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Re: anyone with a trolling motor on their key west?
On another forum someone suggested using the rubber footings that can be found at home centers- these would normally go on the base of chairs.
I have resigned to the fact of cutting 2-3 inches off the bow rail to accomodate the trolling (wireless) motor, the question now I have is battery placement- I currently have two in the back quarter storage locker. I'll either keep them close or put them in/under the console. haven;t figured out out to run wires yet.
I ordered my Key West without the bow rails, getting the short side factory bow rails from Key West. Why don't you see what they have to offer from Key West and remove your front bow rail and add the factory short side replacements.
Re: anyone with a trolling motor on their key west?
I too have the 186 with the rail, and I also have a trolling motor on the front without having to cut the rail. The only motor that will fit up there without having to modify the rail is the motorguide wireless saltwater. The way that is will slide out, then down allows for a trolling motor in the front. I will send some photos of mine if i had them handy. If you notice that the rail extends over the end of boat by an inch or two. The motor head actually fits into the bend in the rail. I have seen a rail cut before, and honestly that is why i did what i did. I really didn't like the way the cut rail looked. Plus the wireless is very handy.
I too have the 186 with the rail, and I also have a trolling motor on the front without having to cut the rail. The only motor that will fit up there without having to modify the rail is the motorguide wireless saltwater. The way that is will slide out, then down allows for a trolling motor in the front. I will send some photos of mine if i had them handy. If you notice that the rail extends over the end of boat by an inch or two. The motor head actually fits into the bend in the rail. I have seen a rail cut before, and honestly that is why i did what i did. I really didn't like the way the cut rail looked. Plus the wireless is very handy.
I would be especially interested in seeing the photos either posted or emaled to me. See your PM, also what length of shaft did you end up using? Do you fish in wavy conditions? or bays and rivers?
Re: anyone with a trolling motor on their key west?
I just bought a 19 foot sportsman. I want to put a trolling motor on it also and was wondering if anyone had any success with it by not taking off the rail. Any pictures would be great.
Thanks
Re: anyone with a trolling motor on their key west?
I've got a 2006 176 that came with rails that were no problem. Put a Minn Kota 80 lb w/remote control on mine and love it. 52 inch shaft is a little short but not a problem. I would bet Key West could sell you a different size rail for that side of the boat. Havent learned to post pics yet as I'm new to this forum.
