What Should Be The Size Of Trolling Motors For Kayak?

Fact Checked By James A Rockey | Post Updated On: December 8, 2022
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The most common size for a trolling motor is 12 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches, as this is a good balance between efficiency and power. The length of the shaft will vary depending on your needs. If you’re going to be fishing or paddling in shallow water, then shorter lengths are perfect because they don’t drag on the bottom of the lake or river.

Key Takeaways

  • The size of the trolling motor for a kayak depends on quite a few things like the size and weight of the kayak, as well as the water type
  • 42″ is the standard shaft length for a kayak trolling motor
  • You should pick a motor with about 30 lb to 55 lb of thrust but the exact trust depends on the boat’s length and weight
  • The YZ F8 trolling motor has a top speed of 80 mph, and it can reach a range of 1,000 feet
  • Trolling motors are available in 12V, 12/24V, 24V, and 36V versions

Size Of Kayak Trolling Motor

42″ is the standard shaft length and it’s best to measure the distance from where the shaft is mounted on the deck or transom to the water. The next closest measurement is 16″ for MotorGuide or 20″ for Minn Kota.

Determining the right length for your boat’s propellor mount is important. Here, you’ll find out how to measure it and the next closest option.

1. Choose a motor with about 30 lb to 55 lb of thrust; there can be some variation depending on boat length and weight.

2. The best trolling motor is a Minn Kota Endura Endura C2 30 Freshwater Transom Mounted Trolling Motor (30″ Shaft) with a six-inch telescoping tiller.

3. The YZ F8 trolling motor has a top speed of 80 mph, and it can reach a range of 1,000 feet.

4. The top-rated trolling motor for kayaks is a Yamaha YZF-8, with a motor that can reach speeds of up to 80 mph.

5. Trolling motors are offered in 12V, 12/24V, 24V, and 36V versions.

6. The most powerful ones offer more than 100lb. of thrust, powerful enough to move heavy vessels such as pontoon boats.

7. We recommend 5lb of thrust for every 200lb of a vessel’s gross weight.

8. A rule of thumb for figuring out how powerful a motor is necessary is two pounds of mass moved.

How To Pick The Right Size Of Trolling Motor For Your Kayak?

Understanding the size of trolling motor for a kayak is imperative for any kayaking enthusiast.

As long as you have a sense of adventure and can handle rough seas, then you should be fine. But if you’re not into that, then it might be best to steer clear or get a smaller motor.

The size of the trolling motor depends on several factors such as your personal preference and the type of boat you are using. If you are planning on getting an electric trolling motor, then make sure to check out our guides on how to choose and use them properly!

Make sure you buy the right size trolling motor that will last for a long time.

1. Most of the Trolling Motor comes in black or white, and comes at a price between $99 and $199.

2. Think about the size of your boat, and how much battery capacity you can safely install to satisfy the energy demands of a trolling motor.

3. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can control these features from your phone or from an included remote control.

FAQ

What Are The Features Of This Motor Mount?

As one of the enthusiastic anglers, you may enjoy kayak fishing. One of the most advantageous things is that you may reach any spot of the water body. However, constantly paddling can make you feel tired during your kayaking session. To solve this problem, lots of anglers have installed trolling motors on their kayaks. Without much effort, they can move around a lake and any water body. Your first step is to mount your trolling motor properly. Thus, you can invest in a durable and robust kayak trolling motor mount.

The best trolling motor mount is one of the useful devices for accommodating the different trolling motors of your kayak. Most of the mounts are compact in size, and they have adjustment points that are usable without tools. Reliable manufacturers use marine-grade materials to ensure a long-lasting solution to kayak anglers.

How Do We Install The Trolling Motor Mount?

Padding is one of the physical workouts for kayakers. However, avid anglers love moving around water very fast, and thus, they use trolling mounts. But you need to know the way of installing this mount on your boat. Trolling motor mounts are of two types- homemade and off-the-shelf mounting kits. With this trolling motor attached to the kayak properly, you can move the boat very easily.

Are Off-The-Shelf Kits Right For Your Trolling Motor Mount?

To use the best kits for trolling motor mounts, you have to focus on a number of factors. The first factor important for you is shock absorption. When the chosen mount cannot absorb your motor vibration, it will not run smoothly. It is highly important at the time of installing a potential engine. Moreover, you need to choose a mount made of water-resistant and rust-resistant materials. This amount will surely last longer without causing technical problems.

Another notable thing for you is easier installation. Beginner-friendly installation is always preferable to kayakers. Thus, choose a mounting kit that makes installation easier for you.

Moreover, compatibility is one of the major things for anglers. The mounting kit has to be compatible with the kayak, and thus, you have to check out the dimension of your kit. Minor deviations may result in incompatibility and affect the performance standard of a trolling motor.

What Do I Need If I Use Homemade Mounting Kits?

You have to know the features and components of your kayak to buy these mounting kits. For instance, rod holders can be the right choice for accommodating mounting poles. The storage compartment at the back has to be big to hold the onboard source of power. Your homemade kits can be similar to that of off-the-shelf ones. The mounting system must be able to absorb the motor vibrations. You need to choose durable materials and ensure the compatibility of the mounting with your kayak.

What Are The Safety Factors For A Trolling Motor Mount?

As kayaks have no integrated design to be driven by electric motors, you have to focus on safety issues. While it is a motorized kayak, you must take precautionary steps for your kids. Never modify the modified motors and add kits that do not work with these motors. Moreover, do not over-tighten your mounting bracket to prevent problems with the fiberglass part of your motor. The temperature range has to be from -4°F to 113°F to make your motor long-lasting. It may take time to learn how to mount your trolling motor. However, there are user-friendly trolling motor mounts available in the market.

References:

  • https://yourbassguy.com/trolling-motors/best-trolling-motor-for-kayak/
  • https://www.scoopearth.com/what-size-of-trolling-motors-is-best-for-kayaks/

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