Lockdown method for trolling motor arm during highway travel

[jstiene]

Hello

I have a 1900 bass tracker with a Minn Kota Trolling Motor Powerdrive V2. I just purchase the boat in fall and am doing some renovations/repairs. One issue I need to fix is that the trolling motor is mounted at the tip of the motor, parallel from bow to stern. As a result, the arm of the trolling motor hangs, unmounted in such a fashion that it can bounce during transport, eventually causing the trolling motor mount screws to loosen (according to previous owner) So I thought I would like to "lockdown" the arm during transport, with something that goes up and over the arm, and bolts on each side to the raised bow, which is also parallel to the mount plate of the trolling motor. i thought I would drill 2 holes and have the ability to quick disconnect the lockdown device. Problem is I dont know where to get what I am visioning. Has anyone else done something like this or an alternative idea?

Any help is appreciated..Thanks!,,,Joe

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Lockdown method for trolling motor arm during highway travel

minnKota tgrolling motor shafts a designed to flex. If the mounting bolts are coming loose, then the incorrect hardware is being used. Nuts with nylon inserts (Nylocs) are available at any hardware store. As for securing the shaft, a length of hook & loop strap (Velcro) fastened around the shaft and through a cleat on the side of the boat is all you need. No need for a fancy bracket.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Lockdown method for trolling motor arm during highway travel

Accessing the underside of the bow should be a HUGE problem.

A simple hinged clamp would do.

So would 2 nuts epoxied to the underside of the deck. Or a drilled & threaded plate epoxied to the underside. Then you could screw in 2 eyebolts and tie the motor down.

I would sell the present motor & pick a easier to mount one. Lot less butchery to the decking.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Lockdown method for trolling motor arm during highway travel

This is NOT a common problem.

Get in touch with Minn Kota on Monday. Maybe the motor is mounted WRONG ? D I Y ? Minn Kota has heard every problem by now.