Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
8
Anyone ever mount a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail. I've got a 19' Cobia that has the bow rail up front and have used it inshore out to the jettys in Georgetown SC and in several lakes. Interested in a trolling motor for maneuverability on the lake mostly and some inshore close to the reeds and such. Is it doable with the bow rail still on the boat?

Any suggestions much appreciated.


2013-02-21_12-44-53_939.jpg
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

I have done it on several Boston Whaler 17s, Foxy, but they have a pad that allows mounting outside the rail.
 

foodfisher

Captain
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
3,756
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

It's been done several times on this site. You'll have to do your own searching to find it.
 

Fleetwin

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 23, 2011
Messages
1,141
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

I have done it on several Boston Whaler 17s, Foxy, but they have a pad that allows mounting outside the rail.

That's how I put mine on my Whaler 15'. It works fine, you just have to be careful around docks.

The other alternative is to cut the rail near the closest stanchion and add a "bullet point" on the cut ends.
 

STARCRAFT16SS

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
344
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

here is the bullet way....and I added a stanchion on starboard and port side to balance the look of the bow....
 

Attachments

  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR J RESIZED.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR J RESIZED.jpg
    45.7 KB · Views: 8
  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR T resized.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR T resized.jpg
    52 KB · Views: 5
  • 3686.jpg
    3686.jpg
    47.7 KB · Views: 5
  • 3688.jpg
    3688.jpg
    50.3 KB · Views: 6
  • 3708.jpg
    3708.jpg
    53.7 KB · Views: 6

STARCRAFT16SS

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Messages
344
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

more pics
 

Attachments

  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR B RESIZED.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR B RESIZED.jpg
    50.5 KB · Views: 6
  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR P RESIZED.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR P RESIZED.jpg
    55.6 KB · Views: 5
  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR T resized.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR T resized.jpg
    52.1 KB · Views: 4
  • MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR O resized.jpg
    MY BOAT JOHNSON TROLLING MOTOR O resized.jpg
    51.2 KB · Views: 6
  • 2012 06 17 FATHERS DAY JEFFS BOAT S RESIZED.jpg
    2012 06 17 FATHERS DAY JEFFS BOAT S RESIZED.jpg
    115.3 KB · Views: 3

saumon

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
1,452
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

Sure it can be done.

I've mounted a Minnkota Powerdrive 55lbs on the bow of my Outrage with a quick-release bracket. The same could also be done with their salwater version (Riptide model) because the dimensions are the same.

The tricky part was to make sure the motor will clear the bow rail when deployed. To overcome the uneven gunnel surface caused by the "lip", I made a "riser" out of 1 1/2 inch Starboard that I secured in place of a front cleat after some trial and errors with a wooden template for precise location.

It turn out great and is strong enough but a 54 inch shaft is a pretty big lever and I don't want the screws to pull out if I hit the motor when drifting so I also need to secure the riser toward the front but it's out-of-question to drill through the gunnel. I then made an aluminum bracket that also clamp under the gunnel. Not particulary pretty but functionnal and in 2 minutes I can remove the bracket and replace the cleat without any more holes left, but never feel the need to do so.

By your picture, I'm not sure your rail is high enough for the trolling motor to pivot under. You'll have to make some tests...

1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg4.jpg5.jpg
 

saumon

Lieutenant
Joined
Aug 2, 2004
Messages
1,452
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

...
6.jpg7.jpg8.jpg9.jpg10.jpg
 

blackhawk180

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
367
Re: Mounting a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail,

Nice setup, Starcraft! That totally looks like something I would build. I like saumons too. Now I have a project for this winter! Thanks, guys.
 
Top