kjfishman

I fished out of a boat like that from 1989 to 2002, A Spectrum 15 foot with a 9.9. As other suggested you could easily ad a deck to the front and a trolling motor.

I read Motorguide trolling motors ending production. This leaves Minn Kota as the only sub $2k American made option I am aware of.

The big advantage of kayak fishing for me is the ability to fish places you can't easily go with a big boat. If your kayak gets so big or heavy with accessories that you have to trailer then you lose that advantage. I kayak fish out of a sit in Old Town Loon 126 with a Lowrance 5" fishfinder that can easily put in the bed of my truck. Start adding motors and power poles and you need to trailer it.

I have an Old Town Loon 126 but considering getting an upgrade to an Old Town PDL. May even sell my bass boat since I use the kayak more than it. Only draw back is the weight, I am over 70 and not as easy to toss heavy things around as it used to be.

I powered my fish finder in my Loon 126 with a Lithium 12v 7 ah battery. I managed to roll the yak and submerge the the non-waterproof case. Now the battery won't charge past 9.7 volts even after 14 hours on the battery charger. These batteries have circuit built into the battery anyone know how to reset them? The battery is a LIFEPO4 12V 7AH.

That is on the slow side but your wanting to primarily fish so not a big deal.

If you want a quality kayak for the price of a cheap big box store kayak look for older Old Town Loon kayaks on Facebook and Craig's List. They are indestructible and often sell for less than $300.

Great project. Interesting drive system.

I have mine balanced.

Having watched many Major League Fishing shows I also observed the pro's don't wear PFD's. Even when they are fishing really rough water. I think you are on to something having them set a good example.

My 12 volt bow mount trolling motor is getting tired on my 16.5 deep V. Considering upgrading to a 24V bow mount. The problem I have is there isn't room for another 12V battery at the stern. Also have a 12 v transom mount trolling motor. So I can't switch to 24v battery and be able to use the transom mount motor when I need it. I was thinking mounting a 24V 50 AH battery in the bow for the bow mount. Would 50AH give decent run time?

I found best rate with Progressive for my bass boat. Since my kayak would be easy for someone to steal out of the bed of my truck when traveling I have added protection for the kayak and gear with All State. It is very inexpensive.

Just stay with it helps keep you young. If peddling is kicking your butt maybe take up cycling to build up your legs. As we age the important thing is to remain active. I am 70 and still paddle and thinking about selling my bass boat that I rarely use and getting a peddle kayak.

I have adjustable rod holders that can hold the rods horizontally. Only one up front but have room for another.

What misery? My Old Town Loon 126 is very comfortable. I can take it places you can't go in a bass boat. I have both a bass boat and a kayak if I had to choose just one I would keep the kayak.