Adding a motor to a watercraft may give those struggling to operate one an extra push. A kayak is a watercraft that takes a lot of physical prowess to maneuver. That’s why many opt to attach an outboard motor to the PWC. If you do, following these five tips for adding an outboard motor to a kayak is vital for success.

Keep the Kayak Balanced

The primary challenge is deciding where you’ll put the motor. You need to connect the outboard motor to the kayak somehow. You’ll have to lift the electric motor out of the water, eliminating the option of installing it behind you because you need to reach the electric tiller.

A kayak mount may add a substantial amount of weight to the watercraft. And if the weight is unevenly distributed, you will have to counterbalance the setup.

Drilling the hole may be complicated for a layman. If you’re unsure about drilling, you may want to have someone more experienced assist you. Stick to fittings designed exclusively for putting motors on kayaks so you can be sure they’ll function.

Don’t Use a Large Battery

There are two things to consider when looking for a battery: size and power. Generally, there is a pound of thrust behind each amp per hour, with some motors reaching 40 pounds of thrust. Ideally, you will have a battery that lasts upwards of an hour.

Weight is another concern since a heavier battery may defeat the purpose of the motor altogether if it bogs down the kayak. A kayak motor needs to start out slow and steady, unlike a car’s battery.

Perform Preventative Maintenance

When installing anything on your kayak, the most obvious thing is to make sure you have a circuit that will preserve all the mechanical components. If a large wave from someone’s wake slams into your kayak, it could short out your battery.

Additionally, if you’re going to splurge on a high-performance battery, don’t skimp on a cheap charger. Buy the best battery you can afford to guarantee it’s in good working order, and always charge it immediately when you get home.

Lastly, adding a zinc anode to the electric motor will help protect it from electrolysis, which is any boater’s arch enemy.

Choose the Right Motor

A motor intended for saltwater can propel you through freshwater, but a freshwater motor will not fare so well in saltwater. Therefore, don’t attach a freshwater motor if you are primarily exploring saltwater. 

Whatever system you choose, keep in mind that the electric motor needs to have a kill switch. If you tumble into the water, it’s ideal for the kayak to recognize that you’ve gone for a swim rather than continuing without you onboard.

Guarantee That Your Kayak Can Handle It

Finally, can your kayak take on the extra weight? These watercraft can only handle so much additional baggage, so finding a lightweight motor is vital. The last thing you want is to be manning a kayak that’s on the verge of going under because you didn’t account for the additional weight.

Knowing these five tips for adding an outboard motor to a kayak proves how effective Bixpy’s battery-powered outboard motor is for avid kayakers. The Bixpy J-2 motor is the lightest on the market, weighing only ten pounds, and it still has the power behind it.