DIY Kayak Trolling Motor Mount: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adding an electric trolling motor to a kayak is an absolute game changer that makes fishing way more enjoyable (here’s how).

And a DIY kayak trolling motor mount allows you to attach a trolling motor to ANY kayak to fit your specific kayak designs at less cost.

So how to make a trolling motor mount for my kayak?

If you are looking for a simple DIY kayak trolling motor idea, don’t miss out on this homemade PVC trolling motor mount setup that’s cheap and strong.

Now let’s do it yourself and make a DIY trolling motor mount for your kayak with only a few dollars and a few hours!

Table of contents:

Editor’s Note: This is just a simple DIY trolling motor mount plan that doesn’t require drilling holes in the kayak. If you want a really nice and complicated mount, it’s always recommended to look around and see what others have done with your specific kayak make or model.

Why DIY Kayak Trolling Motor Mount

Although kayak trolling motor mounts now come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, you still see DIY mounts everywhere. They are doing it for big reasons:

• A DIY trolling motor rear mount is cost-saving. It’s obviously nice to get something that works out of the box but it usually costs a pretty penny compared with the homemade kayak trolling motor mount.
• The DIY trolling motor mounts can be customized to fit your specific kayak designs or requirements. For example, you can control the distance from the trolling motor to the kayak so that the motor won’t hit the side or back of the kayak when you raise it from the water. Also, you may include extra features to the homemade trolling motor mount such as storage compartments.
• Some boaters might make DIY kayak trolling motor mounts just to enjoy the satisfaction of building something by hand. If you are handy enough with chopping and wiring, it’s a fun hands-on project to make yourself a trolling motor mount.

Required Materials

Here are the necessary materials for the DIY kayak trolling motor bracket:

• (2) 1 1/2 in diameter PVC pipe
• (1) 8 foot 2 x 4 plywood
• (4) 1 1/2 in screws and bolts

Here are some crucial tools used in the DIY trolling motor mount for kayaks:

• Measuring tape
• Hand saw
• Drill
• Safety gear: Gloves (Optional)

DIY Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Steps

Making a DIY kayak trolling motor mount can be easy using just PVC pipes, bolts, and a short board. Here is a steps guide to walk you through the process.

Step 1. Put the PVC pipes where the rod holders are in the back of your kayak. You can slide some smaller diameter EMT conduit inside the PVC to beef it up.

Step 2. Measure the 2×4 plywood out and mark it to the size that you need so that you can fit the trolling motor on the side. You might need some extra length sticking outside the kayak to clear the trolling motor prop when it comes up.

Step 3. Cut the 2×4 plywood to the exact length according to the mark.

Step 4. Drill the PVC pipes with two holes, screw in the 2×4 plywood board into place and tighten it up.

Step 5. Install the trolling motor on the DIY trolling motor mount and now you are ready to go.

Note: You may replace the 2×4 with aluminum and plywood pieces to hold the motor if you want a more sturdy DIY trolling motor mount.

If you want an easy solution to make your DIY trolling motor setup to work, it’s best to choose a lightweight trolling motor with an integrated battery such as ePropulsion eLite and Spirit 1.0 Plus. That way, you don’t need to worry about the wiring and battery configuration.

Tips for DIYing Kayak Trolling Motor Mount

The above DIY trolling motor tutorial is only for rigid kayaks. If you are looking for DIY trolling motor mounts for inflatable kayaks, there are tons of videos, tutorials, and resources online.

Here are some additional tips to follow when DIYing your kayak trolling motor setup:

• Choose an ideal DIY kayak motor mount type (side mount or transom mount) based on the kayak size, weight distribution, and boat control.
• If you are going for a DIY kayak trolling motor side mount, you can add a counterweight or outriggers for additional stability.
• Take the weight of your motor into consideration on your DIY trolling motor mount plan. Choose lightweight materials to avoid adding unnecessary weight to the kayak.
• Check the motor size before making the DIY kayak trolling motor mount plan. Always make sure the mount is appropriate for the kayak’s size and weight capacity to avoid imbalance.
• It’s suggested to put your kayak at waist height when making your DIY kayak trolling motor mount. That way, the trolling motor won’t hit the ground during installation.
• Make sure you get the correct size and type of the DIY trolling motor mount for your specific motor and kayak model. Also, ensure compatibility with the trolling motor’s shaft size and weight.
• Add waterproofing to protect wooden components in use.

DIY Trolling Motor Mount Maintenance

Regular and proper maintenance is crucial to making your DIY kayak trolling motor mount last long. Here are some basic maintenance tips to keep the motor mounts in optimal condition:

• Remember to inspect the DIY kayak trolling motor mount in a regular basis. Pay special attention to the signs of wear, damage, or loose connections.
• Before every trip, check the bolts, screws, and brackets, and make sure everything is tightened to reduce vibrations and movement in the water.
• Clean the DIY trolling motor mount regularly and ensure it is free from any obstructions or debris that could affect motor performance.
• Remove the salt residue or debris if you are using the DIY trolling motor kayak mount in the saltwater.

Conclusion

A reliable DIY kayak trolling motor mount can elevate your boating experience to the next level by adding stability to the motor and improving maneuverability on the water. If you have other creative DIY kayak trolling motor setups to share or any problems for your specific kayak model, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.