Minn Kota mounting

[FshHntr]

Just wondering if I shim up my trolling motor quick release mount a little to get the motor out over a 3/4 inch lip on the bow of my boat will work ok. I could mount the motor flat on the bow in a different position but this would result with the shaft of the trolling motor crossing right in the middle of my deck when stoed and 1 of the compartment lids would not be able to open completely. Also, would there be anything wrong with mounting the trolling motor off center rather than dropping directly over the center of the bow. I have a mod vee Lowe roughneck 1655. Here are some pics of the motor shimmed up let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Minn Kota mounting

You can mount the motor sideways if you wish and it will still pull straight forward because that's the way the motor is pointed but that does put a lot of torque on the pivot and stow mechanisms. It appears that's the way you have it mounted but I can't tell for sure from the picture. To minimize twisting forces the mount should however be positioned so when the motor is stowed, the shaft follows the side rail of the boat and it is therefore not in the way. The mount does not need to be in the center of the bow and yes, you can shim it up to clear the lip.

 

[FshHntr]

Re: Minn Kota mounting

Ok, here are some better pics. The way I understand you is that it is better for the motor to pull strait forward in relation to the motor assembly itself rather than be pointed sideways to pull the boat strait. Here are the two different ways that I was looking at due to the construction of my bow. After reading your post, I am assuming the correct way to mount this motor is along the port side as in the first two pics.

 

[Star]

Re: Minn Kota mounting

FshHntr,
Silvertip may be right but I would check with Minn Kota. My motor is mounted on the centerline of my boat 14' aluminum. I know that windy conditions creat strange forces you may not expect. My other caution is that mounting with long unsupported bolts can be a problem. A 1" mount board is better with soft rubber spacers to cut down noise transmission. This is more important on Aluminum boats. Your diconect has to be rated at 50 amps. Good luck

 

[Tim Wagner]

Re: Minn Kota mounting

It looks like you got a motor that has way too long of a shaft than you need.
The length of that shaft is dictating now how you need to mount it.
That motor should be mounted on an angle so the motor dips over the bow in the general center of the boat.
When the motor is stowed, it should lay real nice on an angle so its not hanging 2 feet off the edge of the boat. That will affect the mooring cover and take out hitchhikers while on the road.
Thats my 2 cents worth.
Either way, the shims will be fine.