How to Mount a Trolling Motor to a Canoe

beached canoe image by Tanya McConnell from Fotolia.com

Canoeing can be a relaxing hobby that gets you outdoors for some exercise and fresh air. But if you do it a lot, you know that sometimes you get tired, and you just don't want to paddle anymore. Add to that those who use a canoe to go fishing and don't want to paddle from fishing spot to fishing spot. This is where a small trolling motor can come in handy. They aren't large and bulky, and they aren't extremely loud. Mounting one on a canoe can be done quickly with the proper tools.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Canoes with Pointed Ends

Things You’ll Need:

Motor mount

Step 1

Take the horizontal bar of the motor mount and attach it to one end of the canoe at the top. Tighten the clips that are on the mount to the sides. They could be clamps or a bolt type attachment.

Step 2

Take the outboard motor and attach it to the outside of the canoe on the mount. There are clamps or bolts that come with the mount that allow you to attach the motor.

Step 3

Check the motor to make sure the bolts are going to hold it by rocking the boat. If the motor or mount seem loose at the clamp area, tighten it more.

Canoes with One Flat End

Step 1

Use the mounting hardware that comes with the motor to attach it to the flat end of the canoe. This is for canoes that have one flat end or stern.

Step 2

Rock the boat to ensure that the mounting hardware is secure. Tighten more if necessary.

Step 3

Take either mounted boat for a ride on the water to test it out.

Step 4

Tighten further if necessary.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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