Trolling motor Kayak

What does every one think about putting a trolling motor on a kayak?  I'm not suggesting to use it as a paddle, but rather a way to fish in the wind and maybe stay out a little longer. 

Andy,
  My brother has a trolling motor on his Fish and Dive.  It is the bomb!! We haven't used it on the ocean, just a couple of the larger lakes.  We generally use it to come back with.  We will fish the banks, heading around the lake.  Then we grab a couple of cold ones out of the cooler and he pulls us both back across the lake.
   The Cobra F&D is a big, barge of a kayak, and the motor does well.  I don't know if I would try to hang it off the end of my Tarpon.

Greg

Andy,
I think a lot of other people, including myself, have wondered about this as well.
Do a search for "motor" in the forum & you'll find several threads on this subject.

Here's one thread to start with:
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,3016.0.html

-aa

There is a drawback on using a motor.

From DMV

What Vessels Must be Registered?

Generally, every sail-powered vessel over eight feet in length and every motor-driven vessel (regardless of length) that is not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard which is used or on the waters of this state are subject to registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The vessel must be located in California.

Thank's for the replies.  I have a fish n dive so I'm glad you liked it. 

My brother's yak has an aluminum bar across the front of the tankwell.  Does yours have any way to mount the motor?  If not, I can get some pictures for you tomorow.

Greg

Thank you, but I foolishly bought a motor mount from cobra that goes across the rear tank well.  I was just being lazy.  It wouldn't be hard to make another. 

Here's a YouTube video some guy made of his homemade trolling motor set up for his kayak:

Here's a YouTube video some guy made of his homemade trolling motor set up for his kayak:

IMHO, this would be a good example of how NOT to do it.
Am I mistaken or did he have the mounts bolted through the bottom of the kayak?

IMHO, this would be a good example of how NOT to do it.
Am I mistaken or did he have the mounts bolted through the bottom of the kayak?

I think so, but to his defense, I think they went through his scuppers.  Still not advisable but better then drilling. 

Instead of adding a trolling motor, why not get a Hobie?    I mean, they go almost as fast, they don't have a heavy battery that ruins your freeboard, they don't have a battery that consumes your entire tankwell, they don't need a CF number, cost is probably equivalent, ...

Oh well, to each his own.

Michael

I have dreamed of finding a trolling motor that you can separate the shaft from the handle or drive.  If I could find one that is like a two piece, then I would cut a hole in the Hobie drive well plug, have a perfect mount for it

Do not use your trolling motor in the salt water unless it is desinged for it; it will not work after a couple of trips. I have wanted to try it out, but only for kokene; its a bear to go that slow and keep your lines from tangling.