Roxanne’s Motorized W500 Fishing Kayak Project
-”Here is an update on my newest Wave walk yak, the W500:
I am making a prototype out of wood for the console. I may change it to a diamond plate later.”
-”I want it to be removable, so when I don’t want to use the trolling motor, I can remove the power head.
I didn’t want to add a Dry box/tackle box to the W500, like I did on my W300′s set up, after removing the power board from the head of the trolling motor. I didn’t want the box up there in my way, it makes for easier dismounts.”
-”This time I’m leaving the power head together, just cutting the shaft, and wiring the motor (bottom half) with a quick connect connector, so I can unplug the power head and remove it for just paddling.
Again, this will be a foot controlled steering, leaving my hands free to battle my fish.
I’ll send you and update after I mount my plate for the trolling motor.
Take care.
Rox”
Tags: connecticut, console, electric trolling motor, kayak outfitting, motorized fishing kayak, rigged fishing kayak, rigging fishing kayaks, W500
July 6th, 2009 at
Nice looking set up so far Rox. The hands free aspect is nice I just wish it would translate to saltwater work in the shalllows. I have a MotoGuide saltwater series electirc here at the house but hesitate since our shalow oyster bars can tear up stuff so badly. Your designs look great for freshwater use in water deep enough for the motor to operate. With a weedless prop setup it would be killer in pad beds. One of the other kayak makers that also makes motors has now removed their motor shaft on a new product and the motor section actually floats. It’s similar in concept to the trim tab motors folks here in Florida use on flats boats. As you move forward how about a voice control instead of the foot control. It’s another thing I see guides with here.
July 6th, 2009 at
Great rigging! I wonder, is the motor shaft going through the hull?
Bob
July 6th, 2009 at
No Bob, the shaft just goes threw the board, the motor/prop end, will be mounted in the back, where it belongs .
If you do a search back in older reports, I have pictures of my W300
motor set up.
I connect the two wires (red & black) from inside of the motor shaft and add quick change connector.
I add a female/plug to the back of the yak for a quick connection to the plug receptacle, for the of the circut from back to front, then of course the battery/wires will be up front in the hull.
I use a wheel chair battery (deepcycle) Diehard # 27641.
They are small, and fit perfectly inside the hulls, and out of the way.
I can put one on both sides if I wish for a long trip.
The batteries will last 6 hours apiece with a Digital Maximizer trolling motor.
If its not a Digital Maximizer trolling motor, the batteries last 4 hours.
Jeff why not run the trolling motor up between the hulls, and steer with your paddle, the blades won’t get eaten up that way in the shell beds.
Just a thought.
Tight lines and Happy Paddling
Rox
July 7th, 2009 at
Not a bad idea Rox except the problem is we hear them before we see them many times. You ought to see the hulls on my W boats. They look like they have been attacked by a rough wood rasp. A least with the W it can be repaired from time to time with a little heat. So far for all the battle scars the boats still float and don’t leak. By the way how big is that wheel chair battery? It might solve another boating issue for me.
July 7th, 2009 at
Thanks, I think I understand now… (not 100% sure though
…).
It sounds like the ultimate way to motorize a yak for fishing. Should be fun to watch the movies!
Bob
July 8th, 2009 at
Jeff,
The Batteries are half the size of a regular battery.
(wheel chair battery (deepcycle) Diehard # 27641)
L: 7 1/2″, H: 6 1/2″ to (7 1/2″ terminals), W: 5 1/4″.
They fit perfect down in the hulls.
I use a small soft sided coolers inside plastic container, that removes for cleaning.
I place the battery in just the plastic container, and slide it down in the hull out of the way and weather.
A small Battery Box also works, but you can’t place the cover on it,
it won’t fit right its to wide.
They are completly sealed, so you could even lay them on thier side.
This is my second season with the Batteries, I always take good care
of them, always charging them as soon as my trip is over.
Hope this helps.
Tight lines
Rox
August 4th, 2009 at
Rox,
Just bought my W500 a week ago and am in process of adding a trolling motor. Your detailed pictures, videos and blogs are a wealth of inspiration to the novice fishing kayaker. One question though: you went with a rear motor location as opposed to a front mount like most of the bass boat applications. I have a front motor mount on a jon boat and it turns/handles much better than a rear mount. Do you have an opinion as to the advisability of either location on a W500?
John
August 4th, 2009 at
I guess it all depends on what you like.
It Will handle just fine with a bow mount or a transom mount.
Since you are dealing with less room up front then in a larger boat.
I like it better in the back, less chance of your catch tangling in the
line in the trolling motor.
Or smacking a Stump or Rock in shallow waters.
And don’t forget, those small die hard deep cycle wheel chair batteries.
Mine are 2 years old now, and are still going strong.
They will sit down inside the hull and will Last up to 4 hours or longer,
depending on how heavy a use they get, strong winds, currents.
And if you have a dig maximize trolling motor, they will last up to 6 hours each.
On Long trips/days I carry 2, one in each side for perfect balance.
When I carry one battery, I just place more gear on the opposite
side to balance it out.
Good Luck with the New W500, your gonna love it!!
Tight Lines All
Rox