San Diego & SoCal Fishing Forums

Hello all. Recently purchased the nucanoe unlimited. I want a trolling motor for it. I was looking at the motorguide xi3/xi5
Also the nk/180/300, would prefer the bow mount though. Something with spot lock.
Minkota?. Need some help from fellow kayak owners. This is my first kayak. It will be used on weekends locally, fresh water only.
Been reading reviews and seems like a 50/50 like, dislike as well as.water rust issues/cs. I am also unsure what trolling mount to search for on the nucanoe unlimited with the motorguide. Not sure if it's just a universal fit or if one is made specifically for the unlimited.
I'd appreciate any help/recommendations pros and cons you can lend. Thank you

No matter what motor you use . Don't forget to register the boat and display the CF numbers properly . Looks like a cool setup .

I see pics with bow mount and stern mount motors. If you want to take advantage with spot lock features, go bow mount. If you stern mount, it will spin and you’ll be facing backwards which you can get used to but your maneuvering will be easier with bow mount.

I have motor guide on my boat and the remote control is super easy compared to other brands I’ve tried. I’m satisfied.

I appreciate the responses. Thank you.
If mounting on the bow, would i need a rudder in the rear to help the kayak run straight?

Yes, I'd recommend adding a skeg to it for tracking. Here's a guy on reddit who did it:

https://www.reddit.com/r/kayakfishing/c ... ?rdt=51585

I run the Xi3 w/GPS on my Hobie PA14 and always run with the skeg and rudder down. If you can swing it, I'd get the GPS version. Spot lock comes in very handy on lakes like El Cap and Barrett with the wind.

Like above comment it’s better but you’ll be alright without one to get started, especially if you use the auto pilot mode when going the distance on the trolling motor-it will keep you from over correcting. Pulling vs pushing gives you more control. The wind might still push you around a little if you’re going really slow. I would carry at minimum a half paddle incase you ever have motor problems plus you could also use it quickly to make any necessary navigation adjustment or rudder if the wind is super bad. You may want to look into a spud pole also for a shallow water anchor. Nice thing with a yak, if the wind gets really bad, you can always beach it on a point and fish the bank where you normally wouldn’t be able to get to on foot.

I’d also look into an anchor too.

Appreciate it everyone. Could anyone recommend a good online retailer for kayak accessories?

My first couple kayaks, I bought everything through the big two:

YakAttack: https://www.yakattack.us

KayakFishingSupplies: https://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/ka ... es/paddles

My last couple kayaks, I knew what I wanted, so mostly just went to individual vendors, as well as amazon.

Huge help, thank you^^^

Finally arrived, the building has begun