Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

[KVH]

Does anyone have experience with this "puck" system? It seems good, but an awful lot of weight is centered on a small area.

Thanks all.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

That is why "plastic" is NOT used in this application on my boats. MinnKota makes a very stout aluminum "sliding" style quick release plate that is fully lockable and cannot be ripped off the boat with ones bare hands. And the aluminum plate is cheaper as well.

 

[gt]

Re: Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

I have one, holding an 80lb foretrex 60", on a deep hull.. This is my second season, so far it's holding up fine. There is a little play in it, but so far so good. Very easy to take off/put on (I take it off to cover the boat). I do have a padlock on it. If in fact it can be ripped off with your bare hands, I guess the padlock is kind of like putting a doorknob on a tent, but if nothing else, it keeps the locking pins in place, and keeps honest folks honest. Not sure if it can be ripped off easily, I never really thought about it. I got this one, because I liked the idea of a smooth puck on the deck, so without the foretrex mounted, no one would get hurt up there. I bought it with the idea that if if didn't work out, I'd either switch to the aluminum mount or just thru bolt it. I guess I'm still concerned with it wearing out, will see how it goes. But as of right now, I'm happy with it. I'd be curious to hear from others using them, and if anyone has worn one out, or had it torn off....

Silvertip, how do you like the aluminum plate? With the motor off, does that plate look like could cut a toe, or hurt if you stepped on it? That was one of my concerns, as my boat is a fish/ski type, and we do use it for swimming...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

The four corners on the plate-half that bolts to the boat can be easily rounded off with a file so that is not an issue. All other areas of the plate are nicely rounded so there are no sharp edges. I probably over-stated ripping off the composite unit with bare hands, but nevertheless, you will never damage the aluminum plate. Can't say the same for the composite. My fishing buddy snagged his troller on a dock post while docking in the wind. Bent some parts on the motor but the aluminum plate had no damage. I would wager a composite plate would not have survived that hit. Pictured is the long version of the aluminum mount.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

I've got the "Plastic Puck" with a 45 Edge. I wouldn't want to upset the guy who could pull it off the deck by hand, it seems to be stuck in place pretty well with 4 - 1/4 inch bolts. I had to raise it off the carpet about 3/16 inch so the motor would sit far enough down to get the bracket thing through it, but in 3 years I've had no problems at all and I've used it in some pretty big water. It seems to be really well designed and plenty strong.

I bought it over the Aluminum one because with the kids on the boat I didn't want anything around that would cut people up or knock out teeth, and it looks pretty clean when the motor isn't on which at least for me is pretty common when skiing or tubing.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota Composite Quick Release

I bought it over the Aluminum one because with the kids on the boat I didn't want anything around that would cut people up or knock out teeth, and it looks pretty clean when the motor isn't on which at least for me is pretty common when skiing or tubing.

If you are worried about knocking out teeth then you had better pad every object on the boat in rubber because there are lots of things that will do that. Either mount will easily take out teeth with a "mouth-stomp".