Many people are surprised to find that you can put a trolling motor on a canoe. However, canoes are often ideal for fishing boats, but they have a workforce that can be a disadvantage.

Many people even install trolling motors on canoes. Before you try, it is essential to know what you are doing. Here is what you need to know to install a fishing motor on your boat.

Canoes with a trolling motor have many advantages and are very easy to set up and learn. Using a trolling motor makes for a comfortable and stress-free fishing experience while providing the best access to the best fishing spots.

Can you put a trolling motor on a canoe?

Yes, you can put a trolling motor on a canoe. You just have to be careful about what type and size of motor you use.

Contents

Types of Trolling Motor
Material and Size of trolling Motor:
Conclusion
FAQs

Types of Trolling Motor

There are two main categories of trolling Motor that people commonly fit canoes.

Both are trolling motors.

The two types are:

Electric powered trolling Motor.
Gas-powered trolling Motor.

Electric powered trolling motors:

Electric motors are much lighter and smaller than gas motors. With the engine, you not only lose weight, but you can also lose more weight because you don’t need a tank of heavy gasoline.

Electric motors are easy to install with a clamp, and many modern motors have more features and power than high-performance gas troll motors.

Most electric troll motors today have features such as screens that allow you to track and save your routes and locations, GPS and automatic steering systems, and a standard that measures the “amount of water” remaining in the battery.

An excellent electric troll motor will power your boat for years.

Voltage requirements for an electric trolling motor:

Typically, one 12 volt battery is needed for every 60 pounds of thrust. The heavier your boat, the more voltage or battery you will need. Electric fishing motors that fit nicely in a kayak usually run on 12-volt, 24-volt, or even 36-volt batteries.

Therefore, before opting for an electric troll motor, you should estimate and evaluate the total weight of your boat to ensure that you do not lose power while sailing. While you can always use your seat belt, it is best to know these things to avoid accidents and inconvenience along the way.

As a guideline, experts recommend buying a 12-volt electric motor when you need 60 pounds of thrust and 24 volts when you need 80 pounds of thrust. For those who need more power, a 36-volt battery is required to get 105 pounds of propulsion. Most kayaks, however, use 12-volt electric motors because the kayaks are light and do not withstand heavy loads well. For this reason, many kayaks do not have a gas engine installed. Some do.

Gas-powered trolling motors

Most canoes that use a gas-powered trolling Motor in their boat take precedence over speed and power over others. Electric gas engines are much heavier than electric motors and also more significant.

In addition, they require a gas tank that takes up more space in the boat, and the added weight of gasoline is a significant disadvantage when using these engines. It’s also loud and can be confusing at times. Gas electric engines also require more regular maintenance than their electric counterparts, which can be a problem for most people. On the plus side, gas engines are much more powerful than electric motors, and with a full tank, they will likely keep the boat moving for a long time with regular use.

An electric boat can be overcome by carrying an extra battery that weighs less than a gas engine. Powder gas engines are more powerful and allow you to stay afloat longer. Electric motors weigh less and require less maintenance. Horsepower for gas troll engines.

Trolling motor propulsion is measured in gaseous horsepower (horsepower)

The more power, the better the management. Note, however, that the control is also directly proportional to the weight of the Motor. Therefore, you may want to balance everything for your yacht by taking into account the boat’s total weight, including its cargo.

As a guideline, 100 pounds of weight will need 2 horsepower to move the boat. And when you take into account other factors like wind and current, you need to adjust and increase the thrust.

For most kayaks, a 2 horsepower gas troll motor is usually sufficient. Too much horsepower can send your boat ashore just as a powerful gasoline engine can drive a boat out of control, as we have shown here. This article will tell you about the dangers of installing a powerful gas engine in a boat that was never designed for use.

How to put a trolling motor on a canoe? Step by step:

Step 1:

Cut an 11-inch-long block to mount your Motor. Attach one end perpendicular to the tripod or 2×4 hardwood. Make two holes in the center of the block to attach to a flat or 2×4 strip. Insert the carriage bolts from above and tighten the washers and nylon nuts.

Step 2:

Place the newly made piece (mounting bracket) where you want it on the top rail of your boat, and I suggest about 2 feet from the back of your boat. Place the remaining 2×4 (rider) and mark them to fit the vessel so that it fits snugly under the railing, then cut the line. Tip: Before cutting, make sure there are no floating frames to interfere with this piece. In this case, move the entire structure an inch in each direction and pay attention to your bracket.

Step 3:

Install the mounting bracket under the bracket and drill holes two inches from the top rail to insert the screws. Install the screw through the frame and secure it with a washer, lock washer, and wing nut from the end of the base. Repeat with the other hole, and your arch is ready to move.

Material and Size of trolling Motor:

Can you put a trolling motor on a canoe? For this, you can visit your local hardware store with this list and build it yourself.

4- flat washers
2- lock washers
2- wing nuts
2- nylock nuts
1- extra-long ¼ inch drill bit
4 feet of thick flat bar, or even a hardwood 2 by 4
4 feet hardwood 2 by 4 (for the block and brace)
4- six-inch-long ¼ inch carriage bolts

Conclusion

Adding a trolling motor on a canoe can make your days on the water even better than now. If you can move quickly to fish, you can catch more than ever. Fishing also allows you to go boating more than ever.

Once you’ve bought and installed your new fishing motor, you can enjoy the water in new ways. Enjoy, stay safe, and enjoy every minute you spend on your canoe!

FAQs

1. Is it legal to put a trolling motor on a canoe?

Yes, it’s legal to ride a trolley boat. Once the engine is installed, you’ll need to register and take ownership of your boat. Always carry it with you when out on the water, as security personnel can request it at any time.

2. What type of trolley motor should I have on the canoe?

Most people use an electric motor for fishing their boats, although there are gas options. In general, selected trolley motors are cheaper and pose less of a risk. If you’re using an electric motor for fishing, you need to make sure that there are batteries in your boat.

3. How fast is a boat with a trolling engine?

Troll motors are only built at speeds of 3 to 5 mph. It doesn’t matter how small the boat is or how big the trolling Motor is. Larger engines can have more thrust, but they don’t make you faster. Trolling motors are built for low speeds because that’s what you need when fishing.

A different type of engine can help you go faster. Make sure you don’t install too powerful motors on the boat as it can damage the boat.

4. How Much Trolling Motor Do I Need for a Boat?

Most small fishing machines are big enough to be used while canoeing. Due to their design, they offer sufficient power for small craft. Use only smaller fishing motors on your boat, as larger motors can damage the boat.

With a very long boat or a multi-person boat, you might be able to use a larger motor for fishing. Nonetheless, you should make sure your boat can support the weight of the motor and the batteries needed to power it.