How to Bow Mount a Trolling Motor on a Center Console?
 

I would like to know how people mount a trolling motor onto the bow of
a 18-ft center console.

I am looking forward to buy a used 18-ft center console for fishing in
both freshwater and sal****er. Because I will be using it in
freshwater, I would like to add a trolling motor at the bow for
fishing. All the trolling motors that I have seen are being mounted
flat on the deck; but normally center console has a sunken deck at the
bow. I just cannot see how I can mount a trolling motor onto the sunken
bow deck of a center console. How do people get around with this
problem? Do we have to build up the bow deck to flush with the gunwale
in order to mount the trolling motor?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan

wrote:
I would like to know how people mount a trolling motor onto the bow of
a 18-ft center console.

I am looking forward to buy a used 18-ft center console for fishing in
both freshwater and sal****er. Because I will be using it in
freshwater, I would like to add a trolling motor at the bow for
fishing. All the trolling motors that I have seen are being mounted
flat on the deck; but normally center console has a sunken deck at the
bow. I just cannot see how I can mount a trolling motor onto the sunken
bow deck of a center console. How do people get around with this
problem? Do we have to build up the bow deck to flush with the gunwale
in order to mount the trolling motor?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan

Mount it on the gunwale. If the width of the gunwale is 3 or 4 inches,
no problem. Here is a picture of one mounted on top of the gunwale,
doesn't matter that this particular picture is of a bass boat with a
shallow bow, it's still the same theory.

http://www.fishraider.com.au/Trolling%20motor.jpg

Jay,
If I were you I would mount it on the gunnel, similar to what you see on
bassboats.

wrote in message
oups.com...
I would like to know how people mount a trolling motor onto the bow of
a 18-ft center console.

I am looking forward to buy a used 18-ft center console for fishing in
both freshwater and sal****er. Because I will be using it in
freshwater, I would like to add a trolling motor at the bow for
fishing. All the trolling motors that I have seen are being mounted
flat on the deck; but normally center console has a sunken deck at the
bow. I just cannot see how I can mount a trolling motor onto the sunken
bow deck of a center console. How do people get around with this
problem? Do we have to build up the bow deck to flush with the gunwale
in order to mount the trolling motor?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Jay Chan

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 4 Oct 2005 12:46:32 -0700, wrote:

I would like to know how people mount a trolling motor onto the bow of
a 18-ft center console.

I am looking forward to buy a used 18-ft center console for fishing in
both freshwater and sal****er. Because I will be using it in
freshwater, I would like to add a trolling motor at the bow for
fishing. All the trolling motors that I have seen are being mounted
flat on the deck; but normally center console has a sunken deck at the
bow. I just cannot see how I can mount a trolling motor onto the sunken
bow deck of a center console. How do people get around with this
problem? Do we have to build up the bow deck to flush with the gunwale
in order to mount the trolling motor?

Thanks in advance for any info.

This could be a problem. Then again, maybe not.

It all depends on the width of the gunnel, height of the freeboard and
what kind you want.

First of all, you need to decide what kind of trolling motor you are
going to get - stick steer or remote operated (foot control). If you
have any kind of serious freeboard in the boat you intend to purchase,
then I would stay away from the remote control types and stay with the
stick steer.

Second, if you need to measure from the gunnel to the water line and
about a foot and a half beyond to see if you can even purchase a
trolling motor with a long enough shaft.

Third, you have to determine what pound thrust you require. I assume
that this boat weighs around 2200 or there abouts so probably anything
from 60 pounds to 100 pounds would be sufficient. I have a 67 pound
thrust 24 vdc on a Ranger bay boat that does a fine job.

Fourth, I would recommend a 24 volt rather than a 36 or 12 volt. I'm
not convinced that a 36 volt motor is of any more advantage other than
having the ability to say "I have a 36 volt trolling motor".

Fifth, how wide is the gunnel. If you have two to three inches of
width, then you should be ok, but you can easily make up a mount out
of oak or starboard and bolt the trolling motor through.

Sixth, you have to have a storage area for two batteries and the
ability to run at least #6 wire from where the batteries are to the
trolling motor.

That's for starters. Any questions?

I have lots of freeboard. 35" sides, and mounted mine on an aluminum plate
with a quick release mount bolted to the aluminum. I run a Minn Kota
autopilot 65#, and love the remote and the ability to turn on the auto pilot
feature. When trolling for trout in lakes, I lock the T-8 kicker straight
ahead, and use the bow mount trolling motor to steer the boat. If running a
long straight course, the auto pilot feature will keep the boat going in the
same direction. Wind may cause a side drift. And with a 20' control cord,
I can be at the back of the boat by the downriggers, and steer.

"Bill McKee" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 4 Oct 2005 12:46:32 -0700, wrote:

I would like to know how people mount a trolling motor onto the bow of
a 18-ft center console.

I am looking forward to buy a used 18-ft center console for fishing in
both freshwater and sal****er. Because I will be using it in
freshwater, I would like to add a trolling motor at the bow for
fishing. All the trolling motors that I have seen are being mounted
flat on the deck; but normally center console has a sunken deck at the
bow. I just cannot see how I can mount a trolling motor onto the sunken
bow deck of a center console. How do people get around with this
problem? Do we have to build up the bow deck to flush with the gunwale
in order to mount the trolling motor?

Thanks in advance for any info.

This could be a problem. Then again, maybe not.

It all depends on the width of the gunnel, height of the freeboard and
what kind you want.

First of all, you need to decide what kind of trolling motor you are
going to get - stick steer or remote operated (foot control). If you
have any kind of serious freeboard in the boat you intend to purchase,
then I would stay away from the remote control types and stay with the
stick steer.

Second, if you need to measure from the gunnel to the water line and
about a foot and a half beyond to see if you can even purchase a
trolling motor with a long enough shaft.

Third, you have to determine what pound thrust you require. I assume
that this boat weighs around 2200 or there abouts so probably anything
from 60 pounds to 100 pounds would be sufficient. I have a 67 pound
thrust 24 vdc on a Ranger bay boat that does a fine job.

Fourth, I would recommend a 24 volt rather than a 36 or 12 volt. I'm
not convinced that a 36 volt motor is of any more advantage other than
having the ability to say "I have a 36 volt trolling motor".

Fifth, how wide is the gunnel. If you have two to three inches of
width, then you should be ok, but you can easily make up a mount out
of oak or starboard and bolt the trolling motor through.

Sixth, you have to have a storage area for two batteries and the
ability to run at least #6 wire from where the batteries are to the
trolling motor.

That's for starters. Any questions?

I have lots of freeboard. 35" sides, and mounted mine on an aluminum
plate with a quick release mount bolted to the aluminum. I run a Minn
Kota autopilot 65#, and love the remote and the ability to turn on the
auto pilot feature. When trolling for trout in lakes, I lock the T-8
kicker straight ahead, and use the bow mount trolling motor to steer the
boat. If running a long straight course, the auto pilot feature will keep
the boat going in the same direction. Wind may cause a side drift. And
with a 20' control cord, I can be at the back of the boat by the
downriggers, and steer.


Now THAT is a cool idea. I hate you. Now I have to go spend more money.

Thanks for everyone who has responded to my post. Now, I can see (with
picture) that I can mount a trolling motor on the gunwale in the bow of
a boat as long as the gunwale is wide enough. If the gunwhale is not
wide enough, I will have to enlarge it somehow ... there is always a
way out. Great!

Jay Chan

If you have any kind of serious freeboard in the boat you
intend to purchase, then I would stay away from the remote
control types and stay with the stick steer.

I assume you mean a high freeboard can be a problem with remote control
type. Why is that? Does the remote control type tend to have a short
shaft?

Second, if you need to measure from the gunnel to the water line and
about a foot and a half beyond to see if you can even purchase a
trolling motor with a long enough shaft.

Thanks for the tip. I will keep this in mind. Anyway, I assume a 18-ft
boat should not have a very high bow. Therefore, I am thinking that I
should not have a problem finding a trolling motor that has a long
enough shaft.

Third, you have to determine what pound thrust you require. I assume
that this boat weighs around 2200 or there abouts so probably anything
from 60 pounds to 100 pounds would be sufficient. I have a 67 pound
thrust 24 vdc on a Ranger bay boat that does a fine job.

Good to know this. I intend to operate this boat in some electric-only
lakes. Therefore, a powerful trolling motor is something that I would
like to have. I am also thinking of something like 60 to 100-lb of
thrust. How long is your Range bay boat? I am trying to see how large a
boat a 67-lb thrust trolling motor can pull.

Sixth, you have to have a storage area for two batteries and the
ability to run at least #6 wire from where the batteries are to the
trolling motor.

Yes. I assume those two batteries are quite heavy, and I probably need
to carefully position them (and the people seating positions) to make
sure the boat will be balanced.

Thanks for the info.

Jay Chan

wrote in message
ups.com...

Thanks for the tip. I will keep this in mind. Anyway, I assume a 18-ft
boat should not have a very high bow. Therefore, I am thinking that I
should not have a problem finding a trolling motor that has a long
enough shaft.

Not a safe assumption. Be sure you take into account how high the bow rides
when you're sitting where you normally do, and you've got a typical amount
of weight, like a full tank of gas, ice chest, etc. Another thing that Tom
can address (because I'm not sure) is what happens if the bow is bobbing up
& down and the prop assembly leaves the water. Other than losing speed &
control, does it hurt the motor?

Not a safe assumption. Be sure you take into account how high the bow rides
when you're sitting where you normally do, and you've got a typical amount
of weight, like a full tank of gas, ice chest, etc.

Yes, that is something that I need to check. Unfortunately, this is one
of the sticky point that I need to resolve. The reason is that I plan
to get a trolling motor and a light weight 10hp gas engine for the
first two years of having the boat, and then get a big gas engine a
couple years later (just to spread the cash outflow through out a
couple years instead of all in one year). This means for the first two
years, the stern will be lighter than it will eventually be. Seem like
I need to invite a couple friends over and ask them to sit at the back
of the boat to serve as dead weight :)

Another thing that Tom can address (because I'm not sure)
is what happens if the bow is bobbing up & down and the
prop assembly leaves the water. Other than losing speed &
control, does it hurt the motor?

I assume this will only happen when the water are not clam such as in
sal****er. But I will likely only use the trolling motor in freshwater
lakes and in good weather. Therefore, I don't think this is a problem.

Jay Chan

wrote in message
oups.com...
Not a safe assumption. Be sure you take into account how high the bow
rides
when you're sitting where you normally do, and you've got a typical
amount
of weight, like a full tank of gas, ice chest, etc.

Yes, that is something that I need to check. Unfortunately, this is one
of the sticky point that I need to resolve. The reason is that I plan
to get a trolling motor and a light weight 10hp gas engine for the
first two years of having the boat, and then get a big gas engine a
couple years later (just to spread the cash outflow through out a
couple years instead of all in one year). This means for the first two
years, the stern will be lighter than it will eventually be. Seem like
I need to invite a couple friends over and ask them to sit at the back
of the boat to serve as dead weight :)

Good idea! And, while docked, have someone who's NOT in the boat measure bow
height with a tape measure. Have a camera ready for when they fall in the
water.


Another thing that Tom can address (because I'm not sure)
is what happens if the bow is bobbing up & down and the
prop assembly leaves the water. Other than losing speed &
control, does it hurt the motor?

I assume this will only happen when the water are not clam such as in
sal****er. But I will likely only use the trolling motor in freshwater
lakes and in good weather. Therefore, I don't think this is a problem.

Jay Chan

How to Bow Mount a Trolling Motor on a Center Console?
 

Thanks for the tip. I will keep this in mind. Anyway, I assume a 18-ft
boat should not have a very high bow. Therefore, I am thinking that I
should not have a problem finding a trolling motor that has a long
enough shaft.

That depends on the style of the boat. I have a 21' SeaPro (
http://www.seaproboats.net/interface.html ) which requires a 52" shaft
and it barely reaches sufficient depth.



Good to know this. I intend to operate this boat in some electric-only
lakes. Therefore, a powerful trolling motor is something that I would
like to have. I am also thinking of something like 60 to 100-lb of
thrust. How long is your Range bay boat? I am trying to see how large a
boat a 67-lb thrust trolling motor can pull.

I put a Minn-Kota 70# thrust (24 v ) on mine and it moves it quite
nicely. Easy to hold position most of the time on the first two
positions with moderate wind and will make good headway on final 3
speeds.

Yes. I assume those two batteries are quite heavy, and I probably need
to carefully position them (and the people seating positions) to make
sure the boat will be balanced.

The dealer mounted mine under the console along with an on board
battery charger. He then tied one to the battery switch along with the
cranking battery so I have a backup without having a fourth battery.

How to Bow Mount a Trolling Motor on a Center Console?
 

Not a safe assumption. Be sure you take into account how high the bow rides
when you're sitting where you normally do, and you've got a typical amount
of weight, like a full tank of gas, ice chest, etc. Another thing that Tom
can address (because I'm not sure) is what happens if the bow is bobbing up
& down and the prop assembly leaves the water. Other than losing speed &
control, does it hurt the motor?

Different Tom but mine leaves the water when the bay is rough but I
don't think it stays out of the water long enough to hurt it. The prop
just slaps the water until it submerges again. Irritating but no real
problem.

Tom...........

How to Bow Mount a Trolling Motor on a Center Console?
 

I assume you mean a high freeboard can be a problem with
remote control type. Why is that? Does the remote control
type tend to have a short shaft?

No, but the control box cables may be only four or so feet
long - that doesn't leave you a lot of room to put the
foot control box anywhere comfortable.

I see. Four feet cable seems to be quite short with a boat that has a
high freeboard. Seem like I may need to build up the deck at the bow if
the bow deck is sunken too deep from the gunwhale if I need remote
control. This is probably a better idea anyway to give me a better view
of the water in front of the boat.

... How long is your Range bay boat? I am trying to see
how large a boat a 67-lb thrust trolling motor can pull.

The Ranger is twenty feet long and weight just short of
2700 lbs loaded.

This is more boat than I would want within the next couple years. If
the 67-lb thrust trolling motor works great on your large boat. I
should have no problem using the same trolling motor in a smaller 18-ft
boat. Great to hear this. This means I can use a 67-lb thrust trolling
motor instead of an expensive 100+ lb thrust version.

Thanks for the info.

Jay Chan

How to Bow Mount a Trolling Motor on a Center Console?
 

That depends on the style of the boat. I have a 21'
SeaPro (http://www.seaproboats.net/interface.html )
which requires a 52" shaft and it barely reaches
sufficient depth.

Thanks for the warning. If the bow of the boat is too high above the
water that I cannot get any trolling motor to have a long enough shaft
for the boat, I will not be able to run the boat in electric-only
lakes. Therefore, I will need to pay close attention to this in boat
selection.

I put a Minn-Kota 70# thrust (24 v ) on mine and it
moves it quite nicely. Easy to hold position most of
the time on the first two positions with moderate
wind and will make good headway on final 3 speeds.

Thanks for the info. Seem like 60-lb to 70-lb thrust is the right kind
of trolling motor that I should look for.

The dealer mounted mine under the console along with an
on board battery charger. He then tied one to the
battery switch along with the cranking battery so
I have a backup without having a fourth battery.

Thanks for telling me the placement of batteries in your boat. This
makes sense to put the batteries in the protected area inside the
console. But if I don't have a big gas engine in my boat for the next
two years, my boat will tend to be bow heavy, and I may need to move
the batteries near the stern. Or may be not -- I may simply move big
coolers near the stern.

Jay Chan