Hi--I'm considering modifications I'm going to make to a 2003 Montauk 170 I just bought. I fish saltwater, fish freshwater, and also scuba dive.
For someone fishing alone a lot on big lakes with downriggers, I'm convinced that a MinnKota RIPTIDE 24-Volt or similar bow motor with iPilot or co-Pilot is a must-have (paired with an auxiliary engine on the transom).
However those bow rails look problematic. I've heard some tricky mods might be needed, including cutting or removing the bow rail.
Q1: can a self-deploying trolling motor be successfully mounted [on a 170 MONTAUK]?
Please post images. Please post suggestions.
I may remove one or both of the side rails for a cleat and ease of diving.
170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
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Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
You do not have to remove the rails. Here's a link from the old forum: http://s691.photobucket.com/user/davidtollefson/library/?sort=2&page=1
There are more installations on the old forum, many may be better than mine. Searching is always a good idea. My trolling motor is designed for fresh water, but it seems to be similar to the Riptide.
There are more installations on the old forum, many may be better than mine. Searching is always a good idea. My trolling motor is designed for fresh water, but it seems to be similar to the Riptide.
Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
Yikes--that photo-hosting website has turned into a mass of pop-up ads and videos. Here is an image from there that shows the installation mentioned above. I think this might be helpful:
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Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
WOW! Is that an auto-deploy model, like the iPilot? I'm guessing that the motor pushes out before it swings up?
Q2: [Is there a] video of it deploying like that?
Q2: [Is there a] video of it deploying like that?
Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
I'm not sure that the manufacturer has a video. This is Dave deploy rather than anything automatic. The motor is slid forward through the mounting, and then swiveled into a vertical position. It misses the railing by an inch or so. There are some compromises. You can't raise the trolling motor to a shallower depth because it would hit the railing. If the boat is only used by a couple of adults for fishing, the railing could be removed. I hope to have some short people (grandkids) in the boat soon, so I'll be keeping the railings. Dave
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Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
Thanks for the information and the photo; photobucket is almost unusable.
Q3: what is ideal shaft length [of a trolling motor] for the 170 MONTAUK [that will also allow the trolling motor] to fit under the rails?
Q3: what is ideal shaft length [of a trolling motor] for the 170 MONTAUK [that will also allow the trolling motor] to fit under the rails?
Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
I’m using a Minnkota Riptide 55 with iPilot on my 2013 MT 170. Very happy with it.
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Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
Willdoggy wrote:I’m using a Minnkota Riptide 55 with iPilot on my 2013 MT 170. Very happy with it.
Q4: do you have a bow railing.
Q5: did you have to modify [the bow railing]it?
Q6: are all iPilot-enabled models also auto-deploy?
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Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
I have the Newport 17. The rail came apart at the turn, leaving my starboard deck bow open for the trolling motor, no interference with the trolling motor. I mounted my chair to the anchor locker lid, made a heck of a solo skiff, I know it not kosher, but i’m old and my grandson promised me he would make it all good when i’m gone. ( saved all the parts) ps my 65 I polit does not self deploy, 1k $$ more.
Re: 170 MONTAUK Bow Trolling Motor and Rail Removal
Last week I just ordered a 2018 Montauk 170. One of the options was a split front rail ($40) instead of the full rail. The 2018 beam is a bit wider, but maybe that wouldn't make a difference since the rail comes in two pieces. It might just make the front opening 4-inches wider.
The Boston Whaler website has a photo. The front opening is narrow.
[Nota Bene: please check your private messages for advice on how to add an image to your post--jimh]
The Boston Whaler website has a photo. The front opening is narrow.
[Nota Bene: please check your private messages for advice on how to add an image to your post--jimh]