Mounting MK Power Drive???

[wallyevs012]

I have a 16' Lund Alaskan (New) I need to put a trolling motor on the bow. I've owned 2 motor guides that I installed myself without problem. I saw thw MK in a store but as usual the salesman did'nt know anything about it. Looking at the display model I did not see any mounting holes along the side of the base? Looking underneath, I saw 3 small holes on each side. My old MG were drilled for 1/2" holes and rubber isolators to cinched it down. I sent MK an email and my answer was only it came with 4 screws/washers. If someone can describe to me how to mount it and I also want to put a transducer on the motor portion as my FF does not support using the sensor model. From the transducer up I simply cable tie the cable for neatness, but will I have a problem with the Power Drive doing this? Any help appreciated. Wally

 

[John Nutter]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Wally,The side plates are removed to allow you to mark and drill the holes and mount to boat. You will not be able to run the trans. cable down the shaft and tie it off,because the shaft has to slide thur the steering control box.But you can buy the motor equiped with the universial trans. mounted in the lower unit

 

[wallyevs012]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Hi Reelman,<br /> Thanks for the reply. I can't get the universal sensor model because I have a Bottom Line Model 1200 fishfinder. The don't have the adaptor cable for that particular model. I guess I'll just buy another Motor Guide with which I have had good luck with in the past. The MK power drive did look good though. Thanks, Wally

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

I have a Power drive, and according to the instruction book you have to run the transducer cable through the looped power cord. You then drill a small hole on the rib down at the motor, and the wire is tied off there. The transducer is mounted underneath. You leave the transducer cable free from the looped cord to the motor housing so you can retract and deploy the motor. Seems a bit cheesy to me, but thats what it says to do.

 

[wallyevs012]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Hello JasonJ,<br /> Thanks for your comment. I'm confused about what rib you drill a hole in??? I was going to just put the transducer on the motor with a hose clamp (per instructions that came with the FF). But I agree that it is a flakey setup, but would work. Otherwise, how do you like the Power Drive? Thanks again, Wally

 

[lund17]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Wally, I have a powerdrive on my 17' Pro Sport and like it very much. I have 55lb and it's plenty. I also got the detachable plate so I can use the mooring cover and/or take the motor off to prevent theft. I found the micro touch foot pedal easy to get used to and easy to operate. I was also pleased with the economy on my battery. I just installed a second battery in parallel for the longer days aon the water. Since the water's all hard right now I won't know how well that works until spring striper season. Good luck.

 

[wallyevs012]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

neil2fish,<br /> Thanks for your input. The 55 is the size I'm looking at with 48" shaft. Tell me, did you mount it yourself to the bow? If so, was it an easy job?? I had no problem with the Motor Guide, just drill four 1/2" hole and screw down the rubber isolator bolts. I've got plenty of time to decide (March). Thanks again, Wally

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

There is a small rib on the top of the motor housing that goes from where the shaft connects towards the pointy end of the motor housing. As for how I like it, unfortunately I won't know how I like it until April. It worked good while I was sitting in my garage dreaming of warmer days and unfrozen water. It mounted very easily. Just take off the side panels, drill the holes, use the rubber isolating rings and bolt her down. I used four of the holes for my arrangement, but it has six holes. If you can use all six you should, but with my settup I could only use four.

 

[lund17]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Wally, No I did not install it myself. I bought if from the dealer when I took delivery and had him install. The boats shrinked right now so I cant go look but I was under the bow to install an extra cleat(the "s" style quick release-love it) and just to familiarize with the wiring layout. From what I recall it looked like a very straight forward install like you describe. BTW you should have seen the look on my wifes face when I brought this boat home and then headed out to garage with a drill to start makin' holes. I installed a couple of down riggers, rod holders,cleats etc... There was aluminum flyin' everywhere. Then she acted surprised when it all came out real nice The Alaskan is a real nice boat-good luck!

 

[KM2]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Wally,<br /><br />I have a similar TM from MK. So here is what I suggest: Buy the quick release mounting bracket, I have seen them at Walmart. (Approx $35) Maybe Iboats has them. That will mount easily to the front of your boat. The Power drive will slide into place and can be locked down. Now on to the transducer. Run the cable up the looped TM cable, down thru the release handle at the base then down to the motor/prop assembly. Then attach with a hose clamp in front of the prop and behind where the shaft connects. Leave a little slack in the transducer cable so the motor will spin without pulling on it. Good Luck!<br /><br />PS Don't use the nuts MK gave you to mount, spend a few more pennies for nylon threaded nuts. The vibration can work the standard nuts loose.

 

[wallyevs012]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Thank you, KM2 for your input and thank all of you who helped me out with this issue. Now to decide if a 42" shaft length is sufficient or do I really need a 48" shaft. Waters in my area rarely get choppy (12" max). Thanks again, Wally

 

[kalan2000]

Re: Mounting MK Power Drive???

Wally,<br /><br />I think the PD shaft length choices are 48" and 54". I have the 54" shaft on the MK 55AP mounted on my 18ft bowrider. My dealer advised me to go with the long shaft so the prop doesn't cavitate in the rough waters, and I have a rather low-riding bow in the water. If you want to see a picture, email me and I'll send you one. I believe a long shaft can be shortened, but a short shaft is forever. <br /><br /> kalan@cwnet.com