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:

Hanging out at Delaware Paddlesports a few weeks back a friend of mine was on the phone purchasing the new Hobie Compass. She has been kayak fishing for years and went from Paddling to Pedaling due to health issues and then from pedaling to using the Torqeedo Ultralight 403 as assistance. Now she was looking to get on a Compass due to it being less weight than her current kayak. Speaking with her she wanted to install the Torqeedo on the Hobie Compass and use the compasses rudder to steer. This article runs through a Hobie Compass Torqeedo Ultralight Install!

Installing a fixed steering Torqeedo Ultralight on a Hobie Compass is fairly simple. A few aftermarket accessories and hardware are essential to a clean install. This is a no drill install with the motor mount but does require minimal deck hardware for guiding the Trim and Lock lines for the motor.

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Aftermarket Accessories Used:

Hobie Power Pole mounting plate for Hobie Compass

Rigging hardware

(2) Sea-lect Designs Track Mounted Clam Cleat

(2) Pad Eyes

(3) Sea-lect Designs Kayak Deck Line Guides

(2) Suncore Stainless Steel Caribeners

(2) 1″ #10-32 Pan Head Machine Screws

(2) 3/4″ #10-32 Pan Head Machine Screws

(4) 1/2″ Nylon Spacers

Hobie Compass Torqeedo Install

The no drill motor install utilizes the Hobie Power Pole Adapter Plate for the Hobie Compass. The plate adapts to 4 molded in brass inserts The hardware included with this kit is not needed. You will need to acquire 1″ #10-32 screws and also 1/2″ nylon spacers to raise the plate up to allow the ball mounting hardware clearance.

The Ball placement is on the forward right corner of the flattest portion of the plate. Once the ball is mounted attach the motor and align it to the center. Mark the area to be drilled for the rubber brace. Install and tighten everything. Tighten the clamp with holes on the pylon and place pin to fix the motor position. The prop will face away from the stern and be centered properly.

Running the trim and lock lines will require 2 Sealect Designs track mounted clam cleats. Attach the Suncore carabiners to the end of the 2 lines. Attach to the Trim Fin on the motor. Run the lines to the desired location at the seat. Now place the Sealect Designs Kayak Deck Line Guides to guide the lines. Drill and rivet. Mark and drill for the pad eye location in line with the trim fin of the Torqeedo. Cut the length of desired line at the clam cleat and finish off with a knob.

Installation complete!