Minn Kota mod to new Predator PDL

Doing some mods to my Predator.  Building a DIY Minn Kota pod to interchange with the pedal module.

Very cool, Dan - love it! 

Tell us all about it. How far is the prop in the water? How do you plan do deal with it for launch and landing? The Thresher I've ordered takes a $2000 electric motor in the same location. I've been wondering if I can work up something less expensive.

From the looks of it, you can crotch steer it.  Oh the thought of seeing a group yakers pelvic thrusting their trolling motors...   

Hi Eric - thanks for the reply. 

Traildad - for launch/landing I will keep the module up off the bottom, will not lower into well until in deeper water.  top of the prop will be about 5" minimum below hull when in use.   

Nolanduke - Plan to lock the motor in place - will steer with stock Predator PDL rudder.  May try to come up with some way to lock the rudder control so I don't need to continually steer with my left hand.

Do you plan to waterproof the wood or just replace when ready?  If waterproof, how? 

Very cool stuff!  'thinking about doing something similar to my Raptor during winter.

Traildad - for launch/landing I will keep the module up off the bottom, will not lower into well until in deeper water.  top of the prop will be about 5" minimum below hull when in use.

How deep will the water need to be for use?

Traildad - for launch/landing I will keep the module up off the bottom, will not lower into well until in deeper water.  top of the prop will be about 5" minimum below hull when in use.

How deep will the water need to be for use?

I'd suspect a couple feet at min.  Merely a guesstimate

I'll try to post a few more pictures of the "Pismo Gismo" Minn Kota pod as I progress.  I will cover all the plywood with marine epoxy (2 or more coats of West System or equivallent).  That should lase for several years.

From the looks of it, you can crotch steer it.  Oh the thought of seeing a group yakers pelvic thrusting their trolling motors...   

Maybe get Baitman to jury-rig an asymetric oscillation option.  For that "Chugga-chuga on top a the dryer" effect.

Seriously looks great.  A little spar varnish for that classic look and feel.  I think you just saved $1000.  Now you can go spend that grand on new rods, reels and tackle.

Bushy

Looks like 24" water depth will do it.  May be able to handle 20" but can't tell yet.  The "pod" needs to be easy to remove or prop up in place anytime it starts to ge shallow.

I'm using the Minn Kota Endura Max 40# thrust fresh water model with the variable speed control feature rather than the set speed cheaper models.  I have found the set speed units do not always have a proper speed to choose from for my use. I think the motor cost about $211 on Ebay.

How much battery weight do you think you'll need for it?

That's a pretty cool idea.  How about HDPE instead of plywood?

http://www.cuttingboardcompany.com/1-thick-white-cutting-board/