Kayak Trolling Motor: Flipping and Overboard concerns
I've been doing a good amount of research into the feasibility of mounting a trolling motor to my Bonafide SS107 Kayak. I've been mainly interested in a bow mounted option using a OneObejctive mount as I like the idea of Spotlock. This led me to Minn Kota Terrova Riptide (Couldn't find any xi3 salt). Looking into the Minn Kota and what the installation would involve led me to a few concerns/questions.
I mainly fish calm smaller freshwater but do plan to take it on some excursions to some salt ponds and inshore areas a few times. Still pretty calm water but it can see some boat wake.
So, for those with a trolling motor on their kayaks
- Do you all use a kill switch safety? I'm nervous about the Bluetooth remote being a safe option to stop the boat if I ever fell off. It will be on my PFD but Bluetooth range is only so far/reliable.
I see so many owners of the Kayak Terrova on FB saying they don't use it but that seems dangerous to me.
- For those with a kill switch, did you use the stock one that comes with the Minn Kota Terrova Kayak? If you used other options, I would be glad to hear them.
If so can you give a rough run down of where and how you installed it? I'm not sure where to mount the relay and switch. I have the DIY skills for everything except this part of the install I feel like.
- Has anyone have had any unfortunate experience of flipping with a trolling motor and heavy battery? Is it pretty much a total loss for the electronics?
I plan to get a lighter lithium one but the combined weight of 60lbs before other gear makes me wonder if I would ever be able to flip it back over. Things would need to go awful for my Bonafide to fully flip but planning for the worst seems smart for this hobby. I've been lucky so far but everyone says it's only a matter of time...
I appreciate any insight/experience any of you can offer to any of these questions. Thank you in advance!