Trolling motor ideas?

[Hartley's boat]

Hi again all! I really want a trolling motor for my old boat but the way the front is made I am curious how on earth I will manage to have one in the front? Check the way my boat is made up there! I have no room for one of the big bow mounted motors that I have seen.......any ideas?

 

[jrttoday]

on my12' 1965 Sears semi-V, I mounted two blocks of wood with stainless screws through the hull and both pieces. Silicone the holes, using wood w/enough thickness to practically fill the clamp opening of a transom mount motor. Loosen the head and rotate for ease of operation. Shortest shat preferable and add enough cable length keeping the battery aft. or batteries. AND VARIABLE SPEED ONLY!!! Good Luck and GOOD fishing!!

 

[gm280]

I don't see much of an issue there. Simply make a appropriate sized shelf like plate and attach it to one of the sides on the bow that you want to mount the trolling motor. You could make it out of wood or even aluminum and make one or two gussets to support the shelf like plate. And then mount the trolling motor and happy boating. Not a problem. And being a light weight aluminum hull, it shouldn't take a very powerful trolling motor either. Easy peasy... JMHO!

 

[jrttoday]

also, countersink the holes to keep the bolts from interfering with the motor clamp. Additionally, you can mount the motor back some (even a few feet) from the bow point. This doesn't affect steerage as much as you'd think At slow speeds, mine tracks straight - only at higher speeds you'll have to fight the motor some to keep straight