Trolling motor for Cape Horn 17

[jeffnangela]

I hope someone out there has done this or has seen it done, but I am trying to find a bow mount, saltwater, 70-80 pound thrust trolling motor with wireless capability to go on a 2002 Cape Horn while leaving bow rails intact. I just bought the new Motorguide W75SW, brought it home and BAM it doesn't clear the bow rail. So, back to the drawing board. I have 7 inches between the bow and the bottom of the bow rail and an approximate area of 4" in which the shaft can fit when the motor is lowered (the bow rail extends beyond the boat slightly). I've contacted Cape Horn and they said they don't install trolling motors at the factory so they have no advice. I have seen it done, but didn't pay any attention to it because at the time I didn't own a Cape Horn. My 4 year old fishes with me so I really don't want to remove the bow rails. I just need a motor with sleek mounting and I think I'll be in business. Maybe the new Minn Kota Riptide RT70/SP/CP??

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Trolling motor for Cape Horn 17

What about the powerdrive? it has pretty good clearance, and the minn kota people are real helpful.

 

[jeffnangela]

Re: Trolling motor for Cape Horn 17

That was my first choice. I don't know that Minn Kota will be building them in 2007 though. Bass Pro said that Minn Kota asked them to send all the 2006s back and I haven't seen any Powerdrives listed anywhere other than Ebay. If I buy off Ebay then I pay shipping and there is no returning it if it doesn't fit. When I was considering the Cape Horn someone had posted pictures of their 17 with trolling motor and bow rails. Wish I had paid more attention to it now, but I think you are correct with the Powerdrive suggestion. At any rate, if I can make it work I'll post pictures.

 

[atticus3600s]

Re: Trolling motor for Cape Horn 17

Bass pro shops is still selling the power drives but now they are designated power drive V2.
You could cut a small section out of the bow rail, add a 90 degree elbow and drop the ends to the deck with some stainless steel tubing. Then you would have a clean gap to install the motor of your choice. You will still have the safety of the bow rail even with the hole because the trolling motor will block up the gap.

 

[wileecoyote985]

Re: Trolling motor for Cape Horn 17

Someone else had a similar situation and I measured the necessary clearance under the bow rail to mount a MK Powerdrive.

You'd need at least 14 inches. It doesn't sound like you're anywhere close to that kind of clearance.

Gotta agree with Atticus. If you really want the bow mount, a professional quality modification of the bow rail is probably the way to go.

BTW it appears that they're calling the new powerdrive the V2 (for version two, I presume) and the old PD the Legacy.


Gary