Bow mount trolling motor on achilles spd 385

[lemondrop9344]

I am in the process of setting up my Achilles SPD 385 for freshwater and inshore (canals, estuaries, etc) saltwater fishing.

Prior to doing anything permanent, I'm taking it slow to try and figure out what will be the best for us. We travel in a 40' motor home and can stow the inflatable in the basement. 15hp 2 stroke outboard & fuel tank are carried in the towed pickup truck.

I have installed Beachmaster wheels (great set of wheels and very timely delivery from NZ) and there is no room left on the transom to mount a trolling motor. I have fabricated a 1/2" marine board dodger for the front of the boat which is attached by 3 Scotty glue on mounts (used 2 part hypalon glue). Removal running lights, Scotty 241 mounts (3) & Scotty anchor system are presently planned/in use now.

I'm looking at a Minn Kota Edge 45 # thrust with foot control to mount on the marine board. This is the smallest bow mounted trolling motor with foot control I can find.

Has anyone on this forum experimented with a bow mounted trolling motor on an inflatable? If so can you share with me any insight .

Thanks much,

George

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor on achilles spd 385

HA i KNEW I wasn't the only person in the world who wanted a bow mount trolling motor on their inflatable!!! I was in the same boat with limited space on the transom. between the outboard and launch wheels, a tiller trolling motor did not fit well and limited the range of steering on both the troller and the outboard. I have intentions of modifying my current setup but it works for now so I can't complain. Basically just have a piece of plywood (sealed and stained) with pool noodles (the foam pool toys) underneath to act as cushion and avoid chafing. Bolted the troller on top and then ratchet strap the whole thing down to the D rings on either side. I have a 55# Minn Kota Power drive v2 that I got for a steal on Craigslist. Admittedly way beyond the necessary power but it's nice making a wake with my troller. I like the powerdrive as it is electronic steer so I can have my foot of the pedal and make minor inputs when needed. the pictures show only 1 strap but I found when going over wakes or even gassing the troller it caused the whole rig to rock forward and back so a second strap was added around the front of the troller which minimizes the forward and back range of motion. I also failed to offset the troller so I cant retract it or it would end up in my buddy's lap. I just adjust the collar piece and slide it up. I'll get around to remounting it but it works and when faced with the option of redoing it vs fishing I opt for fishing.

I would love to see a pic of your current setup using the Scotty mounts to secure the board.

 

[lemondrop9344]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor on achilles spd 385

We are presently on the road on the way home (technology is a wonderful thing when it works). I'll send pictures as soon as I get home (this weekend).

As an old f@$# with a bad back, I am trying to minimize the amount of weight I need to lift and move. Don't want to go with 2 12 volt batteries. The EDGE 45 appears to only have a short cord to the foot pedal; not cool as the wife will be up front. I'm now looking for something with a longer foot pedal cord, but still at a reasonable price. Have an email in to Minn Kota to see if a retrofit with a longer cord is available.

Thanks for your response.

George

 

[lemondrop9344]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor on achilles spd 385

We are presently on the road on the way home (technology is a wonderful thing when it works). I'll send pictures as soon as I get home (this weekend).

As an old f@$# with a bad back, I am trying to minimize the amount of weight I need to lift and move. Don't want to go with 2 12 volt batteries. The EDGE 45 appears to only have a short cord to the foot pedal; not cool as the wife will be up front. I'm now looking for something with a longer foot pedal cord, but still at a reasonable price. Have an email in to Minn Kota to see if a retrofit with a longer cord is available.

Thanks for your response.

George

Follow up question...... what is the length of the mount? I have 3 of the Scotty glue on mounts in a triangular shape (1 on bow, 1 on part side & 1 on starboard side) to support what I'm calling a dodger (equivalent to your plywood). I need to go the the V2 series to get the longer foot controller. Will mount at an angle as so as to be able to utilize the Scotty accessories.

Thanks again.

 

[saabsaviorlee]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor on achilles spd 385

The deck measures 34" at the widest and 24" at the other end and 18" in length. Also I love the v2 it has a super long cord and is 12 volt powered. There's another member who built a similar deck to mount his anchor lock system and used drawer handles to secure the straps.