When it comes to designing or outfitting fishing kayaks, Micronautics can improve the boat’s ergonomics, bio mechanics, lateral stability, tracking, speed, mobility and ‘fishability’ (-we all know what Fishability means, don’t we?…)

A Micronautical approach can improve motorized kayaks, whether they’re outfitted with electric trolling motors, or outboard gas engines.

I created the Micronautical Design website years ago, and didn’t pay much attention to it until recently, when it occurred to me that following the amazing developments in W kayak sailing, fishing, rowing, and motorizing, the Micronautical site itself could benefit from being redesigned, outfitted with some new features,  and loaded with new content focused on fishing kayak design and outfitting. Needless to say, that the Micronautical site features the work of many wonderful people from around the world, whose creativity helped propelling the W boat concept to the forefront of small boat design.  The site is still in a reorganization phase, and we’ll add more stuff to it in weeks to come.

This blog, Wavewalk Fishing Kayaks, will keep being the place where things happen on a continuous basis – It’s Wavewalk’s main broadcasting channel, and the place where sensible kayak anglers and paddlers meet! 

Yoav

John is passionate about offshore fishing, and he’s very excited about the new possibilities offered by W kayaks outfitted with outboard gas engines.

John and Susie Castanha

Our W kayaks can be easily outfitted with electric trolling motors, as well as small outboard gas engines.

While we recommend outfitting the W500 and W502 kayaks with motors featuring a long, 20″ propeller shaft, we’re aware of the fact that few small outboard gas engines on the market feature such long shafts, and most old and new small outboards available feature a shorter, 15″ propeller shaft.

We designed this version of the W Transom Motor Mount for such short shaft motors:

Unlike the motor mount for 20″ long shafts, this mount cannot be attached directly behind the cockpit, since that would prevent using the clamp screws that fasten the motor to the mount.
Therefore, this mount should be attached to the W kayak at a few inches distance behind the cockpit’s rear end, in a manner that would make it possible for the user to tighten and loosen the clamp screws without experiencing any problem.
This distance depends on the type and size of clamps your motor comes with.

Kayak Compatibility: The W Kayak Transom Motor Mount fits W kayaks from the 500 and 502 series.

Motor Compatibility: This W Kayak Transom Motor Mount fits electric trolling motors, and outboard gas motors up to 2hp. We recommend outfitting the motor with a long, articulated tiller extension that enables the driver to steer from a position that’s closer to the middle of the cockpit, rather than from its rear.

Material: This W Kayak Transom Motor Mount is crafted from 1″ thick Trex board.
Trex is an environmentally friendly, composite material made from recycled and reclaimed plastic, and reclaimed wood. No trees are cut down for the purpose of making Trex. This material is widely used as decking and railing material since it will not splinter, rot or deteriorate due to harsh weather or insects. Trex resists damage from moisture and sunlight, which makes it a better alternative to wood for this matter. Unlike wood, Trex requires no painting, coating or maintenance.

Dimensions: This W Kayak Transom Motor Mount is 4.25″ high and 20″ wide, and it weighs 6 lbs.

Attachment: This W Kayak Transom Motor Mount is easily attached to the W kayak by means of two bolts. We recommend attaching this W Kayak Transom Motor Mount close as possible to the cockpit, as much as your motor’s clamp screws allow, in order to improve stability, access to the motor, control, and safety.

• Retail price: $118

Sungjin published his story on his Korean kayak fishing website too, and his post there includes a link to the kayak fishing club’s website.