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.

A new YakAttack LokNLoad Mounting System is now available for track mounting upcoming Yakattack Accessories!

YakAttack LokNLoad:

The LockNLoad system allows GearTrac mounting without the ability to loosen when twisting the desired accessory to the left. Previously the Screwball mount when turned to the left would loosen the mounted accessory. This resulted in occasional lost gear and accessories. The LockNLoad is its own separate mechanism that when inserted into the track and hand tightened will not come loose. The LockNLoad system will be compatible with many upcoming Yakattack accessories!

The mount works with the accessory to release, pivot, and lock in place with the simple flip of a latch. By pressing the latch the accessory will not detach but will pivot to a multi point location..

List of current Accessories:

YakAttack Omega Rod Holder with Track Mounted LockNLoad Mounting System

YakAttack Omega Pro Rod Holder with Track Mounted LockNLoad Mounting System

YakAttack Lowrance Fish Finder Mount with Track Mounted LockNLoad Mounting System

Soon to come:

Humming Bird Fish Finder Mount

Camera Mounts (Different Options)

A Free Lowrance FishReveal software update is now available for download at Lowrance.com!

Whats in the Lowrance FishReveal Update:

The update Installs Lowrance FishReveal software. This enables the ability to display 200kHz broadband overlay within 455/800kHz down scan on the Elite 5Ti. The update also allows CHIRP pulse scan overlay on the HDS Carbon and Gen3 Units. A feature that was not available previously. Previously you could only overlay downscan imaging on the 2D display, but this option did not show nearly as much detail. This update on the HDS Carbon and Gen3 models enables a clearer image utilizing the CHIRP sonar frequency. There are also new color palettes available for the HDS Carbon only.

Also with this update is a new C-MAP version which are an upgrade to Lowrance’s Base Chart Maps. It allows for better plotting and routing to the way point at the shortest and safest distance. This can be used with Navionics also. As kayak anglers we tend not to plot courses very often. This new feature isn’t really an advantage for us.

The free update however is only available on Elite Ti, HDS Carbon and Gen3 models.

You can get the update at Lowrance.com or simply link your unit to a wifi internet signal and update it there.