year and frankly when the weekend rolls around I struggle getting the energy up to go paddling. I also suffer from a bad back which makes paddling a bit un-enjoyable. Needless to say the times I do go I never have to worry about leading because the Outback’s are an awesome and fast skiff. Their peddling totally blows away my paddling.

To allow myself time in the water with them; I have been toying with the idea of mounting an electric motor on mine. There are several aftermarket units available and I have come across a few interesting ideas for the home brewer. I am just curious if any of you have ventured into the dark side and mounted up a motor on your favorite kayak. If you did and it works well I would be very interested in seeing pictures and also in hearing about your experiences.

Thanks for any and all comments!

WS

[Whopper Stopper]

200 views and not one reply? Never would have guessed it.

WS

[Krzyfshrmn]

Sent you a PM. You could always sell me your WS and get an Outback or Revo

[JohnK]

January probably isn't the best month for high traffic on the canoe/kayak board.

I've put a trolling motor on a canoe a couple of times. It can work very well and zip you right along, it can also roll you like a log if you're not careful. First time we went out was with one of the MinnKota vector trolling motors, if you know about them you know it moves the head much more than the handle moves. Almost immediately my dad turned it too far so the head was 90 deg to the canoe, and deep, that almost rolled the canoe. My suggestion is to mount it as close to the side as possible if you don't have a square stern, and to keep it as shallow as possible.

I saw a video on Youtube of a guy who hooked up a 102lb 36v Minnkota to his canoe, it really moved, he said 6 mph with 2 guys in it.

[delcecchi]

I wonder how you would control the motor from where you sit in the kayak. Maybe the best way would be to mount the power head of a trolling motor in a fixed fashion to the rear of the kayak and either steer with your paddle or rig up a rudder that you can control. Or a powerdrive type motor.

I searched for "kayak electric" and got some interesting results. Ocean Kayak even makes a yak that comes equipped with a motor.

[tolle141]

You could sell it and get an OK Torque

[delcecchi]

You could consider a Hobie Pro Angler with the thing you pedal. Talked to a guy fishing from one while I was in San Diego. Says it is way better than one you paddle. (He had a 25 pound yellowtail he had caught off La Jolla Shores. )

[Whopper Stopper]

If I did replace it with another a Hobie would be my first choice. Having two already they are ahead of the pack IMHO. I had just wanted a winter project converting my 135, but I never found good option and now my time is limited.

I will probably just sell the Wilderness and go from there.

WS