What Is a Transom Mount for a Canoe?

Canoeing is a popular recreational pastime. People canoe for exercise or for enjoying nature and for exploring rivers, streams, lakes and open water. Some people even fish from canoes. I't not unusual for canoeists to make their experience easier by attaching a motor to the canoe--but there is a certain way to attach a motor properly and a specific kind of motor that should be used.

  1. What is a Transom?

    • A transom is the flat vertical surface across the stern (back) of a boat. If there is no transom, the boat has a pointed stern, as do canoes. This is where the motor would be attached.

    Types of Transoms

    • There are a few types of transoms: a transom stern is raked aft (leans towards the back), a reverse transom is raked forward, and a notched transom has a recess in the hull near the stern, which allows for better water flow toward the motor's propeller.

    Transom Mount

    • A transom mount is a type of motor that is attached right onto a boat's transom.

    Transom on a Canoe

    • A canoe has a pointed stern, so in order to mount a motor you first have to attach a transom, which you can purchase or make yourself.

    Motor for a Canoe Transom

    • Because a canoe is so small, you will want a small motor. The best choice would be a trolling motor. They travel more slowly than bigger motors and are quieter and much lighter.