Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

[Smig]

I am looking for ways to mount a MinnKota PD50 trolling motor onto our tri-hull. We want to use the motor for fishing and quiet cruising, plus we would like the flexibility of putting it on the bow or stern. There are rails on the bow and transom, so I was thinking of trying to rail mount the motor. We have this mounting bracket:

and were thinking of attaching the bracket to one of these mounts. I don't have any experience with any of them and was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or suggestions.


Scotty Downrigger Rail Mount. The wood supports the weight, but will the clamp alone keep the base from rotating?

Dickinson Marine Grills (they claim it can hold a grown man!) If I mounted this over an upright, that would help prevent the motor from rotating.

Force 10 Grill Mounts for 60# Grills.

These are Magma Table/Grill Mounts. They don't mount to the rail, but they might be more secure that a rail mount.

So any ideas, experience with these mounts or just comments would be appreciated. Or am I barking up the wrong tree? - I haven't seen any of these in person so I don't know if they are hefty, hefty, hefty or wimpy, wimpy, wimpy!!

Thanks
Smig

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

Do you own the PD50 yet? If so, you know its not a lightweight. The weight in combination with the thrust of the motor makes a rail mount in my view very questionable at best regardless of style. Regardless where you mount it on a rail, the twisting forces are transferred to the point where the rail attaches to the boat. Even if the bracket does not twist on the rail, the constant localized flex of the rail may loosen the attachment point on the boat. My curiosity however, deals with why you want it on the stern. A trolling motor is far more effective as a puller than a pusher, especially in windy conditions. The PD50 has a long foot control cord so the unit can be controlled from anywhere in the boat. The Co-Pilot feature can be easily added to control it in wireless fashion. A corded Co-Pilot is also available which is nothing more than a hand-held version of the foot controller.

 

[Smig]

Re: Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

Silvertip, Thanks for the reply.

We do own the TM w/ wireless already. The stern issue really has more to do with family - a lot of times we are in very shallow small rivers with a load of kids in front. We would like to shut off the OB and use the TM, away from the kids (who would want to hang out and watch it.) A stern mount would also give us a place to store the motor when not in use, out of the way.

You raise a good point about the repeated torque on the rail and it affect on the attachement - I hadn't really though about that. I had also thought about a Downrigger Pedestal similar to this Scotty, set behind the rail. The only issue would be getting the shaft out far enough to clear the rub-rail.

Also, do you have any thoughts or experience with the table mounts?

Thanks Again,
Smig

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

Anything "rail mounted" or a mounting that places the motor at that height might also pose a shaft length problem. Shaft length would probably be less of a problem at the stern than the bow.

 

[Smig]

Re: Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

Anything "rail mounted" or a mounting that places the motor at that height might also pose a shaft length problem. Shaft length would probably be less of a problem at the stern than the bow.

I think that the shaft is long enough, but I will measure again (and again and again) - just to be sure.

Smig

 

[grimpy]

Re: Using a BBQ/Downrigger/Table rail mount for a Trolling Motor

***EDITED***Nevermind! Just saw that you had a bow mounted tm....***