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.

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!