What size trolling motor is good for a kayak?
A 35lb motor is enough for a kayak or small 8-12′ aluminum boat. The 45-55lb are better suited for slightly bigger boats and the 100+lb are for fully rigged bass boats or pontoons. The bigger the boat the more lbs are needed to maintain “trolling speed”. Typically, these motors are rated by their thrust, measured in pounds. For example, a 55lb thrust trolling motor works well for a boat between 12 and 16 feet. Selecting the right size will ensure that you get the full use out of your motor.When it comes to power and performance, a 24-volt trolling motor battery offers distinct advantages. The doubled voltage capabilities translate to more thrust, which is vital for larger boats, especially in windy or rough conditions.To determine how powerful your motor needs to be, start with your boat weight. The rule of thumb is at least 2 pounds of thrust for every 100 pounds of fully loaded boat weight (people and gear included) is recommended.If you have a 12-volt trolling motor, you can choose from several 12-volt options. If you have a 24-volt motor, you can use two 12-volt batteries in series or a single 24-volt battery. If you have a 36-volt motor, you can use three 12-volt batteries in series or a single 36-volt battery.
How fast will a 55lb trolling motor push a kayak?
Medium-sized kayaks, between 12 and 14 feet, generally need 40-55 lbs of thrust to achieve speeds of 3-4 mph. Larger kayaks over 14 feet typically require 55-80 lbs of thrust to reach speeds of 4-6 mph. Smaller vessels like kayaks benefit more from a 55 lb thrust trolling motor due to their lighter weight and ease of maneuverability. These motors can propel kayaks at speeds up to 5 mph under ideal conditions.Trolling motors calibrate speed more accurately than large outboard motors. Trolling plates are also used with larger motors to slow the boat to the desired speed. In general, trolling speeds between 1. GPS, are a good starting place for most species like walleye, trout and salmon.A 30lb trolling motor on max speed will pull about 25amps. You would have 4hrs run time with a 100ah battery. Mid speeds you would have about 8-10hrs run time. You’re never going to run it continuously or very rarely.In general, a 100Ah trolling motor battery will run a 55 lb thrust trolling motor for about 2 hours at full throttle, 4–5 hours at 50% speed, and up to 8–10 hours at 25% throttle, which is enough to meet a full-day fishing experience for anglers.A common misconception about trolling motors is that increasing thrust will increase the top speed of a motor, unfortunately, this is not the case. Electric motors differ from gasoline motors, however one measurement that can be applied to each type is Revolutions Per Minute, or RPMs.
What speed should I troll with a kayak?
There are differences of opinion about the best trolling speed or speed range. Some kayak anglers prefer very low speeds. I generally try to keep my speed in the range of 1. I am moving with or against the current). A longer kayak will have correspondingly higher ‘hull speed’, so it’s able to reach a higher maximum speed. However, it’s important to note that it requires considerable output from the paddler to get to maximum speed. In short, the slower you paddle, the less the kayak length will help you go faster.The width of a kayak mainly impacts its speed and its stability on the water. The wider the kayak, the slower it is—but the more stable it is. Recreational kayaks are 28 inches and wider, sometimes much wider. Touring kayaks are normally from 23-28 inches wide and sea kayaks are usually 21-24 inches wide.A paddlers technique plays a big role in any kayak’s performance. Shorter kayaks tend to be more stable with longer kayaks performing better when moving at higher speeds. Generally a shorter kayak is wider and longer one is narrower. Stability in kayaks comes in two forms: primary and secondary stability.Most fishing kayak manufacturers produce boats in the 10- to 14-foot range. If you’re under 200-pounds, you’ll probably be comfortable in a 10- or 12-foot kayak. But if you’re on the bigger, more-to-love side, go for a longer kayak.Small, lightweight kayaks under 12 feet typically require 30-40 lbs of thrust to reach speeds of 2-3 mph. Medium-sized kayaks, between 12 and 14 feet, generally need 40-55 lbs of thrust to achieve speeds of 3-4 mph. Larger kayaks over 14 feet typically require 55-80 lbs of thrust to reach speeds of 4-6 mph.
What is the best length kayak for fishing?
In general, the longer the kayak, the faster it will be and the more easily it will cover distances. The trade-off is a loss of maneuverability in tight spaces and difficulty in storing and transporting the kayak to launch sites. The ideal length of a fishing kayak is around 12 feet. Your Skill Level: Beginners often prefer shorter, wider kayaks for stability, while experienced paddlers can handle longer, narrower models. Intended Use: Recreational paddling: Opt for a shorter, wider kayak. Touring/long distances: A longer, narrower kayak is ideal.In general, V-hull kayaks are more efficient to paddle, with better speed and glide than flat bottom kayaks. V-hulls are typically associated with more advanced kayak designs while flat bottom kayaks are more suitable for beginners and flatwater conditions.
Are longer or shorter kayaks faster?
A longer kayak will have correspondingly higher ‘hull speed’, so it’s able to reach a higher maximum speed. However, it’s important to note that it requires considerable output from the paddler to get to maximum speed. In short, the slower you paddle, the less the kayak length will help you go faster. Length Matters For Fishing Kayaks As a rule, shorter kayaks (less than 11 feet) are more maneuverable, and longer kayaks (longer than 12 feet) are much faster. If your local waters consist of mainly small ponds, creeks, and backwaters – opt for maneuverability rather than speed.Kayak length is directly proportional to speed and handling: A long kayak will be faster and travel straighter than a short kayak; that’s the first thing to remember in choosing kayak length. So, if you’re a novice kayaker wishing to paddle short distances, a short kayak will be easier to handle.Generally speaking, the longer the kayak, the faster it moves across the water. This is due to something called the hull speed, a concept that notes how efficiently a kayak moves through the water. A longer kayak creates less resistance, which allows it to cut through the water more smoothly.
Is an 8ft or 10ft kayak better?
Longer kayaks are best for straight shots in larger bodies. So where you are going to be kayaking makes a big determination what size to consider. An 8ft will have less accurate tracking than a 10ft (meaning it will not go as straight), but would be perfect for small lakes and rivers since you can maneuver easier. The width of a kayak is also a good measure of its stability: in general, the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. So if you’re a first-time kayaker, you will benefit from a wider kayak. However, as your skills progress you may find a wide kayak is cumbersome and less efficient to paddle.A shorter waterline will result in a less streamlined passage through the water. Longer kayaks have a number of advantages: They are faster, glide farther, track better, are more stable, carry heavier loads, and are easier to paddle.