I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

[mgsolakis]

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with mounting a bow mount trolling motor on the transom or gunnel of a closed bow boat. I would like to have a motor that I do not have to sit at the back to control. I figures it may be possible to mount it at the back and have it rest on the gunnel of the boat. Just for comparisons sake my boat is a 16' Thundercraft from the late 70s or early 80s. Any ideas or experience would be great.

Thanks

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

Pictures of your boat and current setup would generate a lot of suggestions/solutions

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

There are trolling motors that mount on the outdrive that are steered by using the regular steering wheel.
You could mount an electric steer bow mount on the bow and steer it by remote control. This is a better option as the boat will be easier to control and the cost is not extreme. I have seen a boat with a motor (just the motor) mounted on the transom to act as a stern thruster, though I cant fathom why he put it on.
In short, trolling motors do not work well from the stern in anything much bigger than a rowboat.

 

[mgsolakis]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

I'll have to try and figure out how to post a picture. As for the bow mount idea, how would I raise it and lower it? I do agree the transom mounts do not work as well.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

As for the bow mount idea, how would I raise it and lower it? .[/QUOTE

Without seeing the boat there's no way to know.


The ipilot function wouldn't work mounted on the stern, but you could use the remote.

 

[mgsolakis]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

Here are some pictures of the boat.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

I see three options,
1. replace the windshield with a open bow style that has an opening,
2. step on the seat and over the windshield, if you can,
3. get a second (or third) boat that suits this new purpose.

 

[blackhawk180]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

Nice boat and thanks for the pics. That helps a lot.
I agree the bow mount is the most effective location and you have plenty of room (but) wiring would be problematic as you'd either be drilling a hole for cables or running them like jumper cables external. Access to raise and lower the motor could be sporty and not something you want to do all the time so transom mount might be your only option and if there's any wind, you will not be happy.

 

[mgsolakis]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

Thanks for all the input so far. Sounds like Bifflefan is right. The best option might be a second smaller boat for fishing. I was hoping to be able to use my current boat for all purposes. I had hoped someone might have come up with an amazing idea. The wiring would be no problem I could drill through the bow and then fill the hole for the wiring. But to raise and lower would be tough.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

Some boats used a ladder like step arrangement to step over the windshield.

 

[mgsolakis]

Re: I-Pilot or similar Trolling motor on Closed Bow Boat?

That's an idea, but I can see it being a little dangerous to climb over the windshield on the regular.