i have an 87 searay 25' cuddy with a swim platform,which i would like to keep.but i troll a lot and would also like to add a small trolling motor.can this be done with the swim platform in place.any help will be appreciated.
Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />I've seen swim platforms fitted with simple brackets for kickers. It depends on how securely the platform is supported and anchored to the hull.
Cabela's sells a spring loaded trolling plate that stays in the down position at idle to slow the boat to trolling speed and at faster speeds acts like a hydrofoil when it raises to horizontal. (They claim) Don't know how well it would work on a 25 footer.
I know of no one happy with trolling plates.<br /><br />I believe a couple have done the swim platform trolling bracket.<br /><br />Try reposting or maybe mods could move to the "boat topics and quest....non-engine" forum. You mat have a better shot for an answer.
Most of the time it can be done. Really depends if you swim platform is strong enough to support the motor plus the weight of any swimmers.<br /><br />Another factor is the height of you swim platform above the water. In inland water most will work just fine. Offshore water may not work that well. I have two friends that have mounted their kicker motor on the back of their platform. They both fish offshore and both boat have the same problem. Since the motor mounts about 2 feet behind the transom when have big swells the motor will come out of the water a lot. Both have 25 inch shaft motors but still when the swell pass under the boat the prop will often come out of the water. At idle speeds not that big a deal but above idle the motor will rev and when it goes back in can break the flywheel key and motor will no longer run. Again Inland waters without big swells it works fine.
There's a company in Utah that sells a trolling bracket thats both transon and swim platform mountable. I own one and it's the best addition for a serious fisherman. The info on it is at their http://www.remotetroll.com/ The host of this site might also sell this product...good luck.
<br /><br />I've seen swim platforms fitted with simple brackets for kickers. It depends on how securely the platform is supported and anchored to the hull.
