Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

[kinggabbo]

I was wondering if anybody thought it was possible to convert a transom mount trolling motor to a bow mounted one. As far I could tell it might be possible. You would have to drill some holes in the shaft to keep it mounted. Is this a good idea? I will just use it temporarily

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

it actually is very simple, http://www.iboats.com/Transom_Motor...28493942--**********.178608368--view_id.39209

you also remove the cover on the head, remove the pin thru the shaft, and turn the head, 180 degrees, replace the pin. that way the handle is pointing toward you.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

Depending on the trolling motor, the shaft length may be too short and prop would be out of the water half the time on moderately rough water.

 

[John_S]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

FYI - Reversing a transom mount as shown above has some drawbacks. I have the exact same Motorguide bracket transom mount shown, and used that approach on a 14' lite alum boat. It controlled the boat very well. The drawback is, if you contact a solid bottom, rock, tree, etc, it takes very little momentum to bend the shaft. When its on the transom, the locking bracket can pop out and shaft swings behind boat. I have a bent shaft on a 37lb thrust that is a big pain to slide up and down as proof!

Please note: if you have a composite shaft it maybe more tollerent than a metal shaft trolling motor.

 

[kinggabbo]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if I could put the transom mount trolling motor into my existing bow mount for my foot controlled motor. It is similiar to a Gator(?) mount I think but I can't think of the specific name of that type of mount.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if I could put the transom mount trolling motor into my existing bow mount for my foot controlled motor. It is similiar to a Gator(?) mount I think but I can't think of the specific name of that type of mount.

My feeling is.....try it. As long as you don't cut or break anything there should be "no harm no foul".

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

it will take so customizing, but nothing is impossible. you can bend the shaft on any bow mounted trolling motor.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Converting a Transom Mount Trolling Motor to a Bow Mount

So long as you can seal up the whole rig again and the shaft will fit either the bracket use or you can swap over the shaft from the motor unit all will be fine. On some, the type of wiring and controls may make wiring the motor and controls a bit of a challenge.
I've even crossbred a few motors between brands. I have an old Motorguide bow mount motor on an old odd ball transom mount motor shaft. The motor housing threads were the same so I just swapped over the motor and rewired it to a variable control which I had laying around from another motor. It works great and is probably the fastest motor I have as far as speed.