bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

[heatz1express]

I've got a 21ft. weekender w/cuddy running a 305 (230 h.p.), OMC 800series outdrive, 15x17 stainless prop.. I've also got an evinrude 72lb thrust, 24 volt, bowmount for a pontoon boat that I'm seriously thinking about installing. Shaft length is long enough, I'm just not sure she'll have enough get up and go to be worth the trouble!

Question is; Anybody got any firsthand experience with an application such as this? What are your thoughts?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

the first thing i would think about is controlling it. i would go with one of the new wireless remotes.

 

[heatz1express]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

thx 4 the response T.D. , I would love one of those keychain remote babies $$$ !!! Already have the evinrude bowmount with cable steering and pedal control. Have a hatch to climb through or will go over windshield to access troll+control pedal. I'll likely set-up some sort of removable pedestal seat if I go for it. Sure would be nice to just shut down main engine and control trolling motor from the "helm"-would still have to deploy though.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

Probably have the solution figured out. Once you engage it, if you lock it down, no reason why you couldn't helm steer it to some degree; maybe better than you might imagine as it is essentially an extension of the keel. Might add a remote ON-OFF and FWD-REV switch for the helm controls. Probably could get something that would work suitable for you with a little fiddling with the controls depending upon the situation at hand.

But the remotes are nice. Before the wireless, I had a Minnkota with an electronic control (1989 model). I could go anywhere in the boat and controll the motor. Nice, as I could get under the Bimini on those hot summer days.

72 lbs is good power and being bow mounted surely helps. You have a big boat there and in moderate wind situations you may have broadside problems, but the wind doesn't blow all the time....right.....naw...in Texas it blows all the time. d

Good luck,

Mark

 

[heatz1express]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

thx. 4 the response Mark. I'm sure where there is a will there is a way. I've just been hesitant to proceed with the install, as I fear I could very well end up with 4 nice new holes drilled in my bow/hull and not much else. Also , the firstmate(wife):% keeps telling me it will look like hell and she won't be able to sit out front with her legs dangling off the bow, like a hood ornament, the way she likes to. 8)

 

[Texasmark]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

Need to listen to your first mate. Don't want her mad at you.

Mark

 

[heatz1express]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

here's something funny for you, TexasMark. Original post went right over my head until now! := now I get it TM. Brilliant. Never thought of that. Thank You. Should indeed have some ability to steer boat simply by turning the wheel. just deploy trollingmotor pointed straight ahead, go back to helm and turn it on with the on/off switch suggested and then steer using sterndrive as rudder.
thx.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

you will have minimun steering.

 

[heatz1express]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

You are right too TD. After I thought about it for like a second I realized this wo'nt do much good in most situations I need the trolling motor for. The whole reason for considering one is because of the outdrive. I can't go real shallow with it so I have to shut engine off and raise outdrive. Raised, it will likely have next to no affect on steering control.:'(

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: bowmount troller on boat with cuddy

I would look into fabricating some sort of worm gear driven set-up that will remotely put your trolling motor into the water. Then I would find away to lengthen the controls (are the controls connected to the motor by a plug?) If they are, then get a male/female end and wire it directly to your helm, plug into the other end of the male/female, and away you go. Just my two cents....LOL!