anyone have bow mount trolling motor on 16ss?

[detroit_fan]

Toying with the idea of a 80# terrova for the front of 1982 16ss, is it possible to do without removing or cutting the stock front rails? Anyone done this?

 

[dozerII]

An 80# is way overkill for a 16SS in my opinion. We were running 55# Motorguide with no problem, I have a 70# on my 18 Holiday with out any problems. As far as the bow rail is concerned if it wraps around the bow you will have to cut the front section of just ahead of the forward mounts and plug the ends of the tube with a couple of bullet ends.

 

[detroit_fan]

thanks for the reply dozerll. the reason i was leaning towards the 80 is I use the boat on erie with strong currents and sometimes a nice little chop, just wanted to make sure it could handle it. I hate to chop the rail, maybe i could use a quick release mount like the MKA-21, that would allow me to mount it more in the center and take it off when done or if i want to use the bow seating.

do i need to reinforce underneath the front with a plate of some sort for mounting?

here are a coupe pics just to see what you guys think

 

[dozerII]

You should be fine with that bow rail, but you will have to change the bow light to either two singles one on each side or a plug in raised one. Here is a photo of the angle I mounted the T/M n my Holiday. The only down side to the 80# is it will be 24 volts and require two batteries and the added weight. You will probably have to use a piece of 1/2 poly cutting board to raise the mount up so it will go over the bow cap, if you still need more height cut some poly discs using an 1.5 inch hole saw.



This next photo is on the 16SS Naked lady. it shows the quick release mount and the angle to clear the bow rail.









Sorry I don't have any better pictures.

 

[detroit_fan]

Thanks for the pics and tips. I think i'm going to give it a try.

 

[laurentide]

I just made a mount for my 18'er. It would be a little overkill for your setup, but I needed to get mine out over the bow a few inches so it would clear the cabin windshield. I used 3/8" aluminum plate mounted on PVC board to raise it up, and I also used the PVC as backer material.

Here's the PVC under the plate:

Backing plate under the bow skin:

Finished product:

You'll have a little more room to work with so the bracket, riser, and backer will be all you need. Mine's an 80# but my boat has a bit more windage than yours. The whole package with a charger weighs close to 250 #s, which is like a 3 cylinder 2 stroke outboard for reference.

 

[detroit_fan]

thanks so much chemicalwire! that helps me a lot. i may have a couple questions for you when i do install.

 

[g0nef1sshn]

I know trolling motors are more efficient to control the boat from the bow, but my opinion is they LOOK better on the front of boats designed for them and when they are in stowed position they wont hit docks or trailers and stuff. I know a lot of you guys are big lake fishers and dont have to worry about it catching on stuff like I would. Its just my opinion though guys, your mounts and craftiness are great. Mine will probably be an easily removable one on the transom, But thats because mine will also be a hunting boat (hence the hitting and running into stuff).

Everyone builds their boats to their needs and uses. So I just dont want to sound critical on this. Happy boating!

 

[laurentide]

thanks so much chemicalwire! that helps me a lot. i may have a couple questions for you when i do install.

No problem, hit me up any time and I'll do my best to help.

I know trolling motors are more efficient to control the boat from the bow, but my opinion is they LOOK better on the front of boats designed for them and when they are in stowed position they wont hit docks or trailers and stuff. I know a lot of you guys are big lake fishers and dont have to worry about it catching on stuff like I would. Its just my opinion though guys, your mounts and craftiness are great. Mine will probably be an easily removable one on the transom, But thats because mine will also be a hunting boat (hence the hitting and running into stuff).

Everyone builds their boats to their needs and uses. So I just dont want to sound critical on this. Happy boating!

I agree, you definitely have to be aware of these bow mounts when in close quarters/docking. For me, that danger is outweighed by their usefulness, but I totally see why some would shy away from them. In fact, I have to use a short winch tower to avoid potential trailer issues with mine.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Although I think dozer and chemicalwire have better mount options here is how ours is mounted on our 16SS.







In the last photo you can see that we still use our bow seating. I am fabricating a casting deck, and I will be adding a seat base similar to yours at some point. It may be that the trolling motor will be in the way of the seat I don't know. My bow light can still be seen at night with the motor retracted, but if the motor is down it blocks one side. I plan on adding new bow lights that mount to the hull under the rub rail at some point.

Almost forgot my trolling motor is a 28lb thrust Motorguide, and it moves us up and down the shore of our small mountain lakes well. I would definitely want more power for the waters you all fish.

 

[detroit_fan]

Thanks tnstratofam