The story:

A pretty neat install which I brainstormed up within an hour. A customer came into Delaware Paddlesports a little over a month ago sharing the same passion as I. He is a photographer. Although I don’t venture much into wildlife photography too often this is Geoff’s hobby.

Geoff was looking to get into a kayak for more options to frame wildlife in their habitat. He was interested in a sit on top kayak that he could lay prone on and set up his camera to catch that shot of a lifetime. I recommended the new 2020 Jackson Kayak Kilroy HD or the new 2020 Jackson Kayak Yupik. He seemed set on the Yupik. However due to cost decided to go with a leftover 2019 Jackson Kayak Bite in Granite.

With the extra money he decided to go with the Torqeedo option that I had informed him on. The Bite is the perfect Candidate for the Torqeedo Ultralight 403C.

The Torqeedo Ultralight 403C Uses the orignal ball and bar mounting system but is teamed up with the long life 915 wH battery!

Install:

Since there is no inside hull access on the Bite I used the molly bolts that are included in the Ultralight 403C install kit. These stainless steel anchors once inserted and tightened down expand the metal prongs that flower out to hold the anchor in place.

The Sea-Lect Designs Kayak Adjustable Footbrace w/ Rudder Control (Black) replace the stock Jackson ones using the molded in brass hull inserts for a clean no drill install.

Using the Jackson Kayak rudder tubing kit and 1/16″ stainless cable I ran the lines within the tubing on top of the deck rails utilizing pad eyes as guides which I riveted in. Then terminated the Cables at the motor steering triangle using Stainless Steel Thimble and swages which i heat shrink wrapped. Then added Nite Ize Size-2 S-Biner Dual Carabiner, Stainless-Steel, Black.

For the controller mount I used a YakAttack Mightymount XL Track, 6″ and the Yakattack Throttle Mount for Torqeedo W/LockNLoad Mounting System, 4” ext.

The Up/down lines I also ran through the pad eyes on right side to the Sea-Lect Designs Clamcleat Jr for locking the motor in the up position Controlling Up/Down and Locking in the down position.

This was a really cool and fun install!!

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.

In conjunction with Delaware Paddlesports I was able to complete this amazing Torqeedo Ultralight 403/AC install. Neil S took alot of time and reasearch for his complete install. He had many great ideas as he attempted to do a Drill Free motor install on his Hobie PA 12. We took a look at it and Neil allowed me to Drill 8 Small holes in his beloved Hobie. Here are the results!

Utilizing Sea-lect Designs Tru-Course Steering footbraces we were able to make the Hobie Pro Angler Torqeedo 403 completely Hands Free steering. I have done many installs in the past which integrated the Torqeedo with the Rudder hand steering of the Pro Angler. This is a great option for most users. However can be limited.

• Not Completely Hands Free
• Only about 120 degrees of total steering motion
• High Torque on the Hobie Rudder Steering System

The Install:

Parts Needed:

• Hobie Power Pole Mounting Kit
• Jackson Kayak Stainless Steel Rudder Cable Kit
• Jackson Kayak Rudder Tubing Kit
• Torqeedo 403/AC Kit

Plumbing the Hobie Pro Angler is pretty Simple. Drilling holes using 15/64″ drill bit for rudder tubing. This will make the hole tight on the tubing and should not require any silicone to seal although it is not below the waterline. Run cables. Secure tubing with wire clamps. I used the existing mesh pocket screws and the 2 screws beside the seat that hold the foam in place.

The footbraces are mounted below the ridge 1 1/2″ to the top. This requires a 1/4″ drill. Center the motor and using the foot brace small hex keys provided to center the foot pedals. Then tighten and swadge or cable clamp the ends. We cut back the top rail plates to allow the foot braces to operate freely.

Install Gallery:

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.