Hardware for Trolling Motor Mount

Kruegs35

Seaman
Joined
Sep 13, 2015
Messages
67
My dual console has a nice size flat area at the bow I would like to try to use to mount a trolling motor. The trolling motor is meant to mounted at the stern with the screw clamp style bracket. I also would like to make everything removeable and to have all mounting hardware flush with the deck to avoid a tripping hazard. My current idea is to use the hatch for the bow anchor storage to attach the mount I must build to clamp on the motor. The reason I like the hatch is that there is already a cutout for the anchor line, thus the compartment is not meant to be water tight, so any open holes when the mount is removed won't matter, also I can get to the underside of it. The first thing that comes to mind when I think about how to attach the mount to the hatch is to use something like a t-nut to screw into, but that would not work for fiberglass. Maybe if there was something like a thru-hull fitting with threads inside the hole. Any ideas? I suppose I could just use a simple nut and bolt, but it wouldn't be as clean and convenient. Also, do you think there would be too much stress on the hatch?

Here is a pic of the bow and a rough outline of the mount I would build.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
I would be more concerned about the 4 screws for the hinges pulling out.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
I can say for sure that I truly understand what you're wanting to do. It sounds like you have a transom mount trolling motor and want to install it on the bow. So no foot control or anything but a hand control setup. That does present a different setup because you will have to turn the trolling motor head unit around to be able to hand control it. If you think it will mount on the front hatch, there maybe some issues with strength because the trolling motor pull then will be transferred via the hatch cover to move the boat. May not be the best option.

There was a guy recently that made a mount for his trolling motor on the bow that would be a perfect setup for your situation as well. I can't remember the thread, but so some searching and see what others have done. JMHO
 

Kruegs35

Seaman
Joined
Sep 13, 2015
Messages
67
ok, so it sounds like the using the hatch is out. I'll have to think some more about it. The boat is mostly used for family time cruising and island hopping, so I definitely want something removable. I just happened to get the trolling motor for free, so I am trying to figure out a good way to put it to use.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
ok, so it sounds like the using the hatch is out. I'll have to think some more about it. The boat is mostly used for family time cruising and island hopping, so I definitely want something removable. I just happened to get the trolling motor for free, so I am trying to figure out a good way to put it to use.

Kruegs35, Try to search for that thread on these forums where the guy built a very nice adapter to use a trolling motor on his bow. It looks amazing and very usable as well. That would be worth your effort to see and read. And it also would allow you to remove the TM when you wanted to. JMHO
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
The reason NOT to use the hatch is the distance from it to where the motor actually mounts is too long and subject to torsional forces that would simply rip the hatch cover off. However, the space between the hatch and side of the hull looks long enough to mount a rather substantial bracket if it was pivoted more towards the point of the bow. The cleat can remain where it is but the mount would need a cutout to clear it. Yes, there are very nice "well nuts" that can be had at any hardware store. These are expandable rubber plugs with a nut captured in them. The well nut is pushed into a properly sized hole. The part is then added and secured with the applicable sized bolt that expands the plug as it is tightened. You could even use wing bolts (a plastic knob with a threaded rod to secure the bracket to the boat. Easy on easy off.
 
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