Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

[Coolwater]

I have a 17' bowrider that I am having trouble deciding on how I can mount an electric motor to. I haven't bought a motor yet, but will be a Minn Kota. The problem is the bow isn't flat, but sloped. Any ideas? I would think that I somehow need to shim the mounting bracket. I have a picture of the bow, but don't know how to post it here. Thanks for your help.<br /><br />Brad

 

[JB]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

Yep, Cool.<br /><br />You will need to shim the mount. No big deal.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Coolwater]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

JB-<br />Congratulations on the 10,000 post! What would you recommend as the best way to shim the mount? Do I get a piece of material and contour it to the bow, or create some sort of adjustable stud with a bumper on it. I would tend to lean away from the stud, as that would put an unusual amount of strain on the two bolts opposite the studs. Let me know what you think.<br />Thanx!

 

[JB]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

I would carve a piece of 2"X12" to the contour of the bow to make a level, flat platform and bolt the mount through that, Coolwater.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[richg99]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

I haven't done it yet, but when I mount my Minn Kota Power Drive on a 16 Carolina Skiff, I think I'm going to lay a piece of saran wrap on the boat; make up a "dam" to surround the area; and pour bondo with fibreglass to make a fitted base. I'll post here if it works out as well as I hope it will. RichG

 

[JoeW]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

richg99,<br />Good Idea! How do you plan to mix the bondo & fiberglass? I would use something a little thicker than saran wrap.

 

[raymondmoyer]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

You could actually use cardboard instead of the saran wrap. Use clear celophane packing tape on the inside so that you can remove the mold after the filler sets.

 

[KM2]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

Coolwater,<br /><br />When you buy the motor you will want the quick release mounting bracket. About another $35, this will allow you to remove the motor when you want to put the cover on, theft protection etc..... The bracket should come with some rubber washers of different thickness's that you can use to level the mounting plate. Mine's not perfectly level but close enough to work just fine. <br /><br />I'm assuming you are buying the powerdrive or autopilot model if not ignore my post.<br /><br />I like the other ideas here. That would look and work well but it's a lot of work too.

 

[richg99]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

re "how do I plan to mix the bondo and fiberglass???" Bondo has a bondo/fiberglass mixture as ONE of it's products, all pre-mixed. RichG

 

[raymondmoyer]

Re: Bow Mount Motor Installation Question

Yeah man kitty hair or bondo hair. Glass strands allready mixed in.