The TKFS aluminum steering bracket was an excellent alternative to the stock bracket but it lacked the steering control that I always wanted. Shortening the diameter of the steering bracket was key to enabling the ability to turn quickly. Though motoring a kayak on the water you will never turn on a dime. This modification makes it pretty close! Torqeedo Full Range Steering Mod was a much awaited for idea that I finally put into motion.

My list of expectations are as follows:

1. Narrower turning radius
2. Additional responsive  steering
3. Increased Speeds in forward operation (longer upper boom)

Torqeedo Full Range Steering Mod Application:

Tested and working the new mod allows the Ultralight 403 to make very responsive tight turns with less motion of the steering foot braces. The full range of motion covers 180 degree pivot of the pylon.  The DIY mod consists of a Aluminum SHF30 30mm Flanged Shaft Support Block which replaces the stock steering bracket or TKFS Aluminum aftermarket bracket.

Parts Needed:

Aluminum SHF30 30mm Flanged Shaft Support Block

5/16″ x 3″ Stainless Steel Eye Bolt

5/16″ Nyloc Nut

(2) SS 1/4″ Fender Washers

(1) SS 1/4″ Lock Washer

Marine Grade Anti-Seize

Tools Required:

(2) 1/2-Inch Combination Box-End Open-End Wrench

5mm T-Handle Ball-Hex Key

Installation:

Using the narrower bracket I had to relocate my steering cables to come straight out the stern. Previously I had them routed out the sides of the stern. This made a perpendicular connection to the previous TKFS steering cable links. Its important to have them as perpendicular as possible to acquire the full range of motion.

I used two Eye Bolts with the intent of connecting the steering cable carabiners to the eyes themselves. Upon setting that up I noticed the carabiners wanted to flip around the Eye. This created a clicking noise. Connecting the carabiners to the shaft of the bolt itself solved this issue. The eye has enough of a diameter the carabiners wont slip off. When installing the eye bolts be sure to coat the threads with marine grade anti seize.

Along with this modification I added a longer upper boom. I had one laying around the garage. Gaining distance between the pylon and the kayak changes the turning pivot point. This should result in a smaller radius turn. The additional distance gained was 9″ over the stock upper boom. If you refer back to my Torqeedo Modifications Video this was the reason I left 12″ of extra steering cable up at the foot braces.

The Test:

The new modification passed the testing phase with all expectations met. The steering is much more responsive. With the 180 degree added range of motion the kayak turns much faster. With the faster turning the kayak still remains stable. Additional turning response is also present while in reverse.

From my list of expectations outlined above #1 & #2 have been accomplished. I however did not notice much of an increase of speed on the Kilroy LT with the longer upper boom installed. However this does help narrow the overall turning radius.

I believe you will enjoy this mod which works along with the Sea-lect Designs Tru-Course foot brace steering system. It is a huge improvement over the longer steering bracket!

Disclaimer:

Installing hardware may cause damage and/or void manufacturer warranties.  ThePlasticHull.net its authors or any other source of information on this website is in no way responsible for your actions nor any type issues or damage that may occur.  The information provided on this website is a free reference guide only. The authors of all information, sponsors and the owners of the website that host this information are not liable for any problems or issues that arise from the use of this information. Users of this information hereby acknowledge that all use of this information is done by their own free will, at their own sole risk, understanding that destruction of property, injury, or death could occur.

Hanging out at Delaware Paddlesports a few weeks back a friend of mine was on the phone purchasing the new Hobie Compass. She has been kayak fishing for years and went from Paddling to Pedaling due to health issues and then from pedaling to using the Torqeedo Ultralight 403 as assistance. Now she was looking to get on a Compass due to it being less weight than her current kayak. Speaking with her she wanted to install the Torqeedo on the Hobie Compass and use the compasses rudder to steer. This article runs through a Hobie Compass Torqeedo Ultralight Install!

Installing a fixed steering Torqeedo Ultralight on a Hobie Compass is fairly simple. A few aftermarket accessories and hardware are essential to a clean install. This is a no drill install with the motor mount but does require minimal deck hardware for guiding the Trim and Lock lines for the motor.

Aftermarket Accessories Used:

Hobie Power Pole mounting plate for Hobie Compass

Rigging hardware

(2) Sea-lect Designs Track Mounted Clam Cleat

(2) Pad Eyes

(3) Sea-lect Designs Kayak Deck Line Guides

(2) Suncore Stainless Steel Caribeners

(2) 1″ #10-32 Pan Head Machine Screws

(2) 3/4″ #10-32 Pan Head Machine Screws

(4) 1/2″ Nylon Spacers

Hobie Compass Torqeedo Install

The no drill motor install utilizes the Hobie Power Pole Adapter Plate for the Hobie Compass. The plate adapts to 4 molded in brass inserts The hardware included with this kit is not needed. You will need to acquire 1″ #10-32 screws and also 1/2″ nylon spacers to raise the plate up to allow the ball mounting hardware clearance.

The Ball placement is on the forward right corner of the flattest portion of the plate. Once the ball is mounted attach the motor and align it to the center. Mark the area to be drilled for the rubber brace. Install and tighten everything. Tighten the clamp with holes on the pylon and place pin to fix the motor position. The prop will face away from the stern and be centered properly.

Running the trim and lock lines will require 2 Sealect Designs track mounted clam cleats. Attach the Suncore carabiners to the end of the 2 lines. Attach to the Trim Fin on the motor. Run the lines to the desired location at the seat. Now place the Sealect Designs Kayak Deck Line Guides to guide the lines. Drill and rivet. Mark and drill for the pad eye location in line with the trim fin of the Torqeedo. Cut the length of desired line at the clam cleat and finish off with a knob.

Installation complete!

TKFS Improved Torqeedo steering bracket Ver. 2

The Kayak Fishing Store (TKFS) using the stock plastic Torqeedo steering bracket has improved the rigidity by using aluminum. The lightweight but much stronger bracket can take the extreme forces for a life time of steering. The process of making these from a block of aluminum using a CNC process is illustrated below.

Having mentioned this after market part in many of my posts and videos. This is a great addition to any Torqeedo UL 403 Install!

Modifications to the original aftermarket bracket the steering points have been bored larger than on the previous version 1 to allow the carabeners to pivot more. This way they no longer have the tendency to get stuck in the up and down position.

Scroll down for The Kayak Fishing Store Link!

http://thekayakfishingstore.com/product/torqeedo-aluminum-steering-bracket/