I'm thinking of installing a trolling motor on my old Wilderness Ride for my FIL. It has a rudder so I was hoping I could adapt that to a trolling motor. Experienced Input, Suggestions, Wisdom, Cautionary Tales, and Wisecracks wanted.

And I already know I would have to register it. He had a bad injury at work a couple of years ago and had back surgery. He cannot paddle. He has tried out several Hobies but won't pull the trigger.
He has a bass boat but I think he would go out more often if he had a kayak too.

Thanks,

There are some expensive kits for installing a trolling motor rudder. I would keep it simple and install a trolling motor to the right just behind the seat. Install some rod holders just behind the seat, put some wood rods into the rod holders, screw a 2"x4" across the wood rods and the the trolling motor attaches to the 2"x4". Then remove and varnish all of the wood. It could be easily removed when not wanted. Keep the 2"x4" as low to the waterline as possible.

Look on Youtube!
Type in trolling motor mount on kayak!
There are tons of ways to mount one and they are all there!
One video is worth a thousand words!

For ALL TM usage, put a BigFoot (or similar) momentary switch inline with the negative wire. Use it as a deadmans switch (ie-have to be stepping on it to run). Think about this and you'll readily see the benefit.

Guess you know that, if the yak hadn't been previously registered, you will have to have a MSO (manufacturers statement of origin) to get it registered.

Took me a month to get one from the kayak manufacturer because the store was of no help.

richg

p.s. I have read about some TPWD offices that didn't ask for the MSO. Not mine.