Can my swim platform handle a trolling motor?

[Firebaby]

Hope someone has some experience to help me. I have an 85 Four Winns Horizon Cabin Cuddy with an I/O and a full width swim platform across the back. Recently while fishing the mighty Columbia River, I experienced some problems and found myself fighting the current to try to get to shore with oars. That problem now fixed, I wanted to look into a trolling motor so next time I have somewhat of a backup. I know that a small electric would mount to the swim deck, but likely will not be extremely helpful with the current. I have access to an older gas trolling motot (not sure of size or brand or weight) but was wondering if there was any ideas for mounting to the swim platform and if it could handle the stresses of a motor pushing a 19.5 ft boat through the water. Any thoughts? Also ideas on how to mount would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[pwrplay]

Re: Can my swim platform handle a trolling motor?

Hey There,

Allot will depend on the size of motor and length of the lower unit as well as how its mounted.
Swim Platforms can sit a bit high off the water and you may find that if the water is even a bit choppy the prop won't stay in the water as the boat rocks up and down in the waves. This is if the motor is mounted right on the platform with a bracket.

This would be the best solution if it lowers enough to keep the prop in:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=6&subdeptNum=625&classNum=784

Hope this helps

 

[Firebaby]

Re: Can my swim platform handle a trolling motor?

I wanted to post a picture, but my computer didn,t like that idea. The boat is a 1985 Four Winns Horizon Cuddy Cabin I/O 19.5 foot. I have seen a couple of pictures of other boats online that might give an idea of the swim deck.
It is full width and made I believe of fiberglass and supported under the deck by 2 support rods attached to the boat on either side of the lower unit. My concern is weather this will support a motor and handle the stress of pushing this size of a boat up river? I liked the idea you sent me to, but I don't know where I would attach it? Ideas? I want to try to go without drilling any holes if possible.