Mounting MInn Kota Trolling motor

[bowtie]

I have a 1987 Wellcraft Bow Rider I would like to mount a Foot operated (Minn Kota)trolling motor on the Bow.<br />Although the Bow has enough room it is not completly flat.<br />Is there a kit that I can buy for this application. I then could mount a quick release for the trolling motor.<br />appreciate any help.<br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Mounting MInn Kota Trolling motor

When faced with that situation I have always made an adaptor to bolt to the boat that would then accept the Minn Kota quick release mount, Bowtie.<br /><br />A 2"X12"X12" piece of mahogany is my favorite starting point, but most hardwoods would do, if well sealed.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[KM2]

Re: Mounting MInn Kota Trolling motor

I don't know what the bow of your boat looks like, but I mounted a MK PD on the bow of my bow rider. First I got the quick release mounting kit. It came with some rubber spacers that I used and I picked up a couple more. I picked the spot that let the motor go up and down and was the most level. The inside screws on the mounting plate are near flush (1 spacer) and the outside have 3 and 5 spacers to get close to level. It works great. Couple of things I learned, your boat doesn't sit on the water the same way it sits on the trailer keep that in mind when mounting. Also consider the angle you place the mount plate, you don't want the top of the TM sticking out past the side of your boat when in the up position. The problem is whacking your motor on the dock. <br />I almost forgot get some nylon screws for the bolts or use something on the threads. The vibration caused a couple of my bolts to come loose.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Mounting MInn Kota Trolling motor

Powerdrive is a NICE motor. <br /><br />I just had a Riptide Powerdrive with autopilot installed on my boat.<br /><br />Although I wanted it to stow along the port gunnel, I had to settle for stowing it in the middle of the bow area. This was the only way it could be positioned near the centerline of the boat for best performance. Since I also used the quick release plate, it was not such a big deal.<br /><br />I'm not sure if you plan on installing the motor yourself, but if a dealer is installing the motor, they probably have what it takes to install your trolling motor.