Tolling Motor Installation

S

Stubby

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Messages
22
Does a Trolling Motor, more specifically a bow mounted Minn Kota Powerdrive, need to mounted on a completely level surface? I just purchased a used TM after seeing the same one on a very similar boat and it was not mounted on a level surface. However, now after looking at it, I don't see how it would work if it is not mounted on a level surface. It seems like the shaft would not be completely verticle when it is deployed in the water. It is going on an 15 foot aluminum boat that has a small platform, but it slopes up towards the bow. Any help or advice would be appreciated.<br /><br />Thank you,<br /><br />Jason
 
C

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Tolling Motor Installation

mine,, a min kota ,,goes passed stra8 line vertical .. as to be 'plumb' when not a level surface..
 
9

93evinrude

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
154
Re: Tolling Motor Installation

Sorry,hit the button too quick and realized was posting to the wrong thread
 
B

bryanredfish

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
182
Re: Tolling Motor Installation

Interesting you would ask the question, when I dealt with the exam same issue just today. I recently installed a Minn Kota Riptide, and I have a piece of rigid vinyl as a rub rail which is about 1/4 inch wide. I just placed the end of the mounting bracket over this, and tightened it flush (bending the flexible bracket slightly). <br /><br />I tried it out for the first time today, and it wouldn't lock down while in use -- gave me quite a shock when I turned it on full blast and it about knocked me out of the boat.<br /><br />When I got it home, I added an extra piece of trumpet behind the original to even it out -- works like a charm now. My point in this long response is that it doesn't have to be straight (a slight angle will make no difference), only able to lock down in storage and use positions.
 
J

Jamar

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Sep 4, 2002
Messages
88
Re: Tolling Motor Installation

I doubt it will matter, after using the powerdrive a few times you will probably get frustrated and swap it out for a conventional TM like i did.
 
S

Stubby

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2002
Messages
22
Re: Tolling Motor Installation

Thanks for your help. As long as the TM can lock, I should be OK? <br /><br />Jamar, what was it about the Powerdrive that you did not like. This is my first TM and I am curious what to look out for.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br /><br />Jason
 
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