Minn Kota mod to new Predator PDL

You can see it in the picture.  It fits part way into the pod.  Only sticks out about 2" above deck level. Weight is about 25# but since it's mostly below the water line it displaces less. 

You can see it in the picture.  It fits part way into the pod.  Only sticks out about 2" above deck level. Weight is about 25# but since it's mostly below the water line it displaces less.

I don't understand how it would displace differently. I'm thinking several smaller batteries would distribute the weight evenly.

The Predator XL Minn Kota you put a 50 pound battery in the back of the kayak, it doesn't really seem to make a difference. I know this is not the XL, but the weight capacity and stability of the Predator line of kayaks I wouldn't think 20 pounds would make a difference regardless of where it is.

The Predator XL Minn Kota you put a 50 pound battery in the back of the kayak, it doesn't really seem to make a difference. I know this is not the XL, but the weight capacity and stability of the Predator line of kayaks I wouldn't think 20 pounds would make a difference regardless of where it is.

Could be, but I'm thinking about my thresher. I'm not sure how it compares.

Oh, yeah.  The thresher is more like my trident. I would definitely want to distribute weight on my trident. Trident is 29" and thresher is 28.75". The predator PDL is 36" and the XL is 38". Huge difference. I would definitely notice 20 pounds put anywhere on my trident but I wouldn't notice it on my Predator 13 or XL.

Placing the 25# battery around 80% below the water line helps a little with by lowering the overall kayak CG, also displaces possibly around 4 or 5# of water?  No big deal but it all helps, especially with the high seat position/CG of the Predator.  No big deal in fresh water but for rough water and open ocean the lower the CG the better.

My 35 amp battery is easy to install/uninstall/recharge where it is, no additional wires needed to connect multiple batteries. 

Center of gravity, that makes sense. I like the set up. 

   I was just looking at Bassyaks facebook page.  He tested a 50ah lithium battery ( 10# weight ) 
    Bottom line is he mounted a 50# thrust MinnKota on a PA,  ran it at full throttle for 8 miles over 2 hour period. 
     
    The nice part of a lithium is it doesn't get damaged by deep discharges.
  Found this...  http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/lithium-marine-batteries.php

   I was just looking at Bassyaks facebook page.  He tested a 50ah lithium battery ( 10# weight ) 
    Bottom line is he mounted a 50# thrust MinnKota on a PA,  ran it at full throttle for 8 miles over 2 hour period. 
     
    The nice part of a lithium is it doesn't get damaged by deep discharges.
  Found this...  http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/lithium-marine-batteries.php

Even at $689 for the battery it would still probably be half the cost of a Helix drive.

That is very nice setup.  big kudos to you

Boogieman, is clamp the only thing that's holding the trolling motor?

The main shaft of the Minn Kota fits fairly snug in both the top and bottom pod frame plywood pieces but the clamp on top is what holds it in place.  I have a small aluminum angle bracket that is sandwitched between the clamp ears and screwed to the top plywood which locks the motor from turning or moving up or down in the pod.

I found it best to steer with the rudder, turning the Minn Kota itself doesn't work well for steering.

Yup, I saw that on page 2, the aluminum bracket was a great idea!  I am thinking about the same thing on the trolling motor placement, however, I won't have anything other than the shaft above water (shaft and cable only, no tiller), so I worry about a possible drop (i.e. clamp failure/slippage).  I may use two clamps, the bottom one is going to be a copy of yours (thank you very much!).  The top one will be a free lance or secured (tbd).

Most likely I will use a deck fitting (like this one http://kayakdannj.blogspot.com/2014/03/danqeedo-diyhomemade-evolvetorqeedo.html) as I will be using my existing Raptor G2 non pedal adapter. 

Thanks again!