How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

[qtiznip]

Hi All,

Does anyone have ideas for the best way to add a bow mount platform to a utility boat? The bow plate one there now is about 4 inches of cast metal. I know that I'll need to use plywood. What I'm really looking for are ideas as to how to connect the plywood to the boat. The gunwales on the boat are just the standard aluminum ribs found on these type of boats. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[boatingdudebmk]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

I dont have much experience with this, but I think it depends on the shape of the bow. If its pointed, you would obviously have to cut it differently, but I think if you mount it to the sides and drill it into the bottom (where is would be sitting, maybe a screw?) Something like that. Hope this helps

BoatingDudeBMK

 

[64osby]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Posting pics might help with some ideas.

I'll be watching, I'm trying to figure out if I want to mount a trolling motor up front too.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Pics of what you have to work with will get you the best help for your specific design.

,,, but bow decks are an easy build.

Mine uses (4) 2x2x1/16" clip angles riveted to the inside of the wide gunwales (yours will rivet to the boat hull and you may want to use 6 instead of 4).

The aft section of the deck is supported by the vertical bulkhead with the t/m plug and trim controls and is why I suggest you use 6 clips instead of 4.

Use closed end blind rivets to fasten the clips to your hull, 3/4" plywood for the deck, and (2) 1/8"x1-1/2" stainless steel machine screws with stainless washers and nyloc nuts per clip to fasten the decking down with.

 

[Teamster]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Pictures of what you are working with would help,....

Jigngrubs idea would work,.........

I have also seen a couple that have made a custom aluminum piece that fits over the top of the bow and is riveted or bolted on,..

 

[qtiznip]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Pictures of what you are working with would help,....

Jigngrubs idea would work,.........

I have also seen a couple that have made a custom aluminum piece that fits over the top of the bow and is riveted or bolted on,..

I found this pic on the site. This isn't my actual boat, but this is the exact same configuration that I have to work with. The next after building a bow platform, my next project is going to be a casting platform using the bench seat and the space in front of the bench seat.

Regarding the casting platform, notice that unlike some boats, my boat does not have a small aluminum platform attached to the bow of the boat. Most people I have seen building casting platforms have this and attach two by fours to the bench seat and the small platform. For instance, notice the difference between the boat that is just like mine, and the boat below (that also comes from another post on the site).


Does anyone have any ideas how to build a casting platform without having the small platform to work with? Again, unlike the boat immediately above I do not have a small platform in front of the bench seat that is level with the bench seat. My boat is just like the first picture.

Ideas for both the bow mount platform and the casting platform are highly appreciated.

Thanks for any help and ideas,

 

[colbyt]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

I think you should take the boat out a few times and verify the stability before you start thinking casting platforms. With a life jacket on, try standing on that front seat. Expect to get wet.

Now your troller platform would look best if you took the time to carefully shape a piece of plywood to tuck under the rail and the existing bow cap. You could work with scissors and poster board to make a template and then trace it to your wood.

 

[qtiznip]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Thanks for the input.

The boat is really stable. I've had it for a few years and have done the standing front seat test. Good to go.

As far putting the bow mount platform under the rail, how would I then attach it?

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

As far putting the bow mount platform under the rail, how would I then attach it?

Aluminum boat deck framing is really quite simple, but it does elude quite a few people. Aluminum boat deck framing is best done with aluminum angle or square tube and rivets.

Look at your boat, see all of those rivets holding it together? There's a reason for that, they're the best fastening method for aluminum and have been used for many decades.

You don't have to use the solid rivets that take 2 people to install. You can use the closed end blind rivets that're much easier to install and only take one person... like this:
1989 Sylvan Boat Rebuild Part 4 - YouTube

Framing with aluminum is light weight (very important with small boats), very strong, and permenant because it will never rot or decay.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Standing on the seat and standing on a casting deck might be two different birds. Most casting decks are at the highest point in the bow, and when raise that center of gravity, it can change the stability of the boat. Just use caution when testing any new build-outs to ensure you are safe. Typically that style boat is not the most stable, especially in rougher waters. Looks like a nice fishing boat for sure.

 

[colbyt]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Thanks for the input.

The boat is really stable. I've had it for a few years and have done the standing front seat test. Good to go.

As far putting the bow mount platform under the rail, how would I then attach it?

I hate to mix metals so I would buy some AL angle stock at the BORG, make myself some small angles for it to rest upon and rivet it in place as suggested above. Also adding a couple of SS screws down through the box cap and into the wood.

 

[qtiznip]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Borg???

 

[jigngrub]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Borg???

Yep, it's a little known secret that Cyborgs sell non-ferrous metals for dirt cheap!... you just gotta be careful they don't try to assimilate you before you leave the store.

 

[colbyt]

Re: How to build a bow mount trolling motor platform on a utility boat ?

Borg???

BORG Big old retail giant aka, Lowes, Home Cheapo, etc.