so, I did a thing. fishing kayak modification.

I went and put a Newport Vessels motor on the back of my Hobie Outback. install was fairly easy, and it works. I still have to buy a few chingaderos I didnt realize I needed. mostly wiring BS. I need some quick elec disconnects. I didnt buy them earlier because I am still not sure where my battery is going. the battery only weighs 24lbs, but I still want it to not put my kayak into some weird balance thing. if I can, I will install it inside the hull up front. but I do think it will be nose heavy.

I am healthy and I can both paddle and pedal well, but some parts of some lakes are stupid far..and I like options. I don't plan to use the motor except at Clearlake, and larger. local lake will be powered by me, still.

pics later. I have wires everywhere now.

 

There better be.

 

Do you have to register your kayak once it has a motor?

 

Yep

 

But not many do.

 

I will. I have an appointment at DMV coming up.

 

Pics this weekend. Installed. The toughest part was the battery quick disconnects. The terminals require a very substantial crimping tool. Nothing in my tool box qualified. Well I could have flattened it with a sledge hammer.


I got a buddy to help. Crimps are okay. . Not perfect.
I’ll run it at Clearlake Sunday. Rain tomorrow.

I’m not going to say the DMV was an enjoyable experience, but it wasn’t awful. My kayak is registered.

 

Pics!

I have a few things to work out. First I seem to have the motor sticking into the water too deep. I didn’t anticipate the rear dipping much under power. I’m also going to relocate my battery forward about a foot.

I won’t use the motor all the time. But at 50% throttle,and me gently kicking the pedals, I can go 5mph.

battery life is seemingly “forever “

1. 

 

Nice! Cant wait for warmer weather here.. I hate fishing in the cold...