Gas outboard motor on a Cajo: not recommended
No — Cajos are electric-only. Trolling motors mount in two locations: stern (Power-Pole pattern, every model) or bow (Minn-Kota pattern, Terra 116 + Outpost 128 only).
No. Cajos aren't designed for gas outboards — the hulls aren't rated for the weight, vibration, or transom load. Stick with electric trolling motors.
Where electric motors mount
You have two viable locations on a Cajo:
Stern (every Cajo model — Terra 116, Outpost 100, Outpost 128, Highlander 100, Highlander 120, Highlander 140T) uses the Power-Pole Micro Anchor bolt pattern with three positions (center plus two flanking). Newport NK180 Pro, Bixpy Power-Pole base, and any other Power-Pole-compatible base bolt directly to it.
Bow (Terra 116 and Outpost 128 only) uses the Minn-Kota quick-release puck pattern. A Minn-Kota puck (RTA-17 or similar) drops in cleanly. Note: the RTA-17 is bow-only and is NOT Power-Pole-compatible — different bolt spacing.
Pucks with different patterns (MotorGuide Xi3/Xi5/Tour) will require DIY work — adapter plate or redrilled puck — to fit either location.
Why not gas
A few reasons:
- Hull material and transom. HDPE plastic kayaks don't have the structural transom needed to absorb the torque and vibration of even a small gas outboard.
- Weight distribution. Gas outboards plus fuel tanks shift weight aft far enough to compromise primary stability — especially on a sit-on-top.
- Coast Guard and registration. Once you bolt a gas engine to a kayak, you're now operating a motorized vessel under different state rules. Cajo kayaks aren't built or certified for that use.
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