I really appreciate the video. The trolling motor option is perfect for my spare kayak and saved a lot of money (~$500) compared to the Newport 180S (~$1750) option on my primary fishing kayak. This lets me take firends and family out fishing with me. I am installing mine Newport trolling motor today and have made the backing plates for each mount following your pattern. I'll order a pulse-width modulator, dry box, and anderson fittings soon. Having a variable throttle as well as saving battery endurance - perfect!
nice set up clean and functional. Beautiful Mission Beach. I grew up in Santee / Lakeside (East County) always enjoyed going to Mission Beach. Fiesta Island was fun as well back in the 80's
Thanks for sharing. I having been using the variable speed control and a side mounted bracket for a year on 2 other kayaks I have. I love the variable control and side mounted setup. I purchased a big fish 105 and didn't want to mount the motor in front, so I have been researching railblaza mount. Thanks for making the video.
Thank you Neal, my DIY PWM burned up the second day out. Instead of making another I bought a Minn Kota Endura Max motor, it comes with a PWM built in. Enjoy your project and thanks for watching!
Great video. Thanks! How has this held up in the three years since you first installed the Railblaza mount? Are you still happy with it? I'm also curious about what sort of battery setup you use and how long they last when you're trolling around on the bay.
Hey thanks! Yes it's holding up great and couldn't be happier. The batteries hold up pretty much all day just fishing around the bay. I tried to run outside to the kelp beds and I ran one battery out so I switched and came back in. If you did the tides right I guess.
Super video man, i'm having the same interrogations at the moment... What type of motor, where to put it, etc.... Your video answered a lot of points... Thanks a lot man. God Bless.
Great video Steve. Based on your experience I think i'm leaning towards a side mounted TM for the same reasons you mentioned. Please include a video on how you built your PWM. Thanks.
Nice setup you got there I'm looking into putting a trolling motor on my kayak I have a question how's the spots where you drill in those holes holding up has it been cracked when you throttle the trolling motor does it Bend the spot where it's connected to the kayak
Perfect! I have a Topwater PDL since 2018. Just bought a Newport 36lbs thrust motor. Railblaza seems to keep popping up. Got some questions: How has the mount been since you first installed it? How has the stability of the mount been? Does the ride skew to the motor side requiring you to compensate the rudder? How has the mount connection to the body of the Kayak been? Is the kayak hull warping or breaking at all? I ask this last question because I mounted a Boondox Wheel system and it ripped out and also warped, but I think part of my problem was weight and needing more marine board backing.
Just ordered one my only concern is if it's wide enough to fit my Jackson big rig, if not I will put it on my Jackson cuda. But hopefully it fits both.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for watching! The Railblaza beam is 47" and the motor plate is 9". On my Old Town the bare end sticks out about 4". I may trim that off because I've hit things with it while loading etc. Here's a tip that wasn't in the video because I hadn't thought of it yet. I installed a gear track on the kayak rail behind the motor. Then I put a bolt with a knob in both the gear track and the motor plate. Then I locked everything down with a piece of 2" wide 1/8” thick aluminum strap between the motor plate and the gear track. Trolling motors are are heavy and like a giant pendulum. But now it's completely solid.
Hi Erik, thanks for watching! No I didn't need any counterbalance. The Topwater 120 PDL is a battleship and stayed pretty much flat. I can even stand on one side rail and it barely moves. If you have a different kayak, moving your battery toward the opposite side would probably be all the counter balance you need. Keep it light as possible, you have drag all that stuff with you!
Hi thanks for watching! It's a pulse width modulator and I would avoid it. Mine burned out almost immediately. If you haven't got your motor yet buy a Minn Kota Endura Max. It's only a few dollars more and has a PWM built in. That's what changed to when mine burned out.
Hello Matt. I really like what you did with the trolling motor installed in the middle. That was cool! I am curious about the module regulator, can you please share information about it, maybe a link where you got it from? Last question, I am not sure if you already mentioned but size trolling motor you got there?
Thanks! That PCM throttle burned out the second time I used it. I purchased another trolling motor, this time a Minn Kota 45 Endura. It comes equipped with variable throttle. I would highly recommend that model. It's only a few dollars more than five speed model
Thang for watching! It tracks straight enough but when you first accelerate it wants to veer to the side a bit. You need to adjust slightly according to the thrust at different speeds. Really not a problem and it becomes second nature.
Honestly I wouldn't make the modulator, it died right away and flipped by batteries into failsafe mode. I had to paddle back miles. I replaced that motor with the Min Kota Endura Max which has a built in modulator. It's only $45 more than the regular Endura
Mine does not have a hatch on the rear so my only option would be to have multiple screws and possibly glue them down to the kayak. That being said my only other option would be drill a huge like 6" home in the back for a dry storage. My kayak is a mold so I have scupper plugs in the rear, middle, front of the kayak. Been looking at bow mounts and they seem too big and a lot more expensive.
What is the weight limit of the kayak? I just installed my trolling motor, just got the battery box and haven't taken it out yet. My question is this...I'm 205, the battery is 49, the trolling motor is 18, the mounts are about 4, I have a fish finder, poles and gear... should I not try unless I first put in outriggers or are those just for stability?
Hi Mike, the Topwater 120 pdl is rated for 384 lbs not including the kayak. I think I'm around 300lbs with myself, the motor, two 65 ah lifepo batteries, fishing gear, electronics, and 10 gallon live bait tank. It's still very stable, I cruise all day and still haven't depleted one battery yet.
@@CaliforniaOutdoorsman thanks...too rich for my blood. I have a Sundolphin with a 250lbs weight capacity...I'll be over by about 60lbs. Do you know if outriggers provide bouyancy or stabilization only? If they provide additional bouyancy, I'd be ok as long as they were mounted firmly
@@MikeC-my4lf I think it would depend on how the outriggers are mounted. They would obviously add buoyancy but the trick would be transferring that buoyancy to the kayak. What I would do in that situation is fill a cooler or something with water to that additional weight and put it in the kayak and see how it goes.
Hi thanks for watching, are you referring to the drive well? I don't know the exact size of the 55 motor but the 45 has plenty of room. I've actually gone back to that center mount because it's less things to drag along. If you can find the dimensions of the particular motor you are asking about I could measure it up and see if it fits.
I was going to do something very simular but a hybrid of both your setups... with the railblaza mount not behind u but ahead of u and not with the motor on the side but in the middle so that the motor would go thru the drive scupper... I think the cross bar could easily mount onto the track system already there... if u try this I'd luv to see it and hear back from u
Thanks a lot for the detailled overview. I haven't heard of pwm before and directly adopted the idea for my yak. Cheers & keep going
I really appreciate the video. The trolling motor option is perfect for my spare kayak and saved a lot of money (~$500) compared to the Newport 180S (~$1750) option on my primary fishing kayak. This lets me take firends and family out fishing with me. I am installing mine Newport trolling motor today and have made the backing plates for each mount following your pattern. I'll order a pulse-width modulator, dry box, and anderson fittings soon. Having a variable throttle as well as saving battery endurance - perfect!
nice set up clean and functional. Beautiful Mission Beach. I grew up in Santee / Lakeside (East County) always enjoyed going to Mission Beach. Fiesta Island was fun as well back in the 80's
Thanks for sharing. I having been using the variable speed control and a side mounted bracket for a year on 2 other kayaks I have. I love the variable control and side mounted setup. I purchased a big fish 105 and didn't want to mount the motor in front, so I have been researching railblaza mount. Thanks for making the video.
Thank you Neal, my DIY PWM burned up the second day out. Instead of making another I bought a Minn Kota Endura Max motor, it comes with a PWM built in. Enjoy your project and thanks for watching!
Great video. Thanks! How has this held up in the three years since you first installed the Railblaza mount? Are you still happy with it? I'm also curious about what sort of battery setup you use and how long they last when you're trolling around on the bay.
Hey thanks! Yes it's holding up great and couldn't be happier. The batteries hold up pretty much all day just fishing around the bay. I tried to run outside to the kelp beds and I ran one battery out so I switched and came back in. If you did the tides right I guess.
@@Apollo_Music Thanks again. Quick response. I may follow your lead. You say you have two batteries, any recommendations?
Super video man, i'm having the same interrogations at the moment... What type of motor, where to put it, etc.... Your video answered a lot of points... Thanks a lot man. God Bless.
Haha! The anxiety of drilling holes in your yak!
Yeah it's crazy! I'll never get over doing that lol
Great video Steve. Based on your experience I think i'm leaning towards a side mounted TM for the same reasons you mentioned. Please include a video on how you built your PWM. Thanks.
Thanks Matt! I'll be taking it out fishing this week and see how the side mount does in an actual application. Make sure it's not in the way.
It's been awhile now. How do you feel about side mounting it. I'm thinking of doing this and was curious on what your long term experience was like.
Nice setup you got there I'm looking into putting a trolling motor on my kayak I have a question how's the spots where you drill in those holes holding up has it been cracked when you throttle the trolling motor does it Bend the spot where it's connected to the kayak
Another amazing video. You are so smart and cute..although I barely recognized you 😊
Thank you! yeah I have quarantine beard now lol
Hey! Great video! What length motor did you use when recording this video? Would a 30in shaft minnkota do the trick?
Perfect! I have a Topwater PDL since 2018. Just bought a Newport 36lbs thrust motor. Railblaza seems to keep popping up. Got some questions:
How has the mount been since you first installed it?
How has the stability of the mount been?
Does the ride skew to the motor side requiring you to compensate the rudder?
How has the mount connection to the body of the Kayak been? Is the kayak hull warping or breaking at all?
I ask this last question because I mounted a Boondox Wheel system and it ripped out and also warped, but I think part of my problem was weight and needing more marine board backing.
why's look like your going sideways? Im assuming camera angle.... but could it be because of motor placement?
Thanks for the video. Can it be installed if unable to access inside the kayak?
It doesn’t try to drive in a circle at all ? Great job looking into this for my kyak
GOOD WORK STUD!
Thanks Lucky!
RIP Lucky, you are sorely missed brother. Happy hunting in heaven!
Great video, excellent information. I am setting up pretty much an identical rig. Thanks
Thank you Gloria. Enjoy the build it's a lot fun!
Thanks for watching!
Just ordered one my only concern is if it's wide enough to fit my Jackson big rig, if not I will put it on my Jackson cuda. But hopefully it fits both.
Hi Jeffrey, thanks for watching!
The Railblaza beam is 47" and the motor plate is 9". On my Old Town the bare end sticks out about 4". I may trim that off because I've hit things with it while loading etc.
Here's a tip that wasn't in the video because I hadn't thought of it yet.
I installed a gear track on the kayak rail behind the motor. Then I put a bolt with a knob in both the gear track and the motor plate.
Then I locked everything down with a piece of 2" wide 1/8” thick aluminum strap between the motor plate and the gear track.
Trolling motors are are heavy and like a giant pendulum. But now it's completely solid.
Oh wow, can you do a tutorial on that modulator? That thing is genius!!!
Thanks Matt! I'm about to put one up of the parallel Y dual battery connector. That should come in handy on your build.
Yes please do
I installed the mount and motor on a pelican 13.5 tandem kayak. It's off balance. Is it a good idea to attach a counterweight on the mount?
Imagine a trolling motor on eachside
Will this system work on a inflatable Aquaglide 130 Blackfoot kayak?
Same question here!
Did you have to add any counterbalances on the opposite side for it to sit flat in the water ?
Hi Erik, thanks for watching! No I didn't need any counterbalance. The Topwater 120 PDL is a battleship and stayed pretty much flat. I can even stand on one side rail and it barely moves. If you have a different kayak, moving your battery toward the opposite side would probably be all the counter balance you need. Keep it light as possible, you have drag all that stuff with you!
What was the modulator called again? Any closeups of the modulator setup?
Hi thanks for watching! It's a pulse width modulator and I would avoid it.
Mine burned out almost immediately. If you haven't got your motor yet buy a Minn Kota Endura Max. It's only a few dollars more and has a PWM built in. That's what changed to when mine burned out.
Hello Matt. I really like what you did with the trolling motor installed in the middle. That was cool! I am curious about the module regulator, can you please share information about it, maybe a link where you got it from? Last question, I am not sure if you already mentioned but size trolling motor you got there?
Thanks! That PCM throttle burned out the second time I used it.
I purchased another trolling motor, this time a Minn Kota 45 Endura. It comes equipped with variable throttle. I would highly recommend that model. It's only a few dollars more than five speed model
Awesome job! Can you post links to the mount you bought?
Does it track straight? Ive considers installing a side mount but am concerned it will crab walk.
Thang for watching! It tracks straight enough but when you first accelerate it wants to veer to the side a bit. You need to adjust slightly according to the thrust at different speeds. Really not a problem and it becomes second nature.
The pulsator thing you made. Is that only made for certain motors or can you do that on any trolling motor? I have a little watersnake t24
Yes it would work with any trolling motor up to twelve volts
Shorten the shaft on the center mount. That speed is normal for a 45 lb thrust trolling motor an heavy kayaks like the old town.
Do you need the pad eye on the side? Seems a littl pointless
Do you have a video on making the modulator
Honestly I wouldn't make the modulator, it died right away and flipped by batteries into failsafe mode. I had to paddle back miles. I replaced that motor with the Min Kota Endura Max which has a built in modulator. It's only $45 more than the regular Endura
Mine does not have a hatch on the rear so my only option would be to have multiple screws and possibly glue them down to the kayak. That being said my only other option would be drill a huge like 6" home in the back for a dry storage. My kayak is a mold so I have scupper plugs in the rear, middle, front of the kayak. Been looking at bow mounts and they seem too big and a lot more expensive.
Faster in the center since no angle resistance.
What kind of Anderson plugs? 50amp?
Hi thanks! Yes Anderson SB50. Be sure and buy the actual Anderson connectors, there are many knockoffs that don't plug into the Anderson's
How much thrust does the motor have?
This motor is 45lb thrust. I switched to the Endura Max because it has pulse width modulation built in and it's only few bucks more
What is the weight limit of the kayak? I just installed my trolling motor, just got the battery box and haven't taken it out yet. My question is this...I'm 205, the battery is 49, the trolling motor is 18, the mounts are about 4, I have a fish finder, poles and gear... should I not try unless I first put in outriggers or are those just for stability?
Hi Mike, the Topwater 120 pdl is rated for 384 lbs not including the kayak. I think I'm around 300lbs with myself, the motor, two 65 ah lifepo batteries, fishing gear, electronics, and 10 gallon live bait tank. It's still very stable, I cruise all day and still haven't depleted one battery yet.
@@CaliforniaOutdoorsman thanks...too rich for my blood. I have a Sundolphin with a 250lbs weight capacity...I'll be over by about 60lbs. Do you know if outriggers provide bouyancy or stabilization only? If they provide additional bouyancy, I'd be ok as long as they were mounted firmly
@@MikeC-my4lf I think it would depend on how the outriggers are mounted. They would obviously add buoyancy but the trick would be transferring that buoyancy to the kayak. What I would do in that situation is fill a cooler or something with water to that additional weight and put it in the kayak and see how it goes.
Would a 55 lb thrust motor get thru the large scupper?
Hi thanks for watching, are you referring to the drive well?
I don't know the exact size of the 55 motor but the 45 has plenty of room. I've actually gone back to that center mount because it's less things to drag along.
If you can find the dimensions of the particular motor you are asking about I could measure it up and see if it fits.
I was going to do something very simular but a hybrid of both your setups... with the railblaza mount not behind u but ahead of u and not with the motor on the side but in the middle so that the motor would go thru the drive scupper... I think the cross bar could easily mount onto the track system already there... if u try this I'd luv to see it and hear back from u
I think it would be a clean and strong setup that would still utilize the steering