Bow mount trolling motor

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I have a Sea Ray 180 sport and will be making a removable bow platform for fishing. I figure on placing a raise chair in the center, a battery and an electric trolling motor. My boat is about 17.5 long and weights about 2400 lbs fully loaded. I'm a little new to this topic and have a couple questions on the trolling motors. <br /><br />I check out the Minn Kota website and it seems that a Endura 40 or 50 will do for my boat. I was considering making a bracket attaching it to the platform and using a "transom mount trolling motor" due to the ease of connecting it to the bracket. The bow mount mount trolling motor set up seems to be a little invasive on the boat. I'm assuming that one can move a transom mount trolling motor to the bow and it will function just fine. Right? Will the Endura 40 or 50 pound of thrust be sufficient for my boat? Also, are there any advantage in putting the trolling motor in the bow?<br /><br />My intention is to make a setup that's easy to remove and does not require drilling any holes in the boat. If there are other options please let me know. Thank you.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor

What type of fishing you planning on doing?Moving water?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Bow mount trolling motor

nightvision, Stowing a transom-mount motor on the bow for running the big motor will be a serious P-I-T-A, compared to the bowmount. If you can accomodate the bow-mount on your platform I would highly recommend it. A bow-mount attaches to the deck with four screws. There is one big knob-handled bolt for attaching the motor to the bracket, takes 5 minutes to take off or put on.<br /><br />The advantage to having the T/M on the bow is that you can operate it while fishing. Also it's a lot easier to manuver the boat powered from the front.<br /><br />Sounds like an interesting project - have fun!