Hobie eVolve Torqeedo - Electric Motor for Kayak - First Impressions

[Yak Fish]

403, outback style...rudder fully independent.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]10833[/ATTACH]

Nice, thanks for that. So he didn't opt to run the steering to the motor?

[FRED driver]

Nope. That way once at your location, raise motor out of the water and use mirage drive with sailing rudder as normal for fishing...out of the way, no drag, no lost rudder authority. When ready to move, lower the motor with the down line and steer with the rudder. Motor provides locked centerline thrust.

[Yak Fish]

Nope. That way once at your location, raise motor out of the water and use mirage drive with sailing rudder as normal for fishing...out of the way, no drag, no lost rudder authority. When ready to move, lower the motor with the down line and steer with the rudder. Motor provides locked centerline thrust.

I like that. That's what I think I may do. I'm not clear whether or not the cross member as the second support is needed. The instructions say you may or may not need it, suggesting that the thicker walled angling kayaks may not need it. I guess it can't hurt, but I wasn't planning on that. If I need it, it's only a quick trip to the hardware store. Thanks again for the shot.

[Memory Maker]

Use the support .......... Tried it in Mine and if could see the plastic flexing just slightly. Also, I tried to lock my steering down on the PA and it didn't work well. Only when I hooked it to the steering drum did it work great ........ Could be different with the Outback because of the size and location of the rudder.

[Yak Fish]

How does your dad like that setup? I wonder if having the motor off to the side naturally wants to veer the boat to the left. I think that also precludes attaching to the steering...not sure if that's a big deal or not but MM's comment above gives me pause to consider it.

I was going to mount it right behind the hatch in which case I couldn't do a support. I've seen a couple of videos for the Revo and that's where they'd mounted it...and tied the steering together, which I would do with some quick disconnect type thing. I'll have to get the thing in my hands to guage whether or not I think it'll be structurally sound and not get in the way of the rudder.

I also pivot the Outback off the back of the hull to hoist it into my truck. I'll want to be able to loosen the bolts quickly and rotate the whole motor assembly inside the back compartment area for that reason as well as to keep everything in board during transit and storage.

There's a lot to think about to make sure everything is smooth and seemless. At any rate, your dad's solution will work for me if I can't figure out a different way. I'd just like to have the option of attaching to the steering...just in case.

[Yak Fish]

Guys, I just did something last night that I should have done years ago. In anticipation of having a battery to store on the yak, I raise my crate so that it fits beneath it in it's "garage." I made it of simple 1" PVC and raised it 8", which is taller than I needed, but the size was right for the pouches that I bought to attach to it. Once it was raised, it looked like a crate on a stand, but then I attached additional zippered pouches and clip on pouches from Home Depot. They were cheap and they sell them right in the tool belt/bag area. Conveniently, they sell 9" plano boxes right next to them and I can get two of those boxes in one pouch. The pouches are document pouches measuring 12" (the same width as the crate) by 8" tall. I put 3 of these around the crate leaving the the 4 side facing the stern open to easily slide the battery in.

These pouches can hold soft plastics, tackle boxes, gloves, sunscreen....whatever. I just added a whole lot of storage capacity where I was jamming things to fit before. I should have done this years ago. It also gets the crate up off the wet floor area and gives easier access to the crate. It's still stable even though the CG is higher.

[Skidsteer]

Guys, I just did something last night that I should have done years ago. In anticipation of having a battery to store on the yak, I raise my crate so that it fits beneath it in it's "garage." I made it of simple 1" PVC and raised it 8", which is taller than I needed, but the size was right for the pouches that I bought to attach to it. Once it was raised, it looked like a crate on a stand, but then I attached additional zippered pouches and clip on pouches from Home Depot.

Any pics of that setup?

[Yak Fish]

Yah, I'll put up some pics with the motor installation which should happen this week if everything goes according to plan. I plan to be at the meet and greet as well.

[sparky1423]

The pressure got to me...just pulled the trigger! The WWD reports put me over the edge...once the sticker shock wears off, I might feel good about the decision Haha

[Memory Maker]

Uh oh ........ Another Torqeedo Defender ....... Lol

[Yak Fish]

The pressure got to me...just pulled the trigger! The WWD reports put me over the edge...once the sticker shock wears off, I might feel good about the decision Haha

Welcome to the club! Congrats dude. I've used it twice now and there's no way I could have covered that much water two days in a row. I'll never miss the money, but the memories I have from it already are worth way more. By the way, it took me not very long to tangle my first line. It happens quick. I had just finished fighting a fish so my second line was just out there. My elbow bumped the reverse throttle just for a second and wound up a bunch of line. I went to shore and easily got it undone but that was for such a brief second. Any longer and it would have been disassembly. I recommend pulling the safety switch when not planning on using it.

Did you go Evolve or 403 Ultralight?

[Yak Fish]

Alright, I've got to get this thing registered within 30 days but it seems so darn complicated. What exactly do I need to identify a plastic boat that didn't need to be registered that now has a motor. That option isn't on the list.http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/r...ion/#documents

[sparky1423]

I went evolve. You did a great job on the install Alan, but my borderline OCD cannot handle the up/down ropes. I know it doesn't justify the extra money...i'll just sacrifice some rudder control. If I ram someone by accident, i'll just blame it on them or the current!

I am going to call the DNR tomorrow and register over the phone. They will take credit cards. I briefly looked at the online application and it seems like there are some gray areas for kayaks...I have a feeling I'll screw it up.

Welcome to the club! Congrats dude. I've used it twice now and there's no way I could have covered that much water two days in a row. I'll never miss the money, but the memories I have from it already are worth way more. By the way, it took me not very long to tangle my first line. It happens quick. I had just finished fighting a fish so my second line was just out there. My elbow bumped the reverse throttle just for a second and wound up a bunch of line. I went to shore and easily got it undone but that was for such a brief second. Any longer and it would have been disassembly. I recommend pulling the safety switch when not planning on using it.

Did you go Evolve or 403 Ultralight?

[Yak Fish]

I went evolve. You did a great job on the install Alan, but my borderline OCD cannot handle the up/down ropes. I know it doesn't justify the extra money...i'll just sacrifice some rudder control. If I ram someone by accident, i'll just blame it on them or the current!

I am going to call the DNR tomorrow and register over the phone. They will take credit cards. I briefly looked at the online application and it seems like there are some gray areas for kayaks...I have a feeling I'll screw it up.

Alright, you go first then tell me how to do it!