Engine mount trolling motor

[TRACKMAGNA17]

Has anyone ever tried to take a transom mount trolling motor and make an engine mounted trolling motor out of it? The engine mount style are kinda pricey yet, but you can pick up some of the transom mount motors in 50 or 70lb thrust for a good price. If the wires were sealed well could it be done and has anyone tried this yet? Looking for ideas, it would have to be a 24 volt system with variable speed. Im quite good with electronics and fabrication,but Im not sure if I will come out cost wise to try this.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

What are your thoughts regarding actual use of this setup. If you are a serious fisherman, this is definitely NOT the way to go since you would be tied to the helm to steer the boat as well as fishing. A bow mount motor is much more effective if it is truely position fishing you are after. If you intend to troll for long periods of time, then the modification you are after is not a good option either. A small gas kicker linked to the outdrive makes more sense in that case. Remote speed controls are available for small engines. I'm just not a fan of outdrive or outboard mounted trolling motors.

 

[TRACKMAGNA17]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

I have a bow mounted trolling motor that works great. A gas kicker motor is an option, but I was shown the difference when trolling planer boards over relatively shallow waters. The noise of the kicker motor scares fish. This is why I want the engine mounted model. If I were to use a kicker motor I would still have to steer the boat therefore this would be the same. I know some people will disagree with the scaring the fish idea, but I fished as a co-angler in tournaments and was shown the difference. Any ideas on this project would be helpful.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

Fabricating a suitable mount and ensuring the hole that the shaft was mounted in is sealed tightly should work. Keep in mind the bracket you fashion must be bolted to the AV plate on the outdrive. Improper mounting may result in breaking that plate.

 

[John_S]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

I agree with Silvertip, not a fan of mounting them on the motor. For real trolling, I generally just use the outboard, but I haven't witnessed the scaring of fish as you have.

You didn't mention what brand/model you have on the bow. Does it have or can wireless remote be added? You could run it from a keyfob anyplace in the boat, once you deploy it. If not, try the transom mounted first, before modifying and fabricating a motor mount bracket. A 24V variable speed transom mount is nothing to sneeze at cost wise. I would want to test it before hacking it up.

Along with the mount fabrication, the control head and electronics would need to be relocated or box fabricated, etc. That should be easier than the mount, though.

Do you plan to use the same batteries as the bow, or add another set for the engine mount?

 

[gustafson3]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

I have a trolling motor on the tail of my 35 hp Evinrude but have been cautioned that it could develope an air buble around the water intake and cause the gas motor to get hot. Any other thoughts? I like the way it works for fishing in lake that don't allow gas motors as I can still use the steering and it travels at a very god variable speed with forward and reverse.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

I use a 70# transom mount on my 18'er for the reason you mention, not spooking the fish.

I looked at the engine mounts and didn't like them because:
- steering too slow through the helm
- limited steering travel of the helm
- 2 handed operation (steering wheel and speed control)
- can't raise the outboard/drive and prop up to reduce drag
- engine prop is either locked and causing drag, or turning and creating "some" noise

I never used one, but talked myself out of it due to my perceived limitations.

 

[JB]

Re: Engine mount trolling motor

It is really pretty futile to try to pick up a conversation that ended two years ago, Gus.

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