Kayak motor installation in Clearwater
Trolling motors, electric outboards and motor drive kits — fitted, wired and tested on your fishing kayak by the Osprey Bay shop. We serve paddlers across Clearwater, Tampa Bay and Pinellas County.
Request a motor installThree ways to motorize a kayak
Which one is right depends on your kayak and how you fish. Here is what we install and the motors we carry for each.
Motor-ready drive kits
Some fishing kayaks are built to take a motor in the drive well or hull. Swap the pedal drive for a motor drive, or add the factory kit, and the wiring and mounts are already designed in.
Stern-mount outboards
A compact electric outboard on the stern or rudder mount. Light, simple, and you keep steering with your rudder — the easiest way to add range to a boat you already own.
Bow-mount trolling motors
A bow motor with GPS anchoring holds you on a spot in the current while you fish — no anchor to drop, no drifting off the flat. Steers by remote or foot pedal.
What we install and service
Mounting
- Bow, stern and rudder mounts
- Brand adapters for your hull
- Quick-release brackets
- Transom mounts
Wiring & batteries
- Hull wiring and plugs
- Circuit breakers and kill switches
- Battery sizing and placement
- Sealed, marine-grade connections
Electronics
- Fish finder and transducer installs
- Power for the motor and electronics
- Clean wire runs through the hull
- Rod holders and track around the motor
Service & repair
- Minn Kota brushes, seals and lower units
- Old Town ePDL relays and kill switches
- Prop and shear pin replacement
- Salt-water clean-up and inspection
How a motor install works
- 1Tell us about your boat
Send the request below or call. Give us your kayak make and model and the motor you have or are thinking about.
- 2We check the fit
We confirm the motor, mount and battery suit your hull before anything is ordered — so you don't buy a kit that won't fit.
- 3Drop it off
Bring the kayak to the shop in Clearwater. We mount, wire, seal and test it.
- 4Pick it up ready to run
We walk you through the controls, charging and salt-water care before you take it home.
Every motor job is quoted before we start — the price depends on the kayak, the motor and the wiring. Questions? Call us at (727) 524-9670.
In Florida a kayak with any motor, electric trolling motors included, must be titled and registered. Paddle-only kayaks are exempt. Registration is done at your county tax collector or license plate agent office. Keep your bill of sale, because they will ask for proof of ownership.
Kayak motor questions we get
Do I have to register a kayak with a motor in Florida?
Yes. In Florida any vessel with a motor must be titled and registered — that includes a kayak with an electric trolling motor. Paddle-only kayaks are exempt. You register at your county tax collector or license plate agent office, and they will ask for proof of ownership, so keep your bill of sale.
Can any kayak take a motor?
Most sit-on-top fishing kayaks can. Some are built for it, others need an adapter for the stern or rudder mount, and a few aren't a good match. Tell us your make and model and we'll tell you what fits before you spend anything.
Bow motor or stern motor — which should I get?
A bow-mount trolling motor with GPS anchoring is the pick if you want to hold a spot while you fish. A stern outboard is lighter, simpler and great for covering distance. We can walk you through both in the shop.
What battery do I need?
It depends on the motor’s voltage and how far you run. Lithium batteries are much lighter than lead-acid, which matters in a kayak. We size the battery to the motor and to how you fish.
Can you fix the motor I already have?
Yes. We service kayak motors as well as install them — brushes, seals, lower units and props on Minn Kota motors, plus relays and kill switches on Old Town ePDL drives. Bring it in with the kayak if you can.
How do I look after a motor in salt water?
Rinse the motor, prop and plugs with fresh water after every trip, check the prop and shear pin for fishing line, and keep the connections clean and dry. We check all of that when it comes in for service.
Request a motor install
Tell us about your kayak and the motor. We'll check the fit, call you with a quote and set a drop-off time.