[Paddlewise] Trolling motors

Hi all,


I have a bad case of "medial epicondylitis" in 
both arms from paddling and typing. I have been
through physical therapy and occupational therapy
and been told to give them (my arms not the therapists)
a rest for this paddling season.

So, a friend of mine installed a trolling motor
on my plastic Necky Looksha. I have had it out 
for a test run and its an absolute hoot! It is 
a nice solution within its limitations.

The basic details follow:
* wooden mount just aft of the front hatch

* motor rests in adjustable height mount 

* motor can be mounted on port or starboard side of boat

* cable runs under bungies (near coaming) to rear hatch
  goes through hull 

* cable has a plug end by motor and "unravels" into
  two sets of attachment wires in rear hatch

* two sealed gel batteries in rear hatch

* steering and speed control done via an extension
  of the motor's handle 

* various sealants, deck fittings and only 4 new holes
  were used in the refit of this boat

* various "safety precautions" are built-in on mount,
  in cables, fittings, etc

* it is easy to breakdown for transport

* Details available upon request.

CAVEAT: 
This is NOT an optimum solution! Probably not
even sensible, but it is fun within its limits!

Please realize that this vehicle is intended
for use on flat water and in the presence of
an "attendant." Keep your PFD on, your paddle
ready and your kayaking buddy within 10 ft!

The counter-weight setup of motor and batteries works
well in flat water and in gentle current. Winds and
waves make the boat much harder to handle. 

A capsize will ruin the motor and the whole set-up
would make re-entry very difficult - read: dangerous.

OK, now, everyone be sure to flame me!

wounded in Minnesota,
-chris
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