Minn Kota mod to new Predator PDL

Not sure yet on battery weight/size.  I'm considering 35 amp deep cycle, have considered 2 20 amp deep cycle batteries as they would fit in storage hatch under the seat and could switch to 2nd battery when needed?  Depends on how efficient this motor is.  I don't plan on high speed or long distance - just nice trolling speed for couple hrs or so mostly.   

Decided to use plywood rather than plastic for the mod since I need to glue braces under top deck for motor shaft support and added strength - pictures to come.

More pictures - 1)  underside pod braces for hull positioning and motor shaft support. 2) shortened handle.  3) possilelocation for 12v battery (ideal for center of gravity, short battery leads, easy access).   

Will you be pulling it up for landing? The heavier the lift, the more difficult from a somewhat awkward position?

Should be fairly easy to pull up for shallow water - long as the battery is moved off the pod first. 

More pictures - 1)  underside pod braces for hull positioning and motor shaft support. 2) shortened handle.  3) possilelocation for 12v battery (ideal for center of gravity, short battery leads, easy access).   

You should put that battery in the sdie pocket there.  Leave your deck space lear for the big fish.  and your feet.....

Bushy

The motor they make for the thresher has a device that sets the prop in a verticle position. It has to be verticle so it can fit through the scupper hole. Is that an issue on yours? If I try to go this route I'll have to figure out how to allign the prop with the slot.

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

     LOL...  Funny man.           I like the wood look..  stain it to look like teak.  or better still use teak.     The prop only needs to be deep enough to clear the hull.   You wouldn't get any cavitation issues like you would if it were mounted at the stern.  Might even be enough room to recess it into the hull a bit?  Concave shape the bottom.???

   

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.

     Victor,,     I've got some parts at my shop if you want to work on that idea together.

     Victor,,     I've got some parts at my shop if you want to work on that idea together.

Thanks, Jim!  I've got to find the right motor first and it will be a winter thing.  One of the reason I go for the Raptor G2 is the flexibility of the floor opening for adaptor or other purpose.  I will open another thread when I start the project.   


Boogieman, keep us updated on the progress.  This is very cool stuff!

"Bushy" - my 35 amp battery won't fit in the side pocket.  I decided to recess it about 3" into my motor pod.  Worked on that today - also added a motor alignment lock bracket so I can clamp it firm and steer with my rudder control.

"Trailed" - the Predator PDL has a provision built in that orients the prop when you lower or lift up the pod.  It's an extra opening to one side that provides room to spin the prop as you lift or lower the pod.

Nice job for sure! I have an XL without the Minn Kota so this gives me inspiration to design something like this. Not sure why you have to worry about the rudder since you can probably go without it since the motor can turn unless you are not allowing it too. I am installing my rudder soon . Thanks

Awesomeness!

I plan to mostly lock the minn kota in forward position and steer with my rudder.  No particular reason other than deck room between my legs.  May fine it better to lock rudder and steer with minn kota - will need to try it out and see

Took my modified "Pismo Gismo" Predator PDL/Minn Kota/tandem for a shake down cruise to Camp Edison, Shaver Lake, Calif.  First time to go there in 40 years.  Discovered access to much of the lake (over 1/2) was closed by road in off season.  Enter Pismo Gismo Predator - Access to 100%.

Took my wife for our first cruise with my modified tandem seat and the Minn Kota pod.  She loved it.

Next day I left early to cross the lake and explore (near 3 miles across).  Had a 8 to 10 mph headwind with small chop.  No problem, ran at about 50% power for 2.5 to 3 mph over the ground.  At 100% top speed 4.49 mph.

Using a 35 amp deep cycle battery I cruised all over for about 4 hrs with "juice" left over.  Fishing not great but everything else outstanding.  Took the pedal mod with me behind the seat in case I needed it - never used it.

For me this kayak makes everything soo much more accessible.  Would never have tried that trip with just a paddle on my old Malibu Extreeme.

Looks nice, I want one.  I looked up a battery of that size and it said it weighs 23lbs. Where do you put it? I was thinking it might be interesting to use smaller batteries wired together to spread the weight around.