Mounting Minn Kota Trolling Motor Issue

[rossmw]

I'm having issues mounting my newly purchased minn Kota power drive on my boat. Some background... My boat is a Sea Ray 175 fish and ski boat. I have a universal mount by A.I.O. Systems called 'the ultimate trolling motor mount' that is supposed to fit minn Kota and motor guide.. Did some research on the web but can't find any detail on instructions or much on the mount. It used to be sold by cabelas, and is a quick release type mount that allows you to mount the motor to a removable plate, which locks in via a screw and also a pin.

there are holes on the mount plate that match the trolling motor.. Once connected I am having an issue though. The holes on the mount match the 1st and 3rd hole on each side of the motor, so not the middle screw hole. Ok in the stored position... But when let the motor down it hits the edge of the MOUNT PLATE not allowing it to go more than about 45 degrees down. The mount does have an 'inlet' which appears to be to allow for the motor to fall into, but it is not enough room for this motor which it should be fit for.

Hoping somebody can provide some insight to help.. Anything regarding instructions for the mount, experience with the mount & min kotas, a silver bullet solution..?! the only option I can think of would be to move the trolling motor further down on the mount plate, and drill new holes to fit the plate to the 2nd and 3rd holes on each side of the trolling motor. This would have the trolling motor hanging out a bit more.. Unsure of stability.. But allow it to be lowered into the water.

This is a boat that this universal mount is probably needed for as it allows the plate to be moved out over the edge of the boat. There is no good place to mount right at edge for just the trolling motor or he minnkota branded quick release.

New member here, appreciate the help!!!

 

[Silvertip]

You have the mount turned 180 degrees perhaps.

 

[TCATTC]

Have any pictures?

 

[rossmw]

Pics shown below

 

[Grub54891]

Looks like you removed the navy light to mount the bracket, legally that light has to be in place. Anyway, the mount is universal, but not intended for that type of ski boat. You may have to build a proper backing plate to fit the bracket, or modify the bracket to fit. And figure out where to mount the light.

 

[Silvertip]

Your pictures show the problem very clearly. 1) The base is not mounted far enough toward the bow. 2) The motor is not installed far enough forward on the base. The solutions are quite simple. Drill new holes that allow the troller to be lowered 90 degrees on the plate with the plate removed from the boat. You then need to move the entire assembly farther outboard so the shaft does not hit the boat. With your current setup, even if the mount allowed the motor to be positioned vertically, the shaft will hit the boat. Just because something is called "universal" does not mean it can be used in "every" application. Bow riders, cruisers, and ski boats vary greatly in their bow design so it is nearly impossible to design something that works in each and every case. Trolling motors and accessories are primarily designed for fishing boats that have flat surfaces at the bow. But your system can be made to work with the suggested (required) changes.