An install I’v only dreamed about! A Torqeedo 403 A/C on a Jackson Kayak Mayfly!! Well it all started the day Aaron walked into Delaware Paddlesports. He wanted the 2019 Jackson Kayak MayFly with a Torqeedo Ultralight 403 AC and integrated Sealect Designs Steering system!

Products Used

  • Torqeedo 403 A/C Install Kit
  • Jackson Kayak Rudder Tubing Kit
  • Jackson Kayak Stainless Steel Cable Kit
  • Sealect Designs Trucourse Steering Footbraces
  • Sealect Designs Thomble & Swage Kit
  • (4) 2″ 1/4-20 Philips pan head bolts
  • (2) 1/4-20 Well Nuts
  • (1) Yakattack Stealth Pulley
  • Pad Eyes

Install

This custom install consisted of removing the stock Fly Box storage hatches as they would not be able to function with the footbrace system. The recesses can still be used to stow tackle boxes.

The footbraces were then installed using the 2″ 1/4-20 Bolts the front locations are thru bolted and the rear ones well nutted due to the inability to reach inside the hull at that distance.

Steering cable plumbing

Plumbing tubing and steering cable were run from the stern inside the hull and out the tackle box recesses connecting to the foot braces to allow maximum turning radius.

Mounting the motor bracket

The Torqeedo mounting bracket mounts perfectly to the four bolt molded inserts on the stern of the MayFly which makes it a simple installation over the previous ball and bar mounting system. Completely a no drill motor mount install! The Torqeedo kit includes 1/4-20 mounting bolts.

Up/Dn & Reverse Lock Lines

Right Side installed is Up/Dn Line and Left Side installed is Reverse Lock Line. The lines are both run through Sealect Designs track mounted clam cleats.

Throttle Mounting

The plus of the YakAttack Throttle Mount the ease of connecting disconnecting via the Lock N Load system.

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:

Utilizing the new Torqeedo Ultralight Kayak Mount here is images of Rick W’s upgrade install. Rick was previously using the Torqeeod Ultralight 403 Ball mount system. Since his 2014 Big Rig has the four molded in inserts at the stern designed to accept the Power Pole Micro anchoring system the installation was done with ease.

Rick’s Install Notes:

“Once I figured out how I wanted to secure, it was pretty straight forward. I used 1.5 inch screws in front holes and secured the level with locknut underneath. Sets correct heights and makes mount very stable. Second set of holes was 1.25 inch screws, no need for nut as the mount rests on the hull in very back. Perfect fit with single washer on top. As far as steering, I dropped the triangle a bit and let the connectors run under the mount. Seems to work perfect and stays clear of the mount, even with complete turn radius. I use foot turning, installed with initial setup a few years back. Tremendous improvement over the arm and am ready for the water.”

Nice work Rick! Looks Great!