Bow rail & trolling motor question

[spitfisher]

I have a bow rail that is 10 inches high off the deck on my CC, in the bow area. does anyone have any pics or solutions to accomodate a motor guide or Minn kota saltwater trolling unit for this scenario? I ahve ruled out removing the bow rail- I have small kids, I have not ruled out cutting a small section to accomodate engage/deploying the trolling motor.

Ed

186 CC keywest 2005

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Keep in mind that the trolling motor does not need to be mounted straight off the front of the boat. It can be mounted on an angle, following the curve of the bow outside the rail but only if there is enough room.

 

[spitfisher]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Keep in mind that the trolling motor does not need to be mounted straight off the front of the boat. It can be mounted on an angle, following the curve of the bow outside the rail but only if there is enough room.

thank you,yeah, I realise that, the deck realestate isn't to bad- I several option areas in mind. the trouble is not mounting, it's the deploying of the shaft and head unit. I don't mind wrestling with it.

Someone out there must have the same concerns or solutions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

this is about the 100,000th post on this subject.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Cut rail, mounted motor, and reinserted cut section with ss slide collars for quick removal.

 

[John_S]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

I was considering what fishmen111 did, until I test fitted trolling motor. Decided to go just to the outside of the railing. It all depends on how your boat is set-up and railing location.

 

[spitfisher]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Cut rail, mounted motor, and reinserted cut section with ss slide collars for quick removal.

I think I have resigned to the fact of cutting a 3inch piece off my bow rail...

where did you get the slide collar is that anything in particuler? is it coated in a way not to scratch the existing bow rail?

or is it " it is what it is" just a piece of pipe?

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Believe it or not, they are the column for a cheap solar landscape light from the yard. I de-burred them to prevent scratching the rail. Being a pack-rat has its advantages sometimes. If you can not find something, PM me your address and I'll send ya a couple.

 

[spitfisher]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Believe it or not, they are the column for a cheap solar landscape light from the yard. I de-burred them to prevent scratching the rail. Being a pack-rat has its advantages sometimes. If you can not find something, PM me your address and I'll send ya a couple.

Thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

I just mounted a Minn Kota on my SeaPro that had 12" bow rails. I had to cut the rail but cut it just inside of the 2 forward most rail supports. Looks like it came out of the factory like that. I used a pipe cutter and it took 5 minutes with a nice clean cut (put electrical tape over rail so pipe cutter wheels don't scratch the part you are keeping). I ended up buying these simple white caps to cap off the 1" OD tubing where I cut (purchases these at Home Depot...they are made to fit on bottom of chair legs).

 

[spitfisher]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Precisely what I had in mind with the chair leg.....thingeys! How wide did you cut it? I was thinking of about 2.5 to 3 inches- just enough to get the shaft thru without to much trouble.

 

[Frugal Floater]

Re: Bow rail & trolling motor question

Here are some before and after pics. I think it looks better to make your rail symmetrical rather than just cutting a 4" section out so the trolling shaft can clear...but that is my opinion.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u47/dsiedt/boat1/boattrolling.jpg