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PA12 Trolling Motor Test & Install (Pictures & Videos)
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Author:  BrianT [ Sun Jun 02, 2013 8:04 am ]
Post subject:  PA12 Trolling Motor Test & Install (Pictures & Videos)

I installed a trolling motor on my PA 12 this last week. The project is not quite completed but wanted to share some pictures & videos if I can get them posted here. Put the pictures in PhotoBucket and will attach a link and see if it works. Basically I purchased a Shoreline Kayak motor mount on Amazon for $52 and installed per the pictures. I tried 2 different trolling motors that I already own, an old Shakespeare 20# (inherited from my Father) and a 30# Minn Kota from my canoe (pictures and videos of 20# only). The main reason for posting is that I was not able to see any videos on how the PA will turn if the motor is just fixed in a straight forward position. Am not very excited about having cables for steering taking up space and really only want the motor to assist me as I fish or cruise the river. The mount worked fairly well for the money. Broke one bracket because I tightened a set screw too much. Had to put some PVC support on the bottom of the mounting plate to support the weight of the motors and moved the attachment points on the mount plate so the weight of the motor was on the rear PA handle. If the motor hits anything it will just pop up. For the 20# motor I took the power head off and set it in my lap. On the 30# Minn Kota I could stretch back and adjust the speed from the seat (would buy and extension handle if this is the motor I end up using long term or figure out how to remove the MK powerhead and mount near the seat). Just an FYI: the distance from top of mounting board to centerline of motor is about 22 inches.

20# impressions: Turns in about twice the radius at normal speed as it does if I'm just peddling. Moves me along about twice the speed as peddling alone at full power (based on a very easy peddling effort that I think I could maintain for a long time). Don't have any run times but I'm betting that I will be able to go a long way at full power if I assist the motor with very light peddling effort. I like having the power head in my lap instead of reaching back to adjust as I did with the Minn Kota 30# test unit. I still need to Jerry-rig the motor so I can reverse (bracket I have on this old unit is bad, so reverse just kicks up out of the water).

30# Minn Kota Impressions: Requires a larger turning radius (almost twice as large as the 20#) since the motor is larger and acts as a straight rudder (20# is also a fixed straight rudder but not as large of a motor). I like having more power if required. Ran the MK at level 3 and it about matched the 20# motor at full power. The MK is definitely heavier.

My thoughts right now and would appreciate any of your thoughts: This Shoreline mount will work for me and is cheap. Thinking about a MotorGuide VariMAX V45SW, cut the shaft down, and mount the powerhead near the seat (If anyone has pictures of how to mount powerhead please send them my way). Attach a rope/pulley so I can lift motor out when I get shallow since it just rotates at the 2 front attachment points. Probably find a speed prop so I can run at the lowest power and just give me some electric assistance while I lightly peddle. For now I'll probably just wear out the little 20# unit I have (old and probably not for salt water use which is where I will be using it), keep the MK on the canoe and buy a MotorGuide VariMAX V45 someday. Probably get a lithium battery someday also since that size 27 marine battery is a real back buster (still feel the pain).
Let me know if there are any problems viewing the pictures & videos.

Thanks, Brian

http://s1100.photobucket.com/user/Brian ... ng%20Motor

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