scuba
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by scuba on Dec 19, 2012 16:56:57 GMT
Where would we be without forums? best thing since sliced bread i say,  Hoping someone can help me mount an electric motor to my kayak! iv had a 2 man 3metre 15kilo inflatable kayak for about 1.5 years now and fancy getting an electric motor for it. iv done some searching and reacon i need a motor between 30-35 power and know that too much power could be risky and thinking of getting a 5 speed with reverse for the option of trawling and crossing the water in most weather conditions. iv noted that a deep cycle battery will be best. im keen to side mount it and iv seen the a-frame tubing design before but cant find the web address now im thinking of maybe making an a-frame from wood that could easily be dismantled for transport, im quite good at making stuff you know  . with maybe a board wide enough to make a cut out and form a box on the underside to house the battery and also make rod holders for transport/trawling. Has anyone got any tips or ideas or help would be greatly appreciated ...  |
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Post by Izzetafox on Dec 19, 2012 17:09:39 GMT
Our expert on fitting motors is Philpot.
I am sure he will be along this evening and hopefully have some advice.
Terry
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scuba
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by scuba on Dec 20, 2012 22:50:03 GMT
my post is maybe a bit vague for replys. maybe i'll do the work then post some photos in the future. then get told what iv done wrong |
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Post by Izzetafox on Dec 21, 2012 7:48:46 GMT
Scuba,
I hope you don't mind I have moved the thread to see if it attracts more comment for you.
Terry
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Post by philpot on Dec 21, 2012 9:28:19 GMT
Hi Scuba------now we are talking my lingo !!!! I have done quite a fair bit of research on electric power for a kayak and I went the route of the Torqeedo ultralight system which is expensive but superb. One of the key aspects is the battery and the weight involved. On average the 12v leisure battery is around 30kg which compared to a person is not a lot but nevertheless a hell of a weight. The Torqeedo including it's lithium battery weighs 15lbs all in and is one of the key advantages. Buying a saltwater proof electric outboard is not difficult, of course you may not need a saltwater proof motor, in which case any electric motor will do. The golden rule is that the bigger the lb/thrust, the bigger the ampage battery is needed. A 30lb thrust should do all you want and then the drain on the battery is reduced. Yuassa make more compact batteries ranging from about 2amp to 140amp so you could run a battery around 28-32amp which would give you a reasonable run time. I know of one chap who run a pair together to increase the amps or has one as a back-up. As you have an inflateable floor, battery weight is important so don't skimp on this issue. There are several outboard brackets available off the shelf and H2o Kayaks produce a good unit but if you have something else in mind, go ahead as the power produced from most electric motors does not cause a problem in term of pressure to the hull although I have no knowledge of your craft. Here is the link to my review on the Torqeedo motor installation zebrakayak.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=5089If you want to talk to me further, give me a call, I will pm you my tel number. Phil |
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scuba
New Member
Posts: 4
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Post by scuba on Dec 23, 2012 16:22:27 GMT
thanks for ur reply phil but the torqeedo is well out of my budget range, the minn kota is highly regarded for reliability and in my price range. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sevylor-Colorado-2-Person-Inflatable-Kayak-/140580887234?clk_rvr_id=429911977009thats the kayak i have, iv seen a bracket called a sidewinder outboard a-frame designed for it but for the life of me i cant find it now. the floor of it is rigid once inflated but i dont intend on putting the battery on the floor. my idea is to cross both side walls with a wide plank of wood that could be used as another seat with the outboard mounted on it and rod holders and a battery compartment mounted on the underside of it |
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Post by philpot on Dec 23, 2012 23:53:26 GMT
Ok, I'm with you. The Minn Kota is a good motor with many people having used them for years. The battery is still the problem area however and a normal leisure battery is in my mind too heavy to suspend under the plank arrangement.
If I could suggest you look at the performance figures from the Minn Kota you are most interested in and establish what the running time would be for a 28-30amp battery. If that is satisfactory, then I would perhaps go for the much lighter battery, it is also much cheaper than the 80-120amp leisure battery often used in boats.
The battery HAS to be as low as possible to the floor for stability reasons so please bear that in mind when fitting the battery compartment. I will get in touch with a friend of mine to see what he gets from his outfit which is going to be similar to what you are looking at and let you know.
Phil
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Post by philpot on Dec 24, 2012 11:40:21 GMT
Right Scuba, I have some more info for you.
My friend runs a 32lb motor with either a 55amp or two 20amp linked giving 40amp.
The rough calculation is for every 1lb thrust you will use 1amp at full speed which in his case is 4mph at full speed. So a 65amp battery runs a 32lb motor for approx 2hrs.
A lead acid battery looses it's power at 50% so instead of getting 8 miles out of the battery, you would probably get in the region of 6 miles from a fully charged 65amp battery at full speed. It must be stressed that at lower speeds the battery life will be increased by some considerable margin so if speed is not too important a lesser amp battery may well do you for a days fishing but I think two lesser amp batteries will be easier to suspend below the wooden platform.
If I were you, I would be tempted to run one battery of say 28amp or similar on the river or large lake at full power and see how long it will run for, if you have a gps, you can see the distance traveled and then make an informed decision as to how many batteries you need. You will probably not get the same speed from your kayak as the hull will not be as efficient in the water as a rigid contoured rotomolded hull.
The cost of a 85amp battery is £100 approx so it gives you an idea what the outfit will cost you. One last point, if you go for a Yuassa gell battery, remember that you cannot charge them on a car battery charger, you will need a special charger but they are quite cheap from ebay.
If you know someone with a caravan, try to borrow their battery for test purposes and see if you can handle the weight of such a battery. I have two 110amp batteries so if needed you can borrow one of mine if you collect from either home or my office in Sheffield.
Hope this gives you some useful information for you to make your decision.
These figures will give you a rough yard stick by which to calculate what will suit you best
Phil
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. with maybe a board wide enough to make a cut out and form a box on the underside to house the battery and also make rod holders for transport/trawling.
