Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

[will2kz]

Hi all,
I finally finished up the install of my Terrova troller with integrated sonar transducer on the front deck of my Tahoe 216. I have seen a couple of threads with example pics but I thought I'd give a little more detail on my install job as I think it might be helpful.

The universal issue with Deckboats is that we want a front deck for both fishing and swimming as we got deckboats to do both things well. We don't want an ugly trolling motor to clutter up the front swim deck when its time to swim. However the front deck poses installation challenges as there are pitch issues (does not come to a point at the bow) and access issues (cant readily get to area under the deck for secure mounting).

Tahoes come with a factory mount for the trolling motor assuming you want a Motorguide troller. They supply an aluminum mounting bracket that clamps into two pucks that are bolted to the deck.

I would recommend using this system and modifying it as needed to your trolling motor rather than reinventing the wheel. You can order these from the dealer or find one on Ebay or Greatlakesskipper for our particular boats.

There is no reason these wouldn't work on other deckboats too.

Using this aluminum plate you could try to attach your troller directly too it (Motorguides should mount right up), but to make the Terrova work I had to use one of their quick release plates which allowed me to extend the install out over the front of the boat.

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

The next issue is the standard electrical hookup offered by Tahoe. My 21.5 foot boat needs at least a 65 ft lb thrust motor. I went with the 24V 80 ftlb Terrova on a 60 inch shaft. They sell 54 as well, that might be OK, and might help clear the deck light better, but I know the 60 works so you might as well get that instead.
The electrical requirements, as in wire gauge, for a 21 foot run using a motor with this AMP draw can be calculated

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/what_gauge_wire_for_trolling_motor.aspx?__taxonomyid=977

The wire in the Tahoe is an 8 gauge wire, which is too thin for this motor, and probably too thin for any motor capable of pushing a boat of this size. It will work in a pinch but having been on a boat with a wire fire due to this very issue, I don't want to pretend I didn't learn something.
So I ran 6 gauge marine wire with a 60 AMP breaker. I did not run it to the back left of the boat, but rather put them under the driver console as 1) they are easier to get to 2) makes the wire run shorter 3) balances the boat better.


If you fill the water tank under the passenger console and your adult passengers pile up on the port side, it will tip when it gets to plane, even with smart tabs. I needed a way to balance the boat, and moving 100 lbs of battery here helps.

I ran an extra connector to the front deck to pull this off. You can see this in the pic below.


You can see I'm still plugged into the factory connector. I needed a way to power the 12 V fish finder I installed up. I freed up some zip ties on the original wiring in the back of the boat and re-routed them to the cranking battery.

To get the fish finder mounted I went to my local metal supplier and got a piece of scrap aluminum for $4.


I cut it to shape and bolted to the underbelly of the trolling motor and pitched it out the side. I taped all the wires nicely so that I have only one bundle for the power system of both units to plug in.


In this location it is not in the way of the anchor, or feet, or anything. It extends out over the boat, but is very secure. I can swivel and tilt the unit in any direction to see it from either front seat if I want too. I'll do one more post to show the finished pic.

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)



Here is the shot from the fishing seat looking down. If you have a bigger display, you would of course need a little more room. In this position I have to make sure the trolling head docks with the blades AWAY from the unit or it wont fit.

As it is bolted to the troller, when I unplug the wires and pop off the troller, the mount goes with it. If I want a clean deck, one more screw and the aluminum adapter plate goes with it leaving me a clean deck as in the first pic in the post.

I couldn't be happier so far. The Terrova is a fascinating trolling motor with GPS. It will memorize routes, anchor a spot, go on autopilot through a GPS marked path, keep speed constant etc etc.

 

[grendelsniper]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

that is a great setup. I bet you catch more fish that way too. nice job on all of it

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

that is a great setup. I bet you catch more fish that way too. nice job on all of it

Thanks, and yes the fish are starting to follow. I'm starting to get into trolling for fish (grew up casting for bass). These Northern lakes have less obvious visible structure to cast too, and trolling is turning out to be a great way to cover lots of ground, keeping the boat directly over a certain depth, or along the weedline appears to be critical in my experience so far. Having a transducer at the front helps when trolling slow speeds with the electric motor, but the transom mount is still necessary when I need to go 3-4 mph at the helm. I landed a 40 inch pike last week trolling a number 8 perch rapala in 12 foot of water at 3.5 mph. I couldn't have done this without technology I admit.....

I also love the look of the bass fisherman in their Rangers looking at my bright yellow boat with wakeboard tower catching fish right along side of them..... One of them asked me to turn on the tower speakers so we could all enjoy some morning music while we fished.....

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

will2kz,

Awesome set up. When I get a trolling motor that is how I want to install it.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

Excellent installation job. This makes boating more affordable for many of us when we can do these types of jobs ourselves. Not only that, we know it's done right. And if something acts up while on the water we know how to isolate and fix the issue.

Nice choice on the Terrova. Now that my 7 year old transom Endura 36 has been acting up I'm going to move up to a bow mount. I had my sights set on the MK's Power Drive V2 with ipilot. My daughters rig that she bought used came with a V2 (no ipilot). I really like using hers. But after doing some online research the Terrova with ipilot is the way I'm going. The 55 with a 54 inch shaft which the 55 should be plenty for my less than 15 foot aluminum. I figure for the extra $300 moving up to a Terrova over 10 years that's only $30 more a season!

I like your Huminbird choice too. I went with Huminbird for a 797 side imaging unit right after I bought my rig. The one button release with no wires was a no brained for me.

Thanks for posting your install pics as gave me something to read while I'm sitting it out on my porch today with 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms. We took the boat out yesterday. Greatest boating season ever in my 35 years in the Albany region. Was on the water this year by March 16th!

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

I'd also throw in a quick endorsement of the remote control technology on the Terrova. If you have kids, or take a lot of rookies fishing, remote control trolling is critical. I can go the the back of the boat and unhook a lure, untangle a mess, net a fish and control the boat from wherever. I also like being able to fish from anywhere on the boat without feeling like I have to be right at the foot controller, which I used once then stored it away. I suppose it will be useful if I lose the remote .

 

[Expidia]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

I'd also throw in a quick endorsement of the remote control technology on the Terrova. If you have kids, or take a lot of rookies fishing, remote control trolling is critical. I can go the the back of the boat and unhook a lure, untangle a mess, net a fish and control the boat from wherever. I also like being able to fish from anywhere on the boat without feeling like I have to be right at the foot controller, which I used once then stored it away. I suppose it will be useful if I lose the remote .

At least you have the option for the foot remote. You don't have that with the V2 unless you open it up and re-configure the wiring back each time! Don't know what MK was thinking for that design. They could have simply put in a cheap switch.

Ya, the remote is a great feature and the ipilot anchoring lock feature on either Terrova or V2 from anywhere on your boat is cool.
I think the foot pedal would be useful for a buddy (or my daughter whomhas an mk) sitting up on the front deck and who is used to using one. Or as you say if the remote breaks or you lose it.

I like the idea of me going for Lake Trout on a lake like Lake George with my Downrigger and then the ability to put a track in like a big square over the Lakers that are 130 down and I would automatically have the Terrova dragging my offering continually by their noses!

I do this now manually, but all it takes is a slight breeze (and there is always a breeze on this lake) and I find myself doing more coarse correcting than enjoying the trolling. I'm constantly fighting the tracking now sincenI'm using an MK transom unit. The breeze blows the bow around easily as its the narrowest part of the boat. I'm looking forward to using the auto anchor feature when I'm raising my weight (I use a manual Cannon Unitroll) and when I'm changing lure colors I get blown a mile off course. Tough to anchor in 150 feet of water

 

[Tragically Canuck]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

Great information, Thanks!

 

[Jay 215CC]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

Excellent job. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

will2kz....Very nice job with the awesome set-up! I can't say enuff about the terrova I-pilot....i go to the beach often..everyone's anchored with lines...i just hit the spot lock and waaa laaaa! People LUV IT! Again...nice job!

 

[acuaholic]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

157470[/ATTACH]

Hi,
I just got a 195 and ran into the same issue, glad to have found this site, the only thing is I went to greatlakeskipper and they have many diffrent mounts, there are some that look similar to yours but they all have different part #'s how did you know which one to get

Thanks

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

Does your model already have the "pucks" mounted on the deck or is it bare? If bare you can probably pick any of those troller mounts you want, they all come with the pucks, and you're going to have to mount them yourself.
If I recall the different styles have slightly different release mechanisms. Take a good look at each and decide. In my case the plate alone wasn't sufficient, I had to add the quick release MinnKota system on top of it to get it just where I wanted it. I suppose I could have fabricated another plate, but I like being able to just release it with their system at night for security purposes. It comes off way lighter....

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

And I did have the pucks already mounted. So the way I found the right one was to measure the distance between the two pucks. There was only one mounting plate that had that distance between posts. I think GreatLakesSkipper listed it on their website, or maybe their Ebay listing.... You could call them if this is your case and can't find a measurement.

 

[acuaholic]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

My deck is completely bare, my anchor storage has the base completely cut out, so I can access the under deck, and it has like a 2 inch Styrofoam glued on, I am guessing to just remove some where the plate will be attached, and yeah I was looking at the same quick release puck that you used also, there are just 5 different plates on the site and they all look similar to yours with just different numbers and all say that they are made for tracker tahoe. I guess I will just try the biggest one just to be sure. and they all come with round pucks just different sizes and located on different spots of the plate, and they are all prices around +140 +/- I really need to get this thing attached so I can go fishing :joyous:

 

[acuaholic]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

Tracker Marine Group: Tracker 121996 Aluminum Quick Disconnect Boat Trolling Motor Bracket / Mount

Tracker Marine Group: Tracker 129774 Aluminum Quick Disconnect Boat Trolling Motor Bracket / Mount

Tracker Marine Group: Tracker 135440 Aluminum Quick Disconnect Boat Trolling Motor Bracket / Mount

these three look to be the closest to what you have.

 

[will2kz]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

OK then, a little more work.
First, if you're thinking motor guide trolling motors, some of these will bolt directly too one. If MinnKota, you're going to have to figure it out.
If you call the Tahoe Dealer, they can give you the part number for the mounting plate and the MotorGuide troller for your specific model and year. This way you be sure sure it fits. Your front deck may be a little smaller than mine as I own the big brother boat to the 195...

And the ice isn't even out yet, what do yer think you gonna catch in your boat now!

 

[acuaholic]

Re: Trolling motor install on Deck boats, plus front mount fish detector (Tahoe 216)

I tried calling tahoe parts department, but they just wouldnt give me the part #, sale guy said that if I want I can order the plate from him for $340, and there is no need to give me the part # because I wont find it anywhere else, even online. I dont know what his deal was. Bass pro shops said they didnt have anything like that so they couldnt help me either. I think I am going to just buy any one of those three and try to make it work. But yeah I dont know about MN but the our lakes hit 50 degree water already, I was out and testing out the boat and was told that guys are pulling in some nice bass using smaller jigs. Ice is long gone lol. Thank you for all the help. I get way more help from here then tahoe dealer.