Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP Merc?

[-Jim-]

Gents,

I took the plunge and decided to order tonight (here - did I make the right move?? :facepalm: :redface a new Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount for my 16.5 foot Larson Bowrider. (The Memorial Day Sale made it very attractive.... )

I'm going to mount it on our 100 HP Merc. which we have at Paul Lake, near Kamloops B.C. I measured the Merc last fall when I put it away for the winter, and all the clearances looked good.

I procrastinated all winter and into early spring because I've never used, nor mounted, or even seen one of these things before. I'm in Metro Vancouver, B.C. Canada and no one here stocks these units. The reason I wanted one is my 32 pound Minn Kota is just a little light on the Thrust at times in the wind, and it pushes the Boat along a bit "****-eyed as it's clamped onto a ladder rung on one side of the Merc, and therefore very tough to steer. (Even with the extension handle.)

So anyway I've got one coming as soon as iBoats can get it moving. In the meantime it lets me see if anyone here has ever mounted one on a similar Outboard and may want to share their expeience. Maybe there are a few tips I can use as well???

Thanks for the assist.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Gents,

I'm surprised nobody posted.

I guess using one of these is rare in the US as well.

I've been tracking the order (gotta love it) and it will be delivered Monday. Rats => I'm going to Pittsburgh for work before it gets delivered.

I guess I'll just have to play with it next weekend instead.

 

[agwhite77]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Hi Jim,

I know your posts are a few days (weeks) old. I just registered for this forum, and just ordered the EM55 to mount on my 90 HP outboard (17 ft aluminum bowrider). Wondered how you made out - have you installed and tested it out yet?
Would love to hear your experience with it, and will post my own in return.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Hi Jim,

I know your posts are a few days (weeks) old. I just registered for this forum, and just ordered the EM55 to mount on my 90 HP outboard (17 ft aluminum bowrider). Wondered how you made out - have you installed and tested it out yet?
Would love to hear your experience with it, and will post my own in return.

Thanks for the post. I have got it delivered this week to my Mother's place 35 Miles away so I haven't even seen it. I just got back from a business trip to Pittsburgh so I'm a bit jet lagged. I'm backed up on some of my chores around here so I'll be mounting it next weekend.

I went looking for an electronic install manual to make sure I have the right tools but can't seem to find one. (Strange )

 

[agwhite77]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

I mounted and installed mine last night. No issues took less than 30 mins. Headed out to the lake tomorrow, I will
post to let you know how it goes.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

I mounted and installed mine last night. No issues took less than 30 mins. Headed out to the lake tomorrow, I will
post to let you know how it goes.

Great! Glad to hear it was easy. I look forward to your feedback

 

[agwhite77]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Just got back from the lake. I love the MK55/EM. Works as promised. I got 3 MPH into a good headwind and with a good chop. It moves the boat well, and steers well. Reverse works for me too, unlike what some others have posted. I noticed no difference with my outboard either. Got on plane just as quick, and runs just fine. Very glad I made the purchase. Hope it goes as well for you.

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

I got up to the Cabin last weekend for a "work" weekend (no fishing, boating, etc. ) but we did install and test (open air) the MK55/EM. As I never even saw one before buying it, I was surprised how big it was, but it seemed to fit just fine.

I was very cautious mounting it and routing the cables and controls near the steering wheel up front. I certainly took far longer than half an hour, but I'm happy with the install. I can hardly wait to test it on the lake .

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Well I finally got up to the lake and tested the Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor. It worked like a charm - in a bit of a breeze too! My Boat also can use reverse somewhat.

It was too hot to fish so I zoomed about, cruised , pulled water-skiiers, etc., with the 100 HP Merc and couldn't notice the Minn Kota MK55/EM was even there. Except when we were swimming off the Boat and I couldn't use the Merc as a "rung" to climb up with it there.

I'm now in the market for a 4 rung telescopic ladder to use instead!

The Minn Kota MK55/EM was a great buy.

 

[Stubby01]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

I took the plunge and decided to order tonight (here - did I make the right move?? :facepalm: :redface a new Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount for my 16.5 foot Larson Bowrider. (The Memorial Day Sale made it very attractive.... )
:

Somewhat new to boating. I purchased a 17.5 foot Bayliner Capri with the 4 cylinder 140 hp GM motor with Mercruiser drive. More to this story but I am wondering how the MK55 would work on the drive and would it be enough thrust for this size of boat. This system would simplify installation and the boat would not look as cluttered.

Thanks for any suggestions.

John
Independence, OR USA

 

[-Jim-]

Re: Minn Kota MK55/EM Engine Mount Trolling Motor- Tips on installing onto a 100 HP M

Stubby,

Your real considerations should be the profle of the boat above the water that is susceptable to wind; and how much wind is "normal" for the waters where you plan to use it. My boat is quite a bit higher than say a your traditional Bass boat, so the wind can have a big impact. Thankfully there was more than enough thrust from the Minn Kota MK55 to overcome the winds I encountered so far. Your boat still falls into Minn Kota's recomendend sizes for the MK55 so it should work for you in most cases. Perhaps you have a local dealer who has experience with various installs who could offer his guidance.