Wanting to add trolling motor to bow rider

[Ron-O]

I'm wanting to add a trolling motor to my bow rider to do some fishing in the river. My boat is a 1991 Cheetah 200LS (20ft). Would a 55lb thrust 12v motor be ok? I'm not expecting to move the boat very fast or use it more than an hour or so each time we are out. I'm thinking a bow mount would work, I just need to look up the measurements for the mount. Here's a couple pics. Any suggestions would be great.

Ron

 

[timalabim]

Re: Wanting to add trolling motor to bow rider

I think you might have some issues depending on the type of motor you are looking to mount. The hard wired or manually controlled models may not work for you depending on where you would stand. If up in that padded area, and the pads come out then you might be OK. Then you could get one with a mount that will let you hang it far enough out to clear that bow angle.

The wireless or "thin" wire controlled like the MK Powerdrive V2 have a small footprint that will be problematic with that small V area to mount it and the large angle out.

I had a similar problem and solved it like shown in the following thread, but not sure if it would work for you.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=296283

 

[Ron-O]

Re: Wanting to add trolling motor to bow rider

I stopped by Cabelas today and looked at the mounting plates. Minn Kota makes a mka-21 quick release plate. The center piece is about 4x6 and could fit at the end of the bow. Guess I need to call Minn Kota and see if I mounted it at the very tip of the bow. That would push the trolling motor out 6-8 inches.... just an idea...

 

[Ron-O]

Re: Wanting to add trolling motor to bow rider

How about this idea. Minn Kota Traxxis, the control can be turned 180 degrees so I could use it as a transom mount or a bow mount. I'm think the 55 would be ok. With the transom mount I could back troll. Probably not move forward at a very high speed while on the transom. I found a mount I need to call and get measurements yet..