Electric Motors to augment paddling

[Wayne Wells]

What is everyones perspective on electric trolling motors in the back country.

The company below has what seems like an ideal product for the Everglades and was wondering about folks views. I saw this at the Miami Boat Show last year. In the context of my broken back and lack of endurance.

Look at the product before weighing in.

 

Web page

http://www.torqeedo.com/us/hn/products/ultralight.html

 

Image of product mounted on kayak

http://www.torqeedo.com/index.php?eID=tx_cms_showpic&file=uploa...

 

 

[vivian]

I've also looked at the Torqeedo with interest for use on a square back or gheenoe style canoe for the backcountry. One day when I have room for more boats.

There are some local kayak fishermen that have outiffted their Native kayaks (canoes) with custom trolling motors to fish in. Here is another source for kayak motors and outriggers:

http://www.islandhopperoutboards.com/kayaktrollingmotors.html

My opinion is that if a trolling motor will help extend your range and fun on the water then by all means get one. WIth your back problem, are you able to pole a canoe? Just wondering about yet another way for you to get around especially along the shallow areas.

[Wayne Wells]

Oh, I'm generally "good to go" as far as that goes. I can walk, talk, and chew gum at the same time with no problem. My problem is that I have no stamina in my back muscles. Pushing my push mower around my miniscule lawn can be a challenge, while on the flip side, I can ride a bicycle for miles.
Anything that requires my back to be bent over from the horizontal is the problem.
Walking = Okay
Shoveling a pile of dirt = a multi-day task.

[Wayne Wells]

My question is mainly centered around the "No Motor Zones" that I've seen posted. Is that a hard fast rule, or is it directed at gas engines?
Electric or not, the torqueedo is a motor. Be it quiet and or not.

[vivian]

It is my understanding although I could be wrong about this, if the areas are paddle/pole/troll then it allows electric motors. No Motor means No Motor so paddle/pole only.

[Wayne Wells]

Is it legal to have a trolling motor on a boat in a no motor zone?
The torqueedo can be hoisted out of the water, but it isn't easily removed from it's mount.

[Jared E]

I know the sign that connects Coot's Bay to Mud Lake specifically state that any motor "must be removed from the transom". So you can use an electric motor but you have to be able to remove it and stow it on the boat when you're in the NMZ. At least according to the signs. Last time I was out there a flat bottom aluminum boat was zooming through Mud Lake into the Bear Lake area. On their way back I waved them down to inform them they were in an NMZ. But apparently they were part of a research team. So I guess you can use a motor if you're doing "research". I am going to apply for a federal grant to "research" the affects fly fishing has on juvenile tarpon in Mud Lake so I can use a motor ;-) No not reall. Plus, I like fishing from my kayak way to much, but it sure would be nice for those days when you want to go to Bear Lake but the gate is locked.

-Jared E.

[Gary M]

Here is what I understand the rules to be... they are location specific:

In the NMZ up near the space center you cannot have a motor... period. I cannot even be stowed in the craft.

In the NMZ zones in ENP you can have a motor stowed, but not on the transom. Neither can be run.

In Pole/ troll zones you can use an electric, but must not use a combustion motor, although the later can be on the transom - lifted.

Wayne, specific to your back problem... just this summer I decided to try an electric on my canoe, side mounted, in anticipation of the upcoming poll/troll rules in Snake Bight. The most remarkable downside that I did not expect was just how hard it is to handle the weight of the 12V battery and the electric motor itself.

Removing my electric motor from the "transom" is do-able, but a bit strenuous... and not something to even attempt in less than calm water. This past weekend I had to enter a creek to remove it... marginally breaking the rules as I did actually pass the sign. Moving that battery to and from the canoe at the ramp or launch is potentially a disaster. I would not even attempt either one with back problems.

[Wayne Wells]

So one of these pedal powered machines like the Hobie or Native Watercraft is okay?
What risk of there of fouling the fins on the Hobie, or the trolling motor style assembly on the Native?
Moving batteries wouldn't typically be a problem, but paddling through miles of grass as was just discussed in another thread isn't in my future either. That heavy pulling over many hours is what gets me.