Silvertip
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2003
- Messages
- 28,771
Re: Is this trolling motor setup safe?
As I mentioned earlier, strength and resistance to the torsional forces caused by a very long lever (the troller motor shaft) on the mount suggests using the longest mount possible. Four bolts spaced close together does not provide the sturdiness that the same four bolts provide when spaced farther apart. Hence the longer mount. But don't run out and buy the longer mount until you are certain the one you have simply can't be used. Remember, you need to have the bolts spaced as far apart as possible. As for repair of the glasswork, that's up to you. Chances are you won't be using the existing holes so if any repair is done, have those plugged as well. However, since the plate will sit above the boat by a couple inches these will be visible so why not wait until you have the mount totally figured out. Then remove it, have any repair work done and then reiinstall the mount.
Have you tried removing the backrest for the bow seat to see if there is an opening behind it. Seems to me there should be access to that area. All you need is a space large enough to get your hand into so you can add underdeck support and mounting hardware.
As I mentioned earlier, strength and resistance to the torsional forces caused by a very long lever (the troller motor shaft) on the mount suggests using the longest mount possible. Four bolts spaced close together does not provide the sturdiness that the same four bolts provide when spaced farther apart. Hence the longer mount. But don't run out and buy the longer mount until you are certain the one you have simply can't be used. Remember, you need to have the bolts spaced as far apart as possible. As for repair of the glasswork, that's up to you. Chances are you won't be using the existing holes so if any repair is done, have those plugged as well. However, since the plate will sit above the boat by a couple inches these will be visible so why not wait until you have the mount totally figured out. Then remove it, have any repair work done and then reiinstall the mount.
Have you tried removing the backrest for the bow seat to see if there is an opening behind it. Seems to me there should be access to that area. All you need is a space large enough to get your hand into so you can add underdeck support and mounting hardware.
