Power for Cartoppers

Power options for your cartop boat are paddles, sails, electric and outboard motors. Choose a power plant that matches the waters and conditions that you plan to fish in. Make sure that your propulsion system is at a 100% . Proper maintenance is the key to reliability. I usually go out alone so I always make sure I have back up propulsion on board. On my aluminum boat, a bow mounted trolling motor powered by a 100Ah. battery is at ready just in case the transom mounted outboard decides to quit.

A paddle is required gear on any cartop boat regardless of your choice of primary propulsion. It, aside from providing forward motion, also helps when pushing off from shallow water and aids when coming in to beach. It also allows you to reach and retrieve things that have fallen into the drink and in the remote event that a Great White shark finds it way down from temperate latitudes and takes a liking to your small craft, a paddle may save you from becoming dinner.

Paddles come in all shapes and sizes. Single paddles with a long narrow paddle face works well with wide canoes and dingies (the latter really calls for oars but a paddle will make do if you work from the bow.  Kayaks , narrow canoes and paddle boards are most efficient with double paddles. Handle length is crucial as it provides leverage on your powerstroke but don't get one that's too long and forces your pivot hand to grip far from the paddle face. 

Learn the proper strokes for your particular craft and paddle. 

Electric motors are quiet, convenient and non polluting. They turn on at the push of a button and some models even have wireless controllers that allow you to steer and accelerate with a key fob sized remote.You have the option of mounting on the transom or the bow. These motors have power ratings based on thrust. for cartoppers, a 30lb. thrust motor is adequate, mate this to a 50Ah. deep cycle battery and you've got propulsion that should last for a day of fishing. 

 Bow mount 55lb. thrust electric motor with quick release base.

transom mount

 trolling motor with battery box.

Battery boxes keep your power source safe and have terminals for easy attachment.

This model has a battery meter, fused leads and an accessory socket.

Use the proper size wire for your motor. These devices run huge amps and need the copper to run in. Leads should be as short as possible to avoid voltage drops. Charge your batteries properly and keep them on a maintainer.

Outboards are best if you intend to do extended range trips. 2 stroke versions are cheaper and lighter but require you to mix oil with the gasoline. 4 stroke engines do not require any oil mixing but are heavier and more expensive. Horsepower ratings of 2-15 are best for cartoppers. Canoes, kayaks need 2-5hp. motors. Attaching anything bigger will not equate to more speed as their hull design cannot handle the thrust. 2 liters of fuel is usually enough for a day of scooting around.

 A 10-12 foot aluminum or fiberglass boat will run with anything from 5-15hp. The farther you go, the bigger the outboard you need. If you won't be battling current or wind, a 5hp. motor will run you out and in with little fuss and is an easy carry.

 Transport fuel in the proper containers.

Portable boat tanks like this 12 liter have a built in fuel guage and are designed to prevent water contamination.

Five horsepower Mercury on my old aluminum boat. These have built in fuel tanks but also have the option to be attached to an external portable tank.

Do not store fuel in your portable tank as carb blocking deposits tend to form at the bottom. Make sure you do the proper fuel/oil mix for your two stroke engines.