I realize that motorized kayaks are somewhat controversal, but just what are the advantages? If I leisurely paddle at 4 mph in my T140, how fast will I go with a 30 lb thrust trolling motor mounted on the right rear side & no rudder? Obviously there will be more drag due to the added weight. And the motor will be pushing the boat at an angle since it’s mounted on the side. Further, any motorized craft, at least in Texas, must be registered. I’ve read on other posts about different batteries & different motors giving different operating times between recharges, but no mention of speed. Just how fast will it go?
motokayak
I have on occasion thought of attaching a trolling motor to the rear of a kayak - just because I like to tinker with things. I would attach the motor to the back in much the same manner as rudders are attached and could then it could be steered with the same type of mechanism. I have never followed through with these thoughts due to the weight of the batteries required - and due to the fact that paddle power works quite well for me.
It’s been done…
– Last Updated: Sep-26-06 10:16 AM EST –
http://www.thesneak.com/TheSneak/oneman-sneak.html
I owned a SNEAK about 10 years ago, got tired of the battery going dead, and put a 15 HP gasoline engine on the back....had to put 60 lbs of sand in the livewell up front to get it to plane out like it should, and it ran like a bat out of hell...near scared me to death more than once....
Mounting…
I’m not sure mounting the motor on the side is a good idea. Perhaps you could use the following setup for inspiration:
http://www.canopy.net/sunspot/
Trolling motors on kayaks is nothing new
Plenty of examples out there on the kayak fishing websites, with pictures.