Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

[luckyinkentucky]

I need a low profile trolling motor mount for my '95 Skeeter 200SL fish n' Ski. The one I had on there which came with it was a huge Evinrude '94 era model, and took up almost the whole left side of the bow area. Of course I had room to move around, but it took up the whole area where I recently added a 6" inspection port in order to replace my bow eye.

I am asking this as a "What would you do?" type question. If it were your boat, and money were not a factor what trolling motor would you install to get the most use of your space?

Below is a newer model picture of my boat model, but it has the same setup, and around the same area to install a trolling motor. The area circled is where I have my inspection port now.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

How about some clarification on what you mean by low profile. Most trolling motors are about the same size physically except for the style of mount. Minnkota and MotorGuide both have some small footprint models (PowerDrive in the Minnkota line for example) but I would not call that low profile. I would refer to them as small footprint when compared to a sissor mount. Either system is going to cover the inspection port.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

When I say 'low profile' I mean something that doesn't have a huge brace attached to the boat. Of course the shaft will have to be at least 36" long on the motor itself, but I guess 'small footprint' is what I was looking for.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

Do you need a bow mount motor, or will an engine mounted electric troller work for you?

Try this link:


http://www.iboats.com/ENGINE_MOUNT_MOTORS/dm/*******.356884910--**********.885291318--view_id.52244

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

I thought about the engine mounted at one time, but then realized they are controlled from the steering wheel. I do a lot of fishing, so that is out of the question. Most of the time I am standing up, and don't want to deal with too much while I fish.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

MotorGuide and Minnkota both have electric steer motors that have small mounting pads. Mount them on a quick release plate so you can quickly remove the motor for storage (and theft prevention) and you can then have the bow free when you are out for just a day of cruising. Mounted at an angle, these motors stow along the side of the boat and do not protrude into passenger space.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

You have to give dimensions of the area on each side there. The MK powerdrive, and MG wireless have short, but wide bases. Other scissor mount motors have longer, but skinnier bases. You probably need to make a trip to your boat, and measure the available space, on each side of the access hatch. Then, head to a BPS, or Cabelas, or somewhere that sells TMs, and has many of them on display. Take a tape in, and measure the mount. That should get ya.

 

[burroak]

Re: Need A Low Profile Trolling Motor!

The trolling motor itself will become the "footprint" and that will not change regardless of the mounting system that you will use. This is a MinnKota Power Drive mounted on an adapter plate to facilitate a quick removal for other activities.

Now the fun part. Money is no object. Bow thrusters, by all means.