I posted this info on another thread.
This is good information for anyone who has a electric motor on there Yak or is thinking about installing one
I started another thread because I think this info could help some avoid a disater.
Make sure you use the right size motor.
A motor that is too small will use more battery life than a bigger motor because you are over working the motor and causing more draw.
I have a 2 man Ocean Ambush with a 50# thrust motor that pushes 2 pretty good size guys around with no problem.
Battery life has not been a problem yet.
Prior to that I had a 43# thrust motor that was originally on my Cobra Fish N Dive and battery life was never a problem.
When I put it on my Ambush it started to become pretty hairy some nights, especialy against wind and tide.
This puts a big strain on the motor and causes it to overdraw.
That can create major problems that can cause a fire (that plastic will burn fast especially when fed by a nice breeze). It can also cause a battery to explode.
Here are my suggestions...
40# to 55# saltwater trolling motor. (55# is the largest I have seen in 12V)
Heavy Duty Marine Battery with the most cranking amps you can get. (Standard, Orbital or Gel Battery)Remember the more cranking amps the larger and heavier the battery. Size and weight are an issue.
Keep all connections tight, clean and free of corrosion. This will effect battery life and cause overdraw which can also lead to fire or explosion.
Always keep battery fully charged. Invest in a good battery charger that will not overcharge. Charge at 2 amps. Charging at 10 or 20 amps can warp the plates in a cell which will cause a bad cell or short the battery out. Never charge a fully discharged battery at more than 2 amps. That can cause them to explode or reverse polarity.
If you are wondering how to put a motor on your Yak if doesn't have a mount it's easy!
The motor can be mounted off the side.
I tried to find a picture of my old yak but couldn't.
If you do some Google searches or check Momentof fame.com I sure you can find some photos and get some ideas
Here's how I did mine..
I cut 2 pieces of 3/4" Mahogany Plywood. 8" wide by the length required to hang of the side about a foot or so.
Then I butted the 2 pieces so that form an "L". I used Gorilla Glue and screw with 2 1/2 Brass Screws to attach.
Gussets were cut from plywood to fit in the "L" and put about every 12" to 14". Enough space was left to mount the motor at a comfortable distance but close enough to have good control. The closer to the side the easier it will be to control.
I made the transom detachable by mounting 3/4 aluminum channel to each gunnel behind my seat and 3/4" aluminum square tubing to the underside of the transom. Then I put the transom in place and drilled 2 holes thru the sides of each mount and inserted stainless pins.
This is good information for anyone who has a electric motor on there Yak or is thinking about installing one
I started another thread because I think this info could help some avoid a disater.
Make sure you use the right size motor.
A motor that is too small will use more battery life than a bigger motor because you are over working the motor and causing more draw.
I have a 2 man Ocean Ambush with a 50# thrust motor that pushes 2 pretty good size guys around with no problem.
Battery life has not been a problem yet.
Prior to that I had a 43# thrust motor that was originally on my Cobra Fish N Dive and battery life was never a problem.
When I put it on my Ambush it started to become pretty hairy some nights, especialy against wind and tide.
This puts a big strain on the motor and causes it to overdraw.
That can create major problems that can cause a fire (that plastic will burn fast especially when fed by a nice breeze). It can also cause a battery to explode.
Here are my suggestions...
40# to 55# saltwater trolling motor. (55# is the largest I have seen in 12V)
Heavy Duty Marine Battery with the most cranking amps you can get. (Standard, Orbital or Gel Battery)Remember the more cranking amps the larger and heavier the battery. Size and weight are an issue.
Keep all connections tight, clean and free of corrosion. This will effect battery life and cause overdraw which can also lead to fire or explosion.
Always keep battery fully charged. Invest in a good battery charger that will not overcharge. Charge at 2 amps. Charging at 10 or 20 amps can warp the plates in a cell which will cause a bad cell or short the battery out. Never charge a fully discharged battery at more than 2 amps. That can cause them to explode or reverse polarity.
If you are wondering how to put a motor on your Yak if doesn't have a mount it's easy!
The motor can be mounted off the side.
I tried to find a picture of my old yak but couldn't.
If you do some Google searches or check Momentof fame.com I sure you can find some photos and get some ideas
Here's how I did mine..
I cut 2 pieces of 3/4" Mahogany Plywood. 8" wide by the length required to hang of the side about a foot or so.
Then I butted the 2 pieces so that form an "L". I used Gorilla Glue and screw with 2 1/2 Brass Screws to attach.
Gussets were cut from plywood to fit in the "L" and put about every 12" to 14". Enough space was left to mount the motor at a comfortable distance but close enough to have good control. The closer to the side the easier it will be to control.
I made the transom detachable by mounting 3/4 aluminum channel to each gunnel behind my seat and 3/4" aluminum square tubing to the underside of the transom. Then I put the transom in place and drilled 2 holes thru the sides of each mount and inserted stainless pins.
