engine mount trolling motors ?

[sidechoke67]

I am planning to purchase a bow rider in the spring to use for tubing, etc with the family - but hope to also use it for bass fishing around docks and
structure. In looking around at various bow riders, it seems like some of
the fish & ski models come pre-configured for bow mounted trolling motors.

However, I haven't figured out how I could put a trolling motor on a bow
rider that didn't come pre-configured for it. The thought of drilling and
cutting holes makes me nervous.

So, I saw that Minn Kota has a trolling motor that bolts to the stern
drive. Steering is then accomplished via the boat's steering wheel.
This seems like a workable idea. My only concern is that it will be too
much of a pain to be tied to the boat's steering wheel, and I won't
be able to fish from the bow or stern.

Has anyone used a stern drive trolling motor? If so, how did you
use it (deep trolling, drift fishing, around structure, etc) ? How did
you like it?

Also, if anyone has any experience putting any other type of trolling
motor on a bow rider, I would love to hear that as well.

Thanks in advance!

 

[rndn]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

I had one and you are stuck to the drivers seat, no good. I now have a 96 Crestliner Phantom 2160 open bow with a bow mounted trolling motor and it is tons better. Even if you have a stern mounted trolling motor that is not tied to the boat steering, you still will have issues steering it in any kind of wind. With the bow mount and the larger motor down in the water it helps keep the boat on track. They have nice removeable mounts now so the bow mounted trolling motor is not in the way when not in use.

 

[rndn]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

I'm sorry, I hadn't noticed you are new to the forum. Welcome to iboats and I'm sure you will find very knowledgable and helpful people on here.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

this is the 2008 Bayliner 205, with the motor guide wireless, one knob, and unplug, and it's off out of the way with a cover plate for the mount.

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

Thanks for the info.

Bow mounted will definitely be my first choice. I'm just nervous about cutting holes in the side of the bow. I've looked around a few showrooms,
and it seems that putting a bow mount trolling motor on a boat that wasn't
pre-configured for it would reguire some kind of hole so you could get your
hand in/under to tighten the bolts(?)

tashasdaddy, your trolling motor looks/sounds perfect. Did you install
it yourself, or did the boat come pre-configured for it?



rndn, Thanks for the welcome too; I've been a lurker on this board for awhile and have already sponged up a lot of useful information.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

Bow mount trollers are far more practical and offer far greater boat control than stern mount or engine mounted motors, especially in windy conditions. With any of the electric steer or wireless versions you can fish from anywhere in the boat. You do not need to cut holes in the boat but you do need to drill four holes for the quick release plate. Using rubber well nuts you don't even need to have access below the mounting surface. The well nuts keep the quick release plate off the surface and serve to isolate vibration and noise. The quick release plate allows you to remove the motor for storage and installation of a cover. You do need a hatch, preferably up front, for the troller battery. Depending on the size of the boat you end up with, you may need a 24V motor so you would need room for two large deep cycle batteries. Just one battery is needed for 12V motors which provide for up to 55 pounds of thrust.

 

[sidechoke67]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

Thanks Silvertip! It hadn't occured to me to use well nuts. That sounds
perfect. I am thinking now that I can cut a piece of plywood to the contour
of the bow, cover it with i/o carpet and use that as my bow deck - then
use the space under the plywood for the "hatch" for the trolling motor
battery. I'll need to figure out a channel or hole in the plywood to run the
wires from the motor to the battery, but that shouldn't be too difficult...

How secure do you find the release plate with the well nuts? i.e. Do you run
and trailer your boat with the trolling motor attached, or wait until you are
at your fishing spot before setting up the trolling motor?

Thanks again!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

the Bayliner was not mine, it was one i went to Wisconsin, to test drive for Bayliner. this is my motor guide wireless. i have since sold this boat, and moved the motor to another boat.







i leave my motor attached, unless spending a nite in a motel traveling.

 

[lmabey]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

I see you have the motorguide wireless. I just purchased one and I am trying to figure out a few details before I mount it. My dilemma is the front of my bow is sloped and i do not see a way to adjust the trim (angle) on the motor shaft. It seems the motor has to be able to be trimmed or am I going to need to have a flat spot made to mount the trolling motor plate to. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the Help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

you can use longer bolt, and spacers. they work best if mounted level. by the way i love mine, sold that boat, and moved motor to another boat. i only use my key fob, as i hate foot controls.

 

[lifeisfun]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

I bought my W45 on Tashasdaddy recommendation ( got key fob and foot control) and LOVE it !

 

[Silvertip]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

I remove the troller as I trailer thousands of miles each year. My cover is also designed so it does not fit over the troller so the troller rides inside the boat until we get to our destination. The quick release plate make installation a 30 second job and it can be locked to prevent theft. It is very easy to creat a wood or fiberglass shim that serves to level the plate -- and hence the motor.

 

[lmabey]

Re: engine mount trolling motors ?

Thanks guys, I got the hand fob and will make up a shim. Now to get it mounted so I can use it before winter sets in, in Idaho.