Accessories - Killer Kayaks!

Can You Put a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?

Kayaking is one of those serene activities that you crave. It’s perfect for those of us who enjoy the water and want to explore new areas…but if you want to move a little faster in your kayak, then get ready to be delighted.

Sometimes, kayakers will find themselves in situations where they will need a boost or extra help to get where they need to go. That’s where trolling motors come in. In fact, the first time I heard of this possibility, my jaw dropped. But let me slow down and let’s tackle the question:

Can You Mount a Trolling Motor on a Kayak?

The short answer is, yes, you can put a trolling motor on a kayak!

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However, before you set out to do this, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to understand that a trolling motor is a propulsion system designed for larger boats and it can be a little challenging to mount it on a kayak.

Second, you should also think about the effect it will have on the kayak’s maneuverability and speed. With that being said, if you do still want to put a trolling motor on your kayak, then I’ve got the hookup for ya.

How to Mount a Trolling Mother on a Kayak

Putting a trolling motor on your kayak isn’t complicated. It comes down to choosing the right motor and battery for it and then mounting it well. Here we go:

#1. Choose the right motor

When choosing a trolling motor for your kayak, you need to consider its weight, size, and power. You do not want to choose a motor that is too heavy for your kayak and affects its stability and speed.

This is an important tip because it affects your safety. A motor with a power range of 30-55 pounds is ideal since it’s lightweight and compatible with most kayaks.

#2. Choose the right battery

Your trolling motor will need a battery to run. You need to choose the right battery: one that’s not too bulky and can fit easily into your kayak.

A rechargeable battery with 12 volts and 30-60 amperes is ideal.

#3. Mount the motor correctly

Once you have chosen the appropriate motor and battery, it’s time to mount it correctly on your kayak.

To do this, you can choose a DIY option and mount it on a mounting plate attached to your kayak’s stern. Alternatively, you can also use a kayak trolling motor mount that can bolt into the scupper holes on your kayak which is a bit easier than the DIY option!

#4. Practice operating the kayak with the motor

Now that you have mounted the trolling motor on your kayak, it’s time to test the living hell out of it and I mean that!

I cannot stress this enough: I made a rookie mistake the first time I mounted one of these puppies to my kayak and took it out for a serious kayaking trip. It wasn’t mounted well and my kayak tipped over. Luckily, my buddy helped me and it’s a happy ending. Just please do not skip this step.

Before you hit the water, make sure you have gotten the hang of operating the motor. Remember, it will take time to get familiar with operating the motor, so it’s important to practice on super-calm waters first.

Is a trolling motor safe to mount on a kayak?

Yes, a trolling motor is safe to mount on a kayak if you take proper precautions.

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As directed above, make sure to choose the right motor, battery, and mount for your kayak and practice operating it in calm waters before you hit the open seas.

These motors have been on the market for quite some time and have become increasingly popular with kayakers. Personally, they’ve made my kayaking trips a 100% better.

Is it legal to put a them on a kayak?

The answer to this question depends on where you live. In some states, it is legal to mount a trolling motor on a kayak, while in others, certain restrictions may apply. You should check with your local laws before mounting one on your kayak.

Here are the states where it is legal to mount a trolling motor on your kayak:

Alabama
California
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Louisiana
Mississippi
New York
North Carolina
Oregon
Tennessee
Texas

How fast will a trolling motor push a kayak?

However, laws change all the time and while we keep this information updated, please check your local and state laws.

The speed of a trolling motor pushing a kayak depends on the size and power of the motor. Generally, small motors with 30-55 pounds of thrust can push most kayaks at speeds of about 3-5 mph. Larger motors with more than 55 pounds of thrust can reach speeds up to 7 mph. The weight and type of kayak, as well as the weight of the paddler and any gear they are carrying will also affect speed.

Do I need to register my fishing kayak with a trolling motor?

Again, this depends on the laws in your state. In some states, you are not required to register a fishing kayak with a trolling motor.

So, the rules can be a bit like a fishing net—tangled and varied. It depends on where you’re paddling and what state you’re in. In some places, you might be able to cruise along without a care, as non-motorized kayaks usually don’t need registration.

But hold on to your paddle! In other states, like California, they might have specific rules for kayaks with motors, including those fancy trolling motors.

To find out if your kayak needs registration, it’s best to reel in the most accurate information from the state’s boating or wildlife agency. They’re the ones who know the ins and outs of kayak registration like a seasoned angler knows their tackle box.

Also, don’t forget to check out any local rules or regulations, because you never know what surprises might be lurking in those fishing holes.

Many states require a special permit or license to operate a motorized vessel.

How fast will a 55lb trolling motor push a kayak?

A 55lb trolling motor can push a kayak at speeds of up to 7-10 mph depending on the weight and type of kayak as well as the weight of the paddler and any gear they are carrying.

Keep in mind that this is just a general estimate- actual speed may vary due to wind conditions, current, and other factors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s possible to put a trolling motor on a kayak, but you need to do it safely and correctly. It’s important to choose the right motor and battery, mount it correctly, and practice operating the kayak with the motor.

With all these in place, you can enjoy a fun-filled day kayaking with the help of a trolling motor. Keep my story in mind as you don’t want a scary experience like the one I had the first time I took out my kayak with a motor!

How To Choose The Best Kayak Cart

Life can be frustrating if you never find something interesting to take your mind off of work, and just enjoy yourself for a day or two.

Unfortunately, staying at home and watching a movie, or just sleeping does not work for most people. That is where water sports, such as kayaking, come in.

In this article, we are going to look at how you can choose the best cart for your kayak, so that you won’t get tired while carrying it to the water. They’re also great for those hard to reach areas, where you have to walk a longer distance.

The Cart’s Balance

The main reason why you would want a kayak cart is to carry your kayak as close enough to the water as possible. In that regard, you are obviously going to get to a point where the ground is not very even.

The last thing you want is for the cart to be toppled by a pebble or small rock. A well balanced kayak cart has a center of gravity that is low enough to offer stability, even when rolling on uneven surfaces.

The best way to estimate how stable the cart is is to check how the kayak rests on it. If the wheels are two close to each other, then it probably is not very stable. A longer spacing between the wheels will offer more stability.

The Wheels

This one may seem obvious, but it is not. One may easily choose to overlook the type of wheel the kayak cart has, because there does not seem to be much variety.

However, you have to consider the advantages of inflatable wheels against foam-stuffed wheels. Generally, foam-stuffed wheels tend to be expensive, but they offer a long-term service.

They also do not go flat, and therefore, won’t disappoint you in case you run the cart over a nail, thorn, or anything that can puncture rubber. If you believe you run the risk of puncturing your cart’s wheel, then choose a cart with foam-stuffed wheels.

Inflatable wheels are cheaper, and offer better cushioning to the kayak. Their downside is they easily get punctured. If that happens, you either have to repair them while you are out there, or find another means of carrying your kayak.

The last option is to go for balloon tires if you are likely to pull your cart over a sandy surface. However, they are more costly than the first two options, and they run a greater risk of getting punctured, or simply going flat. Still, they offer a greater convenience when transporting your kayak along the beach.

Cart’s Frame

The overall design of the cart should be durable, lightweight, and compact. Most importantly, the paint work on the frame should be perfect. It should not come off at the slightest scratch, thereby exposing the metal to corrosion.

The frame should be compact enough to fit in your car’s trunk for easy storage, so you do not have to tie the cart, along with the kayak, on the roof rack. Another important feature that the kayak cart should have is a longer and stronger strap.

As time goes by, the sun’s rays will weaken the strap, and if it was not strong enough in the first place, it will snap when you least expect it. Needless to say, that could cause significant damage to your kayak.

Some kayak carts do not have straps, and instead, come with parts that are designed to plug into the kayak’s scupper holes. If you choose that design, make sure that the cart will easily fit into the scrapper holes, and the kayak will rest securely on it.

The advantage of the plug-design is if you get a perfect fit, it is a lot more convenient to use than the straps.

Lastly, if the frame and wheels are both light enough, then that is a plus. You will not have to worry about the cart when kayaking.

Even if it were to slip into the water, it will remain afloat and attached to the kayak, if you did not loosen the straps.

Conclusion

Overall, the choice of cart you are going to buy will depend on where you plan to go kayaking, and how much you are willing to spend.

Like most things in life, you get what you pay for; you should, therefore, focus more on quality than price. We hope that you found this article to be informative, allowing you to buy the best kayak cart you can.

PS. If you’re on the prowl for your own kayak, you can read our Oru kayak review first.

How To Pick The Right Aquatic Shoes

There’s no better time to invest in water shoes than during the summer season, but you should know that a good pair of shoes should be usable year round. There are many different kinds of water shoes you can buy out there, and each kind has its own beneficial features that differ from the next.

Depending on which water activity you’re participating in, you can also expect to get different water shoes for the best protection and experience altogether.

Kayaking

If you’re looking for water shoes for kayaking, you want ones that are slightly more flexible than usual. Kayaking water shoes are typically made out of neoprene, a synthetic rubber that will keep its flexibility through a wide range of temperature levels.

This is important, mostly for comfort’s sake, considering that you could be paddling for hours at a time. Even if you were just a beginner, and would only go out for short periods of time, the perfect pair of shoes are the ones that will allow you to go on paddling for as long as possible. Make sure you have the perfect fit to go out in your Sun Dolphin Bali 10 sit on kayak.

Water Sports

You might not automatically think about water shoes when you’re doing water sports, but having the proper shoes could actually elevate your level of skill. These shoes would be perfect for water activities such as rafting, paddleboarding, surfing, and jet skiing, among others.

The main feature you’d want to look for with water shoes, in this category, would be lightness. Water sport shoes are generally made with thin, synthetic materials that allow for quick movements. You’ll also want to look for shoes that provide just enough cushioning to absorb the shocks that you normally would experience when participating in active water sports.

In addition, it’s important to get shoes that have enough grip to provide you with ample control, when it comes to slippery surfaces.

Swimming

Most people get water shoes for the sake of swimming. There are different types of shoes you could get, depending on the type of water terrain you’re swimming in.

Either way, the most important feature to look for, in this aspect, is protection. When you’re swimming near a rocky beach, you’ll want to get shoes that can protect you from possible cuts and scrapes that you might get from stepping on sharp rocks.

Protection can also come in the form of proper cushioning. In addition, you’ll want shoes that can give you traction in unstable, sandy bottom surfaces in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Your water shoes should give you traction, while being lightweight at the same time. You’re not going to want to feel your shoes on while you’re swimming.

Another important feature to look for in water shoes, for swimming, is how quickly they dry up. Most mesh fabrics are popular options for water shoes, because of their quick drying capabilities.

Boating

With boating shoes, you’ll want to pay attention to the exterior properties more. Breathability is an important factor, especially since you’ll be out of the water a majority of the time. You’ll want shoes that will dry quickly as well. You never know when you’ll get wet on a boat. Style is crucial for many, and boating shoes definitely have a wide range of styles you could choose from, and many brands.

Other features that are important, when it comes to boating shoes, include grip, platform stability (for standing in motion), and of course, comfort.

Conclusion

Whatever water shoes you may end up getting, the most important thing to look for is quality in materials. Water tends to break down materials faster, so you’ll want to get high quality water shoes that can last you a while, and protect your feet at the same time.

Top 5 Water Filter Bottles For Extreme Hiking

Water is life, unless it contains something harmful, and then you’re in trouble. Unless you have boiled your water or treated it, then you can never be too sure of its safety, especially if you are on the go and have to depend on fountains, rivers, and other sources to refill your water bottle.

The good news is that if you are an adventurous person who loves hiking, camping, and any other leisure activity, you can still drink safe water if you invest in a water bottle with a filter.

Here is a list of some of the best water bottles for hiking, which will filter out parasites and other harmful substances.

#1. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

This bottle has a two-stage filtration process that gets rid of 99.99% of waterborne parasites and bacteria. When you are preparing for a hike, you can use it to filter tap water at home, and carry it with you.

However, if it runs out before you get back home, this bottle will filter water from puddles, ponds, and streams. Although it filters parasites and bacteria, it will not remove viruses, heavy metals, salt water, or chemicals. LifeStraw does sell other bottles that will remove viruses.

The filter is very easy to clean, and it is long-lasting, since it can filter up to 264 gallons of water. The bottle weighs 5 ounces, making it light enough to carry, and it is also leak-proof, so you will not worry about wasting any drops of precious water.

One of the downsides of this bottle is that it is expensive, selling for over $30, and it cannot filter out any bad tastes and odors. Also, some people find it difficult to suck water through the straw.

#2. Gray Inc. Ultralight Water Purifier Filter Bottle

This purifier bottle is efficient, since it filters and purifies the water very fast, within 15 seconds. It not only filters out soil particles, but also eliminates up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria, parasites, as well as dangerous metals.

It weighs 10.9 ounces, therefore, it is easily portable for your hiking trips, and can filter up to 40 gallons of water before requiring replacement.

Aside from purifying and filtering water, it will also remove any odors from it. You can use it with any freshwater source, and it has a capacity of 16 ounces; though it is also costly, going for $60 or more.

#3. Life Defender Filter Water Bottle

This Life Defender bottle has a 2-stage filtration process that is both coconut activated, and chemical free. It carries 700 ml of water, and can filter 1,500 liters before needing filter replacement.

It can purify 99.99% of heavy metals, bacteria, chemicals, and parasites in water and the company offers a 100% quality guarantee. It costs about $37, and each dollar you spend on a bottle is a donation to Water.org.

#4. Aquaovo Alter Ego Frio Personal Water Filter Outdoor

This stainless steel, and thermal-insulated bottle goes for about $60, and can filter not only tap water contaminants, but also river parasites. This makes it the ideal bottle to carry with you during your hikes, or other outdoor trips.

#5. Survimate Water Filter Bottle

For the price of about $30, you can invest in this filter bottle that uses precise, coconut shell carbon to eliminate bacteria, parasites, and metals.

It also gets rid of other contaminants that you are likely to find in outdoor sources of water, including rivers, lakes, and ground water.

Its only downside is that it can take some time for the water to filter through, and when it does, the flow can be slow, initially.

Conclusion

With these great options to choose from, you might as well start packing your Oru Bay for that hiking trip you have been postponing, because you could not get a reliable water filter bottle. Now you have no excuse!

Top 5 Kayak Paddles – Best Bang For Your Buck Edition!

As almost everyone knows, some kayaks come with paddles and some do not, so you have to purchase them separately. That’s when you have to do your research into a paddle that will be suitable for the type of kayaking you will be doing.

There are many paddles to look at, with different price variations, depending on ease of use, material, weight, and more, but which one is the best kayak paddle? We will keep expanding on this guide, but for now, take a look at these best kayak paddle options to see if they would be a nice fit for your particular activity.

Best Kayak Paddles On The Market:

1. Carlisle Magic Plus – Polypro Blades/Fiberglass Shaft

If you are looking for a paddle that is light and durable at the same time, you cannot go wrong here. Made from glass-filled polypropylene, you can expect a high impact paddle that will have an impressively long lifespan. The Carlisle Magic Plus has a weight of 35.6 oz, is 220 centimeters (a little more than 7 feet) long, and comes in 3 colors, Cloud, Sunrise, and Dark Cherry.

It is also available in lengths of 230 centimeters and 240 centimeters. The paddle is designed to perform powerful and smooth strokes, all thanks to its symmetrical shape and the slightly spooned shape of its blade.

The shaft is made from flexible fiberglass, which provides the holder with a sturdy paddle stroke, along with a slight flex that is necessary to significantly reduce stress along the joints. The blades are filled with fiberglass too, which means that it is not only durable, but it is significantly lightweight too. If you are looking for a paddle that is designed to take a beating, this one certainly takes the cake.

Some people might find it a little bit of an inconvenience that there are only very small movements that are allowed between the two pieces, due to its stiffness. However, adjusting the configurations of the paddle is quite easy to do. It is convenient that it can be broken down during transport too.

At the price that it is offered, it is certainly one reliable paddle. No wonder this one made it as our #1 best kayak paddle selection.

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2. SeaSense X-1 Kayak Paddle

Probably one of the best-priced paddles on the market today, the SeaSense X-1’s lightweight blades will be a huge plus for users that don’t want to end up straining their arms too much when using this paddle. The paddle is made up of two pieces of blades that are made from black molded plastics. The shaft is a two-piece construction fashioned from aluminum.

For buyers that are looking for both comfort and value, this is one good purchase that will certainly deliver. While there are users that may find the overall length of the paddle, at 84 inches, to be a tad bit short, this makes for a really excellent spare.

The SeaSense X-1 is designed to float in the water, and it is equipped with paddles that have adaptable angles. The blades can be turned to three different positions, depending on your preference. While the paddle does feel lightweight, it does not feel flimsy at all, which ensures that it can carry out some really vigorous strokes when in use. The cushioned grips attached on the shaft makes for some comfortable paddling.

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3. Aqua-Bound Sting Ray Posi-Lok

For people who are looking for a well-constructed paddle that is lightweight and sturdy, this is one excellent buy. Considering the price, the high standards in which this product is created is certainly notable. The light weight of the blade means that it is able to easily slice through the water in a smooth fashion.

The strong build of this Aqua-Bound paddle allows it to be used to improve one’s overall performance. The quality carbon used to construct the shaft lends a larger circumference to the handle, but it is also responsible for giving it a sturdier feel. The paddle is designed to be detached and adjusted, and there is a two-button release on the shaft to perform this feature.

The excellent material with which the product is made ensures that it is able to resist corrosion. There is a slight flex on the shaft, along with a low weight on the swing, as a result of the carbon construction of the shaft. The strength and stiffness of this best kayak paddle option are further enhanced by its carbon fiber blades. Overall, this is one sturdy paddle.

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4. Werner Camano 2 Pc Straight

This Werner Camano paddle boasts of the ideal balance between durability and weight, thanks to its careful handcrafting using pressure molding. It is sturdy and lightweight, thanks to its carbon and top-quality fiberglass blend design. For the kayak users that really value a well-balanced paddle, this one will certainly live up to expectations.

The paddle’s 2-piece design means that it can easily be broken down. This ensures easier transport, as well as storage when not in use. The paddle also features an adjustable Ferrule System, which ensures that the feather can be easily adjusted to different angles.

When on the water, it can be noticed how the kayak paddle creates minimal flutter, which makes it possible to create forward strokes that are exceptionally flawless and smooth. Drag is also reduced thanks to the asymmetrical shape of the blades. This selection for our best kayak paddle list is able to easily and smoothly pull through the water. It does not require a tight grip, so it greatly reduces stress on the wrist and arms.

These blades are beautifully crafted. Since they are designed to glow while in the water, it helps lend more visibility as you paddle. These mid-sized blades are also designed to keep the user’s lap dry, thanks to its drip rings. It’s meant to be used with a touring kayak.

Check out the Werner Camano 2 on Amazon!

5. Bending Branches Angler Classic Kayak Paddle

If you are looking for a kayak paddle with features that are angler-friendly, then this classic offering from Bending Branches would be ideal for you. This is certainly the paddle of choice for those that love fishing excursions. It is designed with a built-in retriever for hooks, which is quite useful if you need to rescue lures, free snags on the lines, as well as on those occasions where you need to land a rather massive fish.

Its Angler Classic’s fiberglass shaft lends a lot to its overall durability. It is also fashioned with a measurement system, which makes it easier for the avid fishing enthusiast to get a good recording of the measurements of his catch, both in centimeters and inches.

The length of the paddle allows the user to have it raised high up in the air, which lends to a more minimized splashing the moment that it touches back down in the water. This helps if you are using it to fish, so as not to scare a potential catch away. It is designed to have a lower angle for paddling, which results in less water that drips toward the boat.

The paddle is impressively sturdy, and for people that are looking for quality at a good price, this one is a clear winner. The fact that it offers some really interesting features, on top of being your usual kayak paddle, makes this a really fun piece to have around.

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This best kayak paddle option also comes with a snap button ferrule, which ensures easier storage and transport. If you love some extra features on your paddle, this would be quite an interesting purchase.