Bow mount trolling motor - Closed Bow 1965 Starcraft Nassau 16ft

[duffner]

Hi everyone!

So here’s my dilemma, I have a 1965 Starcraft Nassau and I’ve been taking the kids out fishing, but wow not having a trolling motor has been painful. So the transom mount would be difficult to use because the overflow bay or whatever it’s called is so long.

Long term I want to do a full restore on the boat to make it more original so I don’t want to do things that ruin it because other than color it’s in pretty nice shape.

Success: I’m able to steer the boat from the console or remotely and I’m not ruining the boat. Maybe some unique setup to control a transom mount remotely

 

[duffner]

I’d also like to add it would be incredibly awesome to have something that could be hidden / fit with the boats style so it doesn’t seem like a year 2200 contraption on this antique boat.

 

[Texasmark]

Transom mount is "pushing". Bow mount is "pulling". Way different ability to control the boat with low HP propulsion.

Minn Kota or Motor Guide make removeable and remotely controlled units with a smart phone or similar remote control gadget that might fit your aspirations. Know not what the mount looks like nor what all is left when removed. If only 4 sockets for mounting scews that wouldn't be all that noticeable.

 

[duffner]

Texasmark, thanks. I really want a bow mount, but how do I get to it? I guess I could reach over the windshield, however I really don’t have a flat place to mount it. The bow cover is just this tin aluminum and I can’t figure out how I’d mount it.

 

[GA_Boater]

You can mount a bow mount. But you won't be taking it off. It isn't a long reach over the windshield lower and raise the TM

If you look under bow you will see wood stiffeners. Otherwise you would just about fall through the bow or seriously dent the heck out of it.

Get a wireless TM with a remote and/or wireless foot control, not a mechanical foot control model.

 

[duffner]

GA_Boater, Any ideas on where I’d mount the trolling motor to on our boat?

 

[GA_Boater]

Transom. It's temporary and and not in the way. Use some PVC pipe to extend the tiller.

A Nassau isn't a very good fishing boat for more than two and even that's crowded.

 

[TyeeMan]

It's not cheap but very simple. Minnkota Ulterra bow mount trolling motor with a quick release bracket. Cordless remote control, you can deploy and stow the motor with a push of a button. This is the coolest thing since sliced bread.
Then, add in a Humminberd Helix 7, or a Helix 10 with a Lakemaster chip and you can now literally set your trolling course, depth and speed and forget about it, the motor will do the rest until you tell it otherwise.

And if you want to remove it from the boat, take out one screw, slide it off the base and your done. What's left on your boat is an approx 8" X 11" flat bracket.

 

[Texasmark]

Texasmark, thanks. I really want a bow mount, but how do I get to it? I guess I could reach over the windshield, however I really don’t have a flat place to mount it. The bow cover is just this tin aluminum and I can’t figure out how I’d mount it.

Wink! My first thought and you picked right up on it. I had a '65 Starcraft 18' Holiday I/O and that was my main gripe with the boat...getting to the bow.

I'm thinking a removable, remote controlled unit could be installed for the trip and put in the stow position. To operate, crawl across the windshield and drop it to the run position. Get back over the windshield and operate it from your RC device.

When finished, do the reverse. I had a Minn Kota back on an '89 Ranger that had a remote control but it was dc operated via a cable that was about 20' long. I could sit back in a stern seat and operate it. Piece of cake.