How to Build a Trolling Motor Mount for a Canoe

Canoeing across a misty mountain pond or paddling from one side to the other of a lazy laurel-ringed lake is pure pleasure. You are side by side with Mother Nature, taking in sights that those on shore simply can't experience. However, all-day paddling can be exhausting and, if you're hurrying to get back for dinner, it isn't exactly speedy. A trolling motor can take some pressure off -- literally and figuratively -- when your triceps are screaming for relief. Building a trolling motor mount for your canoe is fairly simple, and using a motor just might get you home in time forthe night's fish fry.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-by-4-inch plank of hardwood (oak, ash, etc)
  • Measuring tape
  • Circular saw
  • Drill
  • 2 stainless or coated wood screws, 2 inches long
  • Screwdriver
  • Polyurethane sealer, marine grade
  • 2 stainless steel bolts, 3-inches long
  • 4 stainless steel washers
  • 2 stainless steel wingnuts
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Wood

    • 1
      Measure the inside of your canoe just behind the rear seat.

      Measure inside the canoe, using the measuring tape, just behind the rear seat, under the gunnels.

    • 2
      Cut all wood pieces before moving to the next step of your project.

      Cut the hardwood plank into three pieces, using the circular saw. The first one should be about 1/2 inch shorter than the width you measured. One should be about 8 inches longer than that. The last piece should be 6 inches long.

    • 3

      Lay the first piece of hardwood on top of the longest piece so they are parallel and one end is flush.

    • 4
      The holes you drill will be large enough for the bolts you purchased.

      Drill two holes, through both pieces of wood, about 4 inches from each end of the short piece. When drilling , hold the two pieces of hardwood as described. Make the holes big enough to accommodate the bolts.

    • 5
      Be sure to use stainless steel or coated screws to avoid rust.

      Use the screws to attach the 6-inch piece of wood perpendicular to the edge of the longest piece on the end that will hang over the side of your canoe.

    • 6
      Polyurethane all wood parts to seal them from moisture.

      Sand and polyurethane all wood parts.

    Attaching the Motor Mount

    • 7

      Hold the first piece of hardwood up under the gunnels on the inside of your canoe.

    • 8

      Place the long piece on top of the gunnels, aligning the holes.

    • 9
      Be sure the wingnuts are tight against the underside of the wood.

      Drop in the bolts with one washer, and secure the bolt ends with a washer and a wing nut.

    • 10
      Enjoy the leisure of a canoe motor on long days on the lake.

      Mount your motor on the 6-inch wood piece that should now be hanging, firmly attached, over the side of your canoe.

      .