trolling motor mount

zoe'sdad

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
116
Installed my depth finder this weekend, now I'm focusing on the trolling motor. Currently I have a transom mount motor guide trolling motor. The mount will not open wide enough to clamp onto the bow. I'm wary about welding / bolting a piece of angle to bow and then mounting the trolling motor to it. I believe it may loosen up and fall off while running through rough water. Can I install the motor on a motor guide bow mount such as a "gator mount?" There are always several on E-bay and I may have a lead on a free one.
 

zoe'sdad

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
116
Re: trolling motor mount

No I do not have any photos. The boat itself is similiar to a G-4 open aluminim boat and the trolling motor is a Motor Guide "Great White" with 18lb of thrust. The mount you suggested is similar to the welded angle I was thinking of installing. In order for the mount to work I would have to shim it up with a block of wood, move it forward and then attatch to deck with self tappers. The motor would still be supported only by the clamps on the transom mount. What I would like to use is a spring loaded, retractable mount like you would find on a foot controled unit. Used ones sell on e-bay for about $100 but I'm not sure if they would work with any Motor Guide trolling motor. Thank you for the help.
 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: trolling motor mount

I think the gator mount would work as long as the shaft diameter is the same, and the length is long enough for your particular bow mounting.

It sounds like you have a decent size boat. 18lb thrust will not be enough. An 18 is good for small 10-12' rowboat or a canoe.

Using a MG transom mount on the bow, is problematic. I did this with my MG HVT3700, which has 37lbs of thrust. I turned the head 180 degrees, and clamped it to the boat (14' lite alum) (added plywood mount pad). It will work great until you contact a stump or rock with the trolling motor. When you have it on the transom, the latch bar will pop out. In the reverse position the shaft takes all of the force. I was alone in the boat, with minimal gear, speed set 2 or 3, and it bent the shaft. The motor is still workable, but you have to work at sliding it up and down. I won't bother with that experiement again.

PS: A short length of plastic coated cable, a couple of cable clamps, and a latch make a good safety chain. I have had one on my trolling motor for years. On small boats have similiar to attach to the small outboards.
 

zoe'sdad

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2007
Messages
116
Re: trolling motor mount

Thanks for the advice John. I did the same as you, turned the head around 180 degrees. Didn't think about what would happen if the motor hit something under water though. The motor is for my wife. She won it in a raffle when she was in girl scouts so I'm pretty much stuck with it. The boat is a 16 footer and I would use the trolling motor in cuts in the marsh mostly to just position it and manuver in and out of the area. I'll measure the shaft next time I'm down the bayou.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: trolling motor mount

you have the same problem with stumps with any motor. and most bow mount have to slide also. even my fancy wireless.


 

John_S

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
4,269
Re: trolling motor mount

Most transom trolling motors are in the 30-36" shaft length range. I was recently sizing a bow mount MG for my 14' Starcraft. While it is higher than lite/rowboat style, it is still relatively close to the water line than many alum v boats. MG recommended measuring the distance from the mount surface to the waterline, then add 24", and round up to the next available length. On my Starcraft it would be 18 + 24 = 42. So I'm going with a 48". A 36" would cavitate and suck air.

FWIW, I going with a 55lb variable speed. The 37lb was not sufficient in a number of circumstances. ie any wind or current.

IMHO, just keep using it as a transom troller, and start saving for something that can reasonably do the job. Even if you found a gator mount for free, the 18lbs is just too small. Might as well, break out the oars. :(
 
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