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Is it Worth it to Put a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?

Published July 26, 2022

Trolling motors are becoming increasingly popular because they are an amazing addition to your kayak. They can offer you much better control and a lot more speed. With today’s technological advancements and the advancements in trolling motors, you may be wondering if it’s worth it to put a trolling motor on your kayak?

So, here is a complete guide on installing a trolling motor on your kayak that will conclude if it’s worth your investment and time to install a trolling motor on your kayak.

Let’s get started.

Is it Worth it to Put a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?: Summary

What is Trolling Motor?

is it worth to put a trolling motor on a kayak

A trolling motor is a device used to generate a water flow through a system. This flow of water generates enough strength to cut through the water. Trolling motors can be used to either pull or push a vessel, depending on your motor type.

These motors generate the thrust necessary to move a boat through the water. They are usually found on larger boats, but today they are available in compact sizes, which can be installed on small boats and kayaks.

A trolling motor works by using a shaft that is not connected to any propeller blade. Instead, a propeller is mounted on top of the shaft, which spins in one direction while the shaft itself spins in the opposite direction.

This creates thrust due to the difference between the amount of force needed to push water in one direction versus in another. This is the same principle that makes airplanes fly.

Trolling motors come in different sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they are used to get kayaks moving through the water at some higher speeds than they would if they were going by themselves.

They are also used for fishing and other activities where maneuverability matters more than when you are simply trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

Is it Worth it to Put a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?

BKC PK11 Solo Sit-On-Top Fishing Kayak with Trolling Motor

The short answer is yes, installing a trolling motor on your kayak is worth it because they are a great way to add more speed and power to your kayak. They can help you reach higher speeds and cover more ground in less time.

Similarly, if you’re planning long trips or spending a lot of time on the water, a trolling motor could be what you need to make it happen.

And while they may not be as efficient as other motors, like an engine or electric motor, trolling motors still allow you to go farther with less effort and fuel. They also make it easier for people who don’t have much experience boating to get started in the water.

So a trolling motor is worth considering if you are looking for something that will help you get where you need to go faster with less effort than before.

But, if you are still confused about whether you should install a trolling motor on your kayak or not, then you need to understand its advantages and disadvantages.

This will help you decide whether you should get one on your kayak according to your situation and needs.

So, let’s discuss some advantages and disadvantages of trolling motor.

Advantages of Putting a Trolling Motor on a Kayak

trolling motor on kayak

Here are some advantages of putting a trolling motor on a kayak.

You can go faster:

Trolling motors are a great way to increase your traveling speed, as they allow you to travel much faster. The extra power helps propel you through the water and can make the difference between being able to catch fish and being unable to catch any.

The increased speed can be especially helpful in rough water or on windy days when you might not want to put all your effort into paddling. It can also be used for scouting ahead, which is helpful when trying to avoid obstacles or search for fish.

So, if you want to go faster than usual while still being safe and comfortable on the water, then a trolling motor is the perfect solution for you.

You can visit more Areas:

Trolling motor can make your kayak move faster and easier. It can help you quickly get to where you want to go faster. You can also see many places around you when you use a trolling motor on your kayak.

With a trolling motor, you can go farther and stay out longer. Plus, it’s easier to maneuver around shallow areas and rocks. You can easily reposition your kayak for fishing or exploring with a trolling motor.

You can easily travel Upstream:

If you are a kayaker, you know how much pain it can be to travel upstream. You have to try and find a way to balance your boat so that you don’t tip over and fall into the water. Besides, you will have to put a lot of physical strength in order to successfully travel upstream on your kayak.

That’s actually a situation that could easily result in drowning or serious injury. But with a trolling motor on your kayak, you can easily travel upstream without worrying about tipping over.

A trolling motor on your kayak allows you to easily travel upstream with all of your gear. You can set it up in the boat and glide forward with ease.

You will not have to paddle, thus spending less energy:

Putting a trolling motor on your kayak will allow you to spend less energy on paddling, which means you can do more with your time and effort. In addition, you will not have to worry about losing power, as trolling motors are designed to run for long periods without needing to be recharged.

Trolling motors are designed for use with kayaks, so they are designed to be powerful enough to move large volumes of water. This means that when you put one on your kayak, you can perform maneuvers requiring much more effort with paddling.

So, you will not have to paddle anymore when using trolling motor on your kayak.

You can get more gear on the board:

By installing a trolling motor on your kayak, you will be free from putting your efforts into paddling the kayak. Instead, the trolling motor will be working to take your kayak forward. That is why you can put everything you need on your kayak because the trolling motor will work on getting the kayak through the water.

Disadvantages of Putting a Trolling Motor on a Kayak

Besides advantages, there are also some disadvantages of installing a trolling motor on your kayak. Let’s get to know about them.

Installing a Trolling Motor is Expensive:

Installing a Trolling Motor on your kayak can be expensive, especially if you want to buy a motor that’s made for your boat. The price of motors varies greatly between manufacturers, so you must keep this in mind by putting a trolling motor on your kayak.

So, it is costly to install a trolling motor on your kayak. You will have to purchase the motor and install it by an expert or professional.

Installing a Trolling Motor increase the weight of your Kayak:

Another biggest disadvantage of putting a trolling motor on your kayak is that it will increase the weight of your boat, which is not as easy to carry as a regular boat.

This could be a problem for you if you have not had any experience kayaking before. If you have had experience kayaking before, then this might not be a big issue for you, but it’s still a problem.

Takes more time to get ready for a kayaking adventure:

Putting a trolling motor on a kayak can take time to prepare for your next kayaking adventure. Rigging up the motor to your kayak requires you to attach it to your boat, which means you will have to spend some time preparing it for your kayaking trip.

And you will have to charge your trolling motor’s battery before going on a kayaking adventure. So, this will take some time before you get ready to go on the water.

Final Words

So, now you must have known the answer is it worth it to put a trolling motor on a kayak. I have discussed some advantages and disadvantages of installing a trolling motor on a kayak in order to help you decide whether you should go for it or not.

By reading through the article, you must have understood that its advantages are greater than its disadvantages. So, putting a trolling motor on your kayak is totally worth it.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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