The story:

A pretty neat install which I brainstormed up within an hour. A customer came into Delaware Paddlesports a little over a month ago sharing the same passion as I. He is a photographer. Although I don’t venture much into wildlife photography too often this is Geoff’s hobby.

Geoff was looking to get into a kayak for more options to frame wildlife in their habitat. He was interested in a sit on top kayak that he could lay prone on and set up his camera to catch that shot of a lifetime. I recommended the new 2020 Jackson Kayak Kilroy HD or the new 2020 Jackson Kayak Yupik. He seemed set on the Yupik. However due to cost decided to go with a leftover 2019 Jackson Kayak Bite in Granite.

With the extra money he decided to go with the Torqeedo option that I had informed him on. The Bite is the perfect Candidate for the Torqeedo Ultralight 403C.

The Torqeedo Ultralight 403C Uses the orignal ball and bar mounting system but is teamed up with the long life 915 wH battery!

Install:

Since there is no inside hull access on the Bite I used the molly bolts that are included in the Ultralight 403C install kit. These stainless steel anchors once inserted and tightened down expand the metal prongs that flower out to hold the anchor in place.

The Sea-Lect Designs Kayak Adjustable Footbrace w/ Rudder Control (Black) replace the stock Jackson ones using the molded in brass hull inserts for a clean no drill install.

Using the Jackson Kayak rudder tubing kit and 1/16″ stainless cable I ran the lines within the tubing on top of the deck rails utilizing pad eyes as guides which I riveted in. Then terminated the Cables at the motor steering triangle using Stainless Steel Thimble and swages which i heat shrink wrapped. Then added Nite Ize Size-2 S-Biner Dual Carabiner, Stainless-Steel, Black.

For the controller mount I used a YakAttack Mightymount XL Track, 6″ and the Yakattack Throttle Mount for Torqeedo W/LockNLoad Mounting System, 4” ext.

The Up/down lines I also ran through the pad eyes on right side to the Sea-Lect Designs Clamcleat Jr for locking the motor in the up position Controlling Up/Down and Locking in the down position.

This was a really cool and fun install!!

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.

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:

So you have installed your sparkling brand new Torqeedo Ultralight 403 electric outboard. How do you maintain it? Maintenance is always good practice for protecting and getting the most longevity from your investment. Being an electric motor the Ultralight 403 has very low maintenance.

Cleaning off your Motor:

After a day out on the water its always good to rinse off your motor. Remove dirt and mud that may have accumulated. Also remove any weeds that may have wrapped in the prop. This is always a good time to inspect the propeller for any foreign objects such as fishing line.

For use in saltwater its good to rinse off with soap and a brush off the motor thoroughly. Just about the entire motor system is aluminum which will discolor and pit over time. Using a soap such as simple green a brush and some water clean off the entire system after each use.

Keeping Connections Clean:

Over time power and data connections become dirty. The gold plated electrodes are easy to clean by spraying them down with WD-40. Drain the residual out the plug. Then insert each end into the battery. Then pull out and reinsert them.

Capping Connectors:

Personally I like to cap my connectors after use. Using Screw Protector and Pipe End Caps on the connectors keeps out dirt and sand that could cause a connection to fail. They also protect against damage to the pins in the connectors. Bent connection pins will result in the cable failing.

Cleaning the Throttle Controller:

Over time salt, dirt buildup, and grime can bind down your throttle handle. Its good practice to rinse the throttle controller after use but often this is forgotten. If it becomes bound up and doesn’t seem to stop propulsion simply fill up a tub with about 3/4″ of warm water. Set the throttle int he water on its side with the throttle handle. Let soak fr a good 20 minutes. This should dissolve salt from the unit.