Nothing matches the pride and pleasure of owning a kayak and the independence it affords. Whether you’re an adventurer or an angler, kayaking allows you to head into uncharted albeit gorgeous waters. What’s more, kayaking is being seen as a great new form of exercise, especially since it’s also a fun-filled activity as opposed to sweating it out in an airconditioned environment. However, kayaking trolling motors can be an excellent investment towards offering some relief to your arms and legs, especially during long expeditions. However, the average kayak isn’t set up to accommodate trolling motors, which is where a nifty universal trolling motor mount for kayak is immensely helpful. Not only do some kayaks not allow for easy mounting, but also most brands don’t offer mounting kits designed for their kayaks.
While you can just grab the Best Fishing Rods and Best Fishing Nets and go out for angling, but if you’re a serious angler, then you need a trolling motor as well as its mount. Here, we’ve come up with a list of not only the best in the business but also a handy guide to help you choose motor mounts. To that end, here are the 13 best universal trolling motor mounts for kayak.
How To Choose The Best Trolling Motor Mounts For Kayak?
Choosing kayaking fishing accessories such as the Best Kayaking Fish Finders, the Best Tackle Boxes For Kayak Fishing, or trolling motor mounts, for that matter, need to be done with a lot of care and consideration. So, what do you need to remember while choosing trolling motor mounts? Read on.
Meanwhile, you might also want to check out the Best Trolling Motors For Kayak too.
Hardware and build
The different parts of the motor mount you’re choosing need to be well-designed with the highest quality of materials. Whether it’s the attachment hardware itself, or the metallic mounting arm of the mount of even the heavy-duty mounting plate, their durability is what decides the longevity of your motor mount. Moreover, the design of the mount needs to be rigid and not bendable. Otherwise, the mount will fail when it’s exposed to even moderately-sized or rough waves or water currents.
Durability
An aspect that’s closely connected to hardware and build is durability, which is a factor of how the motor mount is made. Go for motor mounts that are made from stainless steel, anodized aluminum, UV-stabilized reinforced plastics, or marine-grade aluminum which are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater conditions. These are versatile without compromising the durability or the longevity of the product.
Installation
Installing a motor mount on your kayak isn’t the easiest job in the world. In fact, it’ll take a good amount of drilling and DIY to get it together and place it on your boat. On average, most good motor mounts take about an hour to mount, especially if you have to drill holes in your kayak too. In fact, there are some mounts that are designed to fit inside kayaking rod holders, which can be very convenient for people who don’t want to drill holes into their kayak’s hull.
Why is it important to have a good quality motor mount?
There are too many kayakers who skimp on a good quality trolling motor mount, only to end up with disastrous consequences, For one, a poorly-made mount can easily slip into the water, costing you lots of money to replace it with another one. Another problem with poorly-made motor mounts is that many people end up doing a DIY project while attaching them to the boat. These might leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, especially if you’re just starting them for easy navigation to rest your arms. There’s a reason there are professionally made mounts as they stay firmly on the boat, as opposed to ones made on your own.
Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth Motor Mount (CU)
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Available in a camouflaging marsh brown, the Beavertail 2000 Series Stealth Motor Mount is an excellent trolling motor mount for the kayak. The versatile and stable mount can be used with both an electric trolling motor as well as a 2 HP outboard motor. What’s more, it’s extremely easy to install as well as remove, making it easier for you to push off into the water quicker. Although it can only easily be attached to the Beavertail Stealth 2000 series of boats, it works on other boats too with a little bit of drilling work. Even the composite and plastic wing nuts and hooks that come along with them are of good quality. Rounding up the features is that it fits perfectly onto the kayak, despite allowing attaching to only one particular spot on the boat.
Pros:
- Durable, sturdy, and strong.
- Simple installation process.
Cons:
- Can be attached to only one spot on the kayak.
- Some users said that the bolts were slightly short.
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RAILBLAZA Kayak Motor Mount (CU)
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Another universal trolling motor mount for kayak is the RAILBLAZA Kayak Motor Mount, which can be installed on your boat in a matter of just half a minute. Hence, if you’re desperate to head down to your favorite fishing spot without paddling like a madman and tiring your arms and legs out, then this Railblaza mount is your best friend. Not only does it fit almost all kinds of kayaks perfectly, but also it can be mounted with all kinds of motors sans jeopardizing its stability. While it requires a certain amount of assembly, the mount comes with all the hardware necessary for installing it. Finally, it allows you to quickly make the transition from paddling to motor ready in a matter of minutes, even out on the water.
Pros:
- Comes with StarPort HDs and mounting fasteners.
- Quick to install and remove.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that they also needed extra brackets to attach the mount to the kayak.
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Old Town Standard Canoe Motor Mount (CU)
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One of the best trolling motor mounts for kayak is the Old Town Standard Canoe Motor Mount, which extends superb and incredible amounts of support to kayak motors. The mount is extremely rigid, which means you won’t have to deal with trolling motor issues such as less propulsion or diminished overall efficiency. The versatile and reliable product can be mounted with either a gas motor or an electric engine with up to 3 HP. Thanks to the entire mounting kit that comes with it, including a heavy-duty aluminum bracket, the motor mount is strong and robust to boot. So, you don’t need to use any DIY activity or tools to ensure a sturdy grip. The best part? This universal mount is reversible, which means it works for both right and left-handed boaters alike.
Pros:
- No extra tools are required to tighten the mount.
- Reversible and thus works for both right and left-handed people.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the screws aren’t really too strong.
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Procontroll RMIEZ010 Trolling Motor Mount
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Yet another excellent universal trolling motor mount for kayak is the Procontroll RMIEZ010 Trolling Motor Mount. Extremely easy to install, this Procontroll motor mount offers support to a kayak motor weighing as much as 50 lbs. So much so, that there’s absolutely no need to even torque down the knobs. All you need to do is turn them slowly and controlling the boat is a breeze. Moreover, there’s even an adjustable underside exterior bracket that allows for easy installation without any tools. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a quick-release clamp, large ergonomic knobs for ease of mounting and dismounting, stainless steel hardware as well as fiberglass-reinforced nylon for strength and long-lasting durability.
Pros:
- Reinforced nylon for durability.
- Easy to mount and dismount.
- Ergonomic knobs.
Cons:
- Some amount of tension is required to get it set correctly.
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Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount (CU)
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One trolling motor mount for kayak that features on almost every list is the Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount. The extremely versatile kayaking motor mount improves the performance of the kayak to no end. Sturdy and strong, this motor mount can be attached to either side of the boat. What’s more, it can be used with an electric motor with a thrust of as much as 35 lbs, and it still won’t impact its stability or build. Plus, It can be installed as well as removed from gunwales in a matter of minutes. Besides being adjustable for different hull widths, this motor mount comes with a two-year warranty and can be affixed with both gas and electric motors. The two-side nylon motor clamp and the marine-grade aluminum track bar ensure that the product lasts you a long, long time.
Pros:
- Works for different hull widths.
- Durable.
- Can be mounted with both gas and electric motors.
- Two years warranty.
Cons:
- No instruction manual.
- Small base.
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Harmony Canoe Motor Mount
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The Harmony Canoe Motor Mount is one universal trolling motor mount for kayak that works amazingly well on and for most canoes and boats. The heavy-duty and versatile motor mount offers exceptional levels of support to all kinds of electric trolling motors, and fixing one on this mount doesn’t take much doing. With a few small tweaks and customizations, this motor mount can be fixed on either side of a kayak without any hassles and easily. You can mount a trolling motor with up to 35 lbs of thurst on this mount, and it still won’t affect the stability of your canoe. Finally, it can be attached and detached to most gunwales, which makes it one of its topmost selling points.
Pros:
- Works with almost all kinds of kayaks.
- Durable and strong build.
Cons:
- Rounded tabs offer a slightly lesser grip.
- Small black handles.
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Old Town Side-Saddle Canoe Motor Mount (CU)
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Yet another excellent trolling motor mount for kayak is the Old Town Side-Saddle Canoe Motor Mount, whether it’s an electric motor you want to mount or a gas one. This motor mount is famed for its flexibility and versatility and is known to provide tons of support to your kayak for affixing the motor stably and properly. Not only is installation and uninstallation a breeze, but also operating this motor mount is an absolutely easy task. Since it sits right in the bow of the boat, you don’t even need to keep turning to operate the motor, which is an excellently convenient touch. What’s more, this Old Town motor mount can easily hold up to a 3 HP engine, all thanks to the heavy-duty and rust-free aluminum bracket.
Pros:
- Can be mounted to the side of the kayak.
- Durable and heavy-duty.
- Highly adjustable and stable.
- High quality.
Cons:
- Unsuitable for wood-trimmed canoes.
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Brocraft Fishing Kayak Trolling Motor Mount
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One universal trolling motor mount for kayak where you don’t have to necessarily modify your kayak is the Brocraft Fishing Kayak Trolling Motor Mount. It’s one of those motor mounts that fits perfectly within your fishing rod holders. Hence, installing this mount shouldn’t take more than half a minute, unless and until you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing. What’s more, even dismounting it is an easy task, which means that it can be used across all kinds of kayaks and fishing rod holders without causing any damage. Furthermore, you can even adjust the clamps effortlessly by simply sliding and releasing the mount, as well as change the position of the mount itself too! Extremely stable, this motor mount even comes with heavy-duty zip ties as well as straps to keep it securely and firmly in place.
Pros:
- Motor mount can be adjusted for different hull widths of different boats.
- Works for both right and left-handed people.
- Hassle-free installation.
- Made from marine-grade alloy and nylon for extreme durability.
Cons:
- Multiple adjustment points need proper tightening.
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Watersnake Kayak Motor Bracket (CU)
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If you’re looking for a good electric trolling motor mount for kayak, then look no further than the Watersnake Kayak Motor Bracket. The infinite angle of the mount allows it to be compatible with both Watersnake motors as well as other motors with a shaft diameter of up to 25 mm and a thrust of up to 24 lbs. Moreover, its universal design means that it fits most boats with no adjustments required. The lightweight material combined with the revolutionary design makes it perfect to be installed on even smaller boats. While following the included instructions to set it up might take time, it’s very easy to install and remove once it’s actually set up for use. Placed at the bow of the kayak, this sturdy motor makes for an excellent buy.
Pros:
- Easy to install and remove once set up.
- Universal design.
- Infinite angles for adjustments.
Cons:
- Instructions are slightly difficult to follow.
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Shoreline Marine Canoe/Kayak Trolling Motor Mount (CU)
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The Shoreline Marine Canoe/Kayak Trolling Motor Mount is one of the best universal trolling motor mounts for kayak, and for more reasons than one. To begin with, it comes with a pair of secure attachment arms that hold on firmly to your kayak. Secondly. trolling motor bracket of the motor mount attaches to your kayak within minutes, thus making it easy to install and remove. If that wasn’t enough, it attaches itself to all kinds of motors, all thanks to its universal mounting brackets. What’s more, the brackets can be adjusted into four different positions for attaching in the way that’s best suited for you. It even features a mounting footprint as well as a quick-release pull knob and makes for easy maintenance and storage too.
Pros:
- Easily attachable and removable.
- Universal mounting brackets.
- Comes with secure attachment arms.
Cons:
- Not long-lasting.
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Intex Motor Mount Kit
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Are you looking for a trolling motor mount for kayak that’ll best fit your Intex boat? Then consider the Intex Motor Mount Kit for Intex Inflatable Boats, which are compatible with both the older as well as the newer models of Intex boats too. So, it works well on the Seahawk II, Mariner 400, and Excursion 2, 3, 4, and 5 as well as Challenger 2, 3, and 4. Besides easy attachment and detachment, the mount even disassembles extremely quickly, making it great for you to push off into the water quickly. Made from marine plywood complete with heavy-duty aluminum support arms, the mount is as durable and long-lasting as it gets. The best part? It allows for attaching up to 3.5 HP electric motors, making this one versatile mount.
Pros:
- Compatible with most Intex inflatable boats.
- Attaches and detaches quickly.
- Durable.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that it doesn’t come with the entire kit/
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U-BCOO Bracket & Hinge Assembly Electric Trolling Motor Mount (CU)
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Yet another universal trolling motor mount for kayak is the U-BCOO Bracket & Hinge Assembly Electric Trolling Motor Mount. Made from high-strength and durable nylon plastic, this versatile and robust mount boasts a maximum width of six inches with a maximum transom thickness of three inches. Perfect for shaft sizes of 1.25 inches, this mount comes with a whole set of well-designed stainless steel hardware. Adjustable to a rotation of 90 degrees, this motor mount also comes with two wires and a head for easy installation and de-installation. With a little amount of DIY and patience, this one works as one of the best motor mounts that cost less than $60.
Pros:
- Well-built and durable.
- Adjustable.
- Comes with the whole kit.
Cons:
- Some users mentioned that the tilt mechanism jams sometimes.
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Wilderness Systems Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount
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Topping the list of best trolling motor mounts for kayak is the Wilderness Systems Universal Transom Trolling Motor Mount. The mount suits motors with either 70 lbs of thrust or up to 3 HP best. Armed with a rectangular mounting hole pattern, the mount offers a universal fit for any boat or kayak with a flat spot on the stern big enough for the hole. Thanks to its heavy-duty 13-gauge stainless steel build, this motor mount will last you a long, long time without getting corroded, damaged, or without showing a decrease in terms of efficiency. Furthermore, the marine board backing plate keeps the clamp secure and tight, ensuring no slippage. Rounding up the features is the fact that it weighs just 2.7 lbs and costs less than $100!
Pros:
- Universal rectangular mounting hole pattern.
- Universal fit.
- Heavy-duty stainless steel build.
Cons:
- Slightly expensive, but worth it.
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