trolling motor mount

[procraftmark]

I have a bow mount minn kota power drive with a quick disconnect bracket that I want to mount on my procraft My question is this , has anybody used the "quick nuts" made by minnkota to anchor their t/m I didn't know if that type of molly bolt would put too much strain on the fiberglass and cause cracking? there just isn't anyway for mre to get my hand up there!<br /><br />thnx<br />mark

 

[River fish]

Re: trolling motor mount

Procraftmark<br />Im not familiar with the minn-kota fastners but I would think that if you wanted to get the most holding power and since you can't reach the under side to get a nut or washer on, maybe you could try using a 1/4-20 toggle bolt anchor, about the only draw back to them is they require about a 11/16 hole for the toggle to go through but with 4 or 6 of them they should hold great. you might want to put some gasket material or silicone sealant around the holes though before you tighten the mount down for the last time to keep out any water.

 

[JB]

Re: trolling motor mount

No, no, no. You will lose the whole thing overboard the first time you hit a wake.<br /><br />Mount a piece of 2X8 pressure treated or mahogany on the curve of the bow. Bolt it through the gunnel with 5/16" SS machine screws and through the f'glass with lead anchors and 5/16" SS lag bolts.<br /><br />Then bolt your MK quick disconnect base plate to the 2X8 with 5/16" SS lag bolts.<br /><br />I screwed up a couple of MK mountings before I figured this out.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[fishfearme]

Re: trolling motor mount

Procraftmark, <br />Having just mounted my own MInn Kota, with quick release, I think I have your solution. I found at a marine supply store, 4 rubber toggle (?) t-mounts. They are about 3 inches long, t shaped with a stainless steel bolt through to a nut in the bottom. You drill a hole approx 3/8's inch and place the t mount in, then tighten the bolt, and the rubber sinches up from underneath. It is hard to explain but if you ask your marine supply guy, they might explain better. The ones I found were made by motor guide. Remember when drilling into fiberglass, first run drill bit backwards, and this reduces tear out. <br /><br />I can send pictures of my install if you think it might help. I got my trolling motor for Christmas, and struggled with how to mount it for 4 months. It came out great. If you need any furter help or pictures, let me know.

 

[procraftmark]

Re: trolling motor mount

thnx all ya fear I saw those t bolts made by motor guide and I think that might be the way to go altho I am abit confused about drilling the hole backwards lol as far as bolting thru the "gunnel" I assume you mean the rub rail which on the pro does not stick out very far<br />thnx<br />mark

 

[fishfearme]

Re: trolling motor mount

Procraftmark, <br />By running the drill bit backwards at FIRST, it helps reduce tear out in Fiberglass, and reduces the chance of your gelcoat from spidering. Good Luck with your Install. Using a trolling motor has introduced me to a whole new method of fishing. I also mounted a single phase battery charger inside my console. THat way after 2 trips, I just plug it in overnight and I'm charged up and ready to go the next morning. I ran a #6 wire from my center console, where the battery is, to a plug in the bow. I bought a deep cycle battery from Walmart. They are cheaper, and work fine for me.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: trolling motor mount

Fishfearme,<br /><br />I'm installing the bracket and my new MK Riptide 74 this weekend. Got Digital pictures? email:<br />mtowey@analogic.com<br />There goes/went my tax refund. Late xmas gift to self!