mounting trolling motor

[billy boater]

so i have a 89 vip vision for those who dont know what that is its a standard run about kinda like a bayliner. its 17.5 feet long. anyway i bought a used motor guide 75pound trust long shaft trolling motor for it and im wondering what to use to mount it. it has a gator mount it looks like it will fit on the bow im just wondering if there is a spacific kind of hardware to use for fiberglass or what the correct way is to do it. any tips would be greatly appriciated thanks much.........

 

[Silvertip]

Re: mounting trolling motor

First question: Do you have room up front for two (yes two) 12 volt batteries because that motor requires 24 volts to operate. The ideal way to do this is to use a "quick release plate" or "quick release bracket". These are available in a number of styles but the MinnKota is quite common. It is simply two interlocking plates. One bolts to the boat, and the other bolts to the mount on the motor. You slide the motor onto the mount, lock it and away you go. It also allows quick removal to allow storing the motor inside if the boat has to be outside. Trollers have a tendency go "walk-about" if left unattended. You must find a flat spot on the boat or make shims to keep the plate flat. If you twist it it will bind when trying to install the motor.

 

[billy boater]

Re: mounting trolling motor

ya i have plenty of room for batts and a good spot for the trolling motor i just need to know what hardware to use to bolt it down to the fiberglass and what works best that will hold