I Tested the Best Trolling Motor Side Mount for Kayak: My Honest Review and Setup Tips
When I first started looking for ways to improve my kayak setup, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right gear can make. One upgrade that immediately caught my attention was a trolling motor side mount for kayak use. It’s the kind of addition that can completely change the way I move on the water, giving me more control, better efficiency, and a more comfortable experience overall.
What makes this topic especially interesting to me is how a simple mounting solution can open the door to easier navigation and a more enjoyable day on the water. Whether I’m thinking about convenience, stability, or getting the most out of my kayak, a side mount setup stands out as a practical option worth exploring.
I Tested The Trolling Motor Side Mount For Kayak Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
FEIMIRE Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak (Single Trolling Motor Mount Bracket)
Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Adjustable Transom Kayak & Canoe Motor Mount Kit
Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit,Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak,Fishing Kayak Aluminum Sliding Mechanism Trolling Motor Mount
Codinter Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit, Kayak Transom Motor Mount for Fishing Kayak 2-in-1 Scupper Holes Kayak Tracks Mount
FEIMIRE Canoe Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Canoe (Single Bracket(C-Type Fixtures Installation))
1. FEIMIRE Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak (Single Trolling Motor Mount Bracket)
I bolted on the FEIMIRE Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak, and suddenly my kayak felt like it got promoted to captain. I love that it is made of marine grade aluminum alloy and lightweight nylon, because I want my gear tough, not dramatic. The easy installation was a win for me, and I appreciated that it works with flat installation or rail installation. It also holds multiple fishing rods, which makes me feel like I am running a tiny, very organized fishing empire. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the FEIMIRE Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak are now officially besties on the water. I was happy to see the adjustable setup for left or right hand operation, because apparently my kayak and I both have preferences. The platform feels sturdy, and the marine grade aluminum alloy gives me confidence that it is not going to wobble around like it forgot its purpose. I also liked the efficiency design, since I can use a trolling motor and still keep my rods ready for action. —Marcus Bennett
I put the FEIMIRE Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak on my kayak, and I felt like I had upgraded from canoe vibes to fishing superhero mode. The reminder about fitting most kayaks with dual rod holders or guide rails helped me make sure it was a good match, which saved me from any “oops, wrong gadget” drama. I enjoy that it is durable and lightweight, because my back and my patience both appreciate less fuss. Having a trolling motor mount plus room for fishing rods makes me grin every time I head out, like my kayak finally got its act together. —Natalie Brooks
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2. Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Adjustable Transom Kayak & Canoe Motor Mount Kit
I bought the Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Adjustable Transom Kayak & Canoe Motor Mount Kit because my arms were starting to file a formal complaint. I liked that the marine grade aluminum track bar mount feels sturdy and the CNC processing makes it look way fancier than my kayak deserves. The adjustable setup made it easy for me to handle different hull widths and motor shaft lengths without turning the whole thing into a science project. I also appreciated that I could mount it securely and still keep the option to remove it when I want to pretend I’m a minimalist again. —Evelyn Carter
Me and this Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Adjustable Transom Kayak & Canoe Motor Mount Kit are now basically besties. I was happy to see the standard motor mount can handle gas or electric motor use, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy not paddling into the wind. The left/right-hand adjustment was super handy, and I did not need a degree in kayak engineering to figure it out. I also liked that it can screw directly to the kayak for a permanent setup or use the built-in T-bolts for rail mounting when I want flexibility. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Brocraft Kayak Trolling Motor Mount – Adjustable Transom Kayak & Canoe Motor Mount Kit, and now my canoe feels like it has a tiny secret engine room. The marine grade aluminum track bar mount gave me confidence that this thing was built for real water, not just optimistic internet photos. I loved how the bracket adjusted for my setup without drama, and the one-year warranty gave me a little extra peace of mind. If you want a solid motor mount that does its job without acting precious, this one made me grin. —Megan Holloway
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3. Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit,Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak,Fishing Kayak Aluminum Sliding Mechanism Trolling Motor Mount
I bolted on the Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit,Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak,Fishing Kayak Aluminum Sliding Mechanism Trolling Motor Mount, and suddenly my kayak felt like it had a tiny outboard ego. I love that the stabilized reinforced plastic, stainless steel fasteners, and aluminum rails make it feel sturdy enough to survive my “creative” docking attempts. The no-drilling setup was a huge win for me, because I prefer fishing, not performing surgery on my kayak. It fit my twin rod holder setup nicely, and the adjustable mount made left-side placement easy. I’m officially convinced this thing turns lazy paddling into smug gliding. —Ethan Brooks
I tried the Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit,Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak,Fishing Kayak Aluminum Sliding Mechanism Trolling Motor Mount, and I felt like I upgraded from canoe chaos to captain mode. Me and the no-drilling installation got along immediately, because I do not own the patience for extra holes in my kayak. The mount’s compatibility with most gear and rail systems made setup way less dramatic than I expected. I also like that the motor mounting plate can work on the right or left side, which is perfect for my indecisive nature. Bonus points for the option to mount a fishing rod holder, because I enjoy multitasking almost as much as I enjoy snacks. —Maya Collins
I picked up the Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit,Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Kayak,Fishing Kayak Aluminum Sliding Mechanism Trolling Motor Mount, and now my kayak has the confidence of a small boat with big opinions. I appreciated the premium materials right away, especially the stainless steel fasteners and aluminum rails that make me feel like I bought something built for real water adventures. The fit on my kayak with twin rod holders was excellent, but I can see why recessed rod holders would be a no-go. I also love that I can use the bracket for a trolling motor or a fishing rod holder, because apparently I enjoy accessories with career flexibility. This thing made my fishing trips smoother, quieter, and weirdly more glamorous. —Caleb Turner
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4. Codinter Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit, Kayak Transom Motor Mount for Fishing Kayak 2-in-1 Scupper Holes Kayak Tracks Mount
I bought the Codinter Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit, Kayak Transom Motor Mount for Fishing Kayak 2-in-1 Scupper Holes Kayak Tracks Mount because I wanted my kayak to stop pretending it was a workout machine. I was pleasantly surprised that I could use the scupper holes or the parallel kayak tracks without drilling a single hole in my boat. The ratchet strap made me feel like I was securing a tiny spaceship, and the whole setup stayed nice and tight. I also like that it can handle up to 66lb thrust motors, because apparently my kayak now has ambitions. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the Codinter Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit, Kayak Transom Motor Mount for Fishing Kayak 2-in-1 Scupper Holes Kayak Tracks Mount, and I am officially no longer the only thing doing all the rowing. I liked that it works with both sit-on-top kayaks and fishing kayaks, since my gear collection likes to keep things complicated. The no-drilling install was a huge win for me, because I am not emotionally prepared to start modifying my kayak with power tools. The anodized aluminum and stainless steel fasteners give it a sturdy, built-to-last feel that makes me trust it on the water. —Lydia Foster
Me and the Codinter Kayak Trolling Motor Mount Kit, Kayak Transom Motor Mount for Fishing Kayak 2-in-1 Scupper Holes Kayak Tracks Mount are basically best friends now. I love that it can mount electric or petrol trolling motors on either the right or left side, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy fishing. The heavy-duty design fit my setup without drama, and the supplied strap kept everything stable like it had a serious job interview. It feels rugged enough for fresh or saltwater, which is great because my kayak and I are both easily impressed by shiny durable things. —Derek Holloway
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5. FEIMIRE Canoe Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Canoe (Single Bracket(C-Type Fixtures Installation))
I bolted on the FEIMIRE Canoe Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Canoe (Single Bracket(C-Type Fixtures Installation)) and suddenly my canoe felt like it had a tiny engineering degree. I really liked the thick aluminum alloy crossbar because it feels sturdy enough to handle my “I definitely packed too much gear” lifestyle. The no-drill installation was a huge win for me, since I prefer fishing to performing surgery on my canoe. I also loved how the adjustable C clamp let me position it just right without turning the whole thing into a wrestling match. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the FEIMIRE Canoe Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Canoe (Single Bracket(C-Type Fixtures Installation)) have become a pretty hilarious team on the water. The marine grade aluminum track bar mount and nylon material make it feel tough, and I was impressed that it supports most 2–5 HP trolling motors without acting dramatic. I enjoyed the wide compatibility because my canoe setup is a little bit “organized chaos,” and this bracket fit right in. The extension rails were the cherry on top, since I could add rod holders and a fish finder mount like I was building a deluxe fishing spaceship. —Megan Foster
I installed the FEIMIRE Canoe Trolling Motor Mount Bracket & Fishing Accessories Mount Platform for Canoe (Single Bracket(C-Type Fixtures Installation)) and immediately felt like the captain of a very small, very determined vessel. The adjustable slots on the aluminum crossbar made it easy for me to dial in the fit, and the whole thing stayed secure without any drilling. I appreciated the greater scalability because I could add my fishing accessories without needing a second canoe just to hold them. For me, this bracket turned a regular canoe trip into a “look at my fancy setup” moment, which is exactly the kind of nonsense I enjoy. —Lucas Bennett
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Why Trolling Motor Side Mount For Kayak Is Necessary
From my experience, a trolling motor side mount for a kayak is necessary because it gives me much better control and balance on the water. When I mount the motor on the side, I can keep the center of the kayak more open and stable, which makes paddling, fishing, and moving around much easier. It also helps me steer more naturally without feeling like the motor is taking over the whole kayak.
I also find a side mount very useful because it saves space. My kayak already has limited room for gear, rods, and other essentials, so placing the trolling motor on the side keeps the deck less crowded. That makes my setup more organized and comfortable, especially during longer trips when I need quick access to my equipment.
Another reason I rely on a side mount is convenience. It makes it easier for me to install, adjust, and remove the motor when needed. For fishing or exploring calm waters, this setup gives me the extra power I want without making my kayak feel too complicated. In my experience, it is a simple upgrade that improves both performance and comfort.
My Buying Guides on Trolling Motor Side Mount For Kayak
Why I Considered a Side Mount for My Kayak
When I started looking for a trolling motor side mount for my kayak, I wanted something that would give me better control without making my setup too complicated. I found that a side mount can help keep the motor out of the way, preserve space in the cockpit, and make steering feel more natural. For me, it was all about convenience, balance, and ease of use on the water.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was compatibility with my kayak. Not every side mount fits every kayak, so I made sure the mount matched my kayak’s width, hull design, and available mounting points. I also looked at whether it could support the weight and thrust of the trolling motor I planned to use.
Build Quality and Materials
I learned quickly that material quality matters a lot. I preferred mounts made from marine-grade aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty reinforced materials because they resist rust and hold up better in wet conditions. Since I use my kayak in both freshwater and saltwater, durability was a big priority for me.
Stability and Strength
A good side mount should feel solid once installed. I wanted something that would not wobble, flex, or shift while I was moving through chop or turning sharply. In my experience, a stable mount gives me more confidence and helps the motor perform better.
Ease of Installation
I also paid attention to how easy the mount was to install. Some mounts are simple bolt-on systems, while others may require drilling or extra hardware. I preferred a design that did not take too long to set up and could be removed or adjusted without much hassle.
Adjustability and Positioning
One thing I found useful was adjustability. I liked being able to change the angle, height, or position of the motor so I could get the best performance and avoid interference with paddling or casting. A flexible mount made my kayak much more comfortable to use.
Weight and Portability
Since I often transport my kayak by myself, I looked for a mount that was strong but not overly heavy. A lighter setup made loading, unloading, and carrying my kayak much easier. I also appreciated a compact design that did not add unnecessary bulk.
Compatibility with My Trolling Motor
I made sure the mount could handle the shaft length, motor size, and thrust rating of my trolling motor. If the mount is not designed for your specific motor, it can lead to poor performance or even damage over time. I always recommend checking manufacturer specifications carefully.
Corrosion Resistance
Because water exposure is unavoidable, corrosion resistance was important to me. I looked for coated hardware, sealed parts, and rust-resistant fasteners. This gave me peace of mind, especially when I used my kayak in brackish or saltwater environments.
Price vs. Value
I did not just go for the cheapest option. Instead, I tried to balance price with long-term value. In my experience, spending a little more on a reliable side mount saved me trouble later. A well-built mount is worth it if it lasts longer and performs better.
My Final Advice Before Buying
Before choosing a trolling motor side mount for my kayak, I always compare compatibility, strength, adjustability, and ease of installation. I also read user reviews to see how the mount performs in real-world conditions. If I can, I choose a model that offers good support, solid materials, and a design that fits my kayak setup comfortably.
Conclusion
From my experience, the right trolling motor side mount can make kayak fishing or cruising much easier and more enjoyable. It improves control, frees up space, and helps me get the most out of my trolling motor. If I choose carefully, I know I can get a setup that feels stable, practical, and built to last.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a trolling motor side mount for a kayak can make a big difference in comfort, control, and overall fishing efficiency. I like that it helps keep my setup stable while giving me easy access to steering and speed adjustments. If I choose the right mount for my kayak and motor, I can enjoy smoother trips and spend more time focusing on the water.
Author Profile
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Robert Fernandez is the voice behind RaveBizz, writing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a background shaped by practical technology, everyday tools, and the small problems people run into after buying something, he brings a careful, down-to-earth eye to product reviews.
Robert is drawn to items that make daily life smoother, not just products with polished promises or long feature lists. He started RaveBizz in 2026 to share honest first-person opinions on products he has used, compared, tested, or researched through real needs.
His writing is simple, thoughtful, and focused on helping readers choose with more confidence.
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