Mounting a trolling motor on the bow

[Tbird64]

I have a early 70's ish Glastron swinger. V170.
I use it as a dual purpose for fishing and tubing fun
It currently has a fixed mount for a trolling motor on the transum but makes for a hassle when tubing and a lot of stuff on the back end when the down riggers are installed.

I'm looking at picking up a gently used bow mount trolling motor.

Just want to make sure I can mount it to the front and what the best way to mount it to a fiberglass boat with a walk out bow.

 

[ondarvr]

Without a pic I don't think an answer can be supplied.

 

[Tbird64]

https://www.google.ca/search?q=glas...AUIESgB&biw=375&bih=628#imgrc=PCMGYQeQWs9mHM:

Not my exact boat but don't have any good pics of the front. Not sure if this helps or not.

 

[ondarvr]

Yes, just bolt a quick disconnect bracket in place.

 

[Tbird64]

No Title

This is what I'm hoping to accomplish I like the idea of a quick disconnect bracket my concern is there is no way to access the under side of where I want to mount it. And when i "knock" on the fibreglass there is feels pretty thin.

Not sure what my best option will be

Other wise it's just gonna have to go on the back where I can reach under neath to bolt it down and ass wood to help distribute the load.

 

[ondarvr]

Lots of options.

​Fabricate an aluminum saddle bracket that bolts in place with SS toggle bolts.

​Cut a hole and reinforce the area with glass if needed.

​Build a FG platform on top of the gunnel and blend it into the existing shape.

​Bolt a triangle shape piece aluminum to the top of the gunnel that covers the corner like section of the gunnel (again toggle bolts).

​There are also other threaded inserts that can be placed in the FG to bolt it in place.

 

[Silvertip]

Go to any hardware store and asj for WELLNUTS. No need to get under the deck.

 

[Watermann]

I wouldn't trust my expensive new Minn Kota to some rubber nuts wedged in fiberglass since the motor weighs almost 90 Lbs. Not sure about your gently used motor and it's specs but loosing it off the side in rough water would suck none the less.

Personally I would construct a covered bow section with a 3/4" plywood base material just for the TM rather than putting it on the sketchy glass only gunnel with 4 anchor points so close to each other, they aren't designed for that sort of weight and stress.

 

[Tbird64]

Got it mounted up. I used some off the shelf aluminum square tube and L channel to build a frame work that mounts to the top of the gunnel at 4 points and down the back side of the gunnel at 6.
Surprisingly sturdy. Ended up saving my bacon on Sunday when I lost a prop (long story) and needed the trolling motor to get back to dock.

 

[garbageguy]

Good to hear it worked out, got any pics to share?