1994 24 Outrage Bow-mount Trolling Motor

[Big Bend Brian]

How can a GPS-guided bow-mounted 36-Volt electric trolling motor be mounted to a c.1994 OUTRAGE and the bow railing be kept intact?

I imagine hinging the bow rail is the way to go.

I wonder about securing the trolling motor base on the narrow bow.

Give me advice on making this modification.

Brian
Ponte Vedra , FL

[Phil T]

For the hinge see my post in this thread - http://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5156&p=29673&hilit=hinge+bow+rail#p29673

As for mounting. The typical install is use a thick block of laminated plastic board so the motor bracket will sit higher than the lip.

One would install the mount on the top of the bow cap so that you can thru-bolt in the two outside locations and use lags in the inboard locations.

See this thread with photos - http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/015489.html

Fig. 1.

2699497661_e8845bd02b_b.jpg (166.03 KiB) Viewed 4564 times

[jimh]

If mounting a motor on the bow, give consideration to the obstruction of navigation light, particularly if a combined sidelight lamp is used at the bow.

[biggiefl]

Why would somebody want to put a trolling motor on a 24' boat designed for offshore use?

[NLA01]

Why would somebody want to put a trolling motor on a 24' boat designed for offshore use.

I have seen [trolling motors] on boats up to 30-feet-long. Have you heard of a trolling motor anchor? Very useful while fishing in deep water or over a reef where anchoring is prohibited or not possible. I wish I had one on my boat.

I wonder: could the trolling motor could be tilted and pulled under the bow rail for stowage?

You could mount it straight forward and next to the anchor locker. Between anchor locker and the cleat on the front. When time to pull it in the boat, tilt it up first and then pull it into the boat. This will work unless it is a scissor mount. Next option would be remove the rail completely which is common on that boat. I have the low profile rails on mine and am glad. Low profile rails make fishing from the bow easier.

Archie

[Big Bend Brian]

Phil T—thanks for your response. I’ll look at your posts and photos and get a better appreciation of what you did.

I also have a 1992 Outrage 19, PLAN B, and plan to swap this trolling motor back and forth between the two.


jimh—good point [about obstruction of navigation lights]. I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for mentioning that.

Why would somebody want to put a trolling motor on a 24' boat designed for offshore use?

biggiefl—while I’m new to the forum I’ll just assume you’re asking this because you care. I’m just trying to add more versatility to a great boat. I’ve had this 24 Outrage for 20 years now and it’s on its fifth set of twin motors (one pair was stolen). When we bottom fish the Atlantic in 120 -
to 185-feet depth, which is 40 to 55 miles offshore of St. Augustine, I’m tired of anchoring on small patch reefs which require a lot of effort to get it right. Oftentimes the Gulf Stream, the wind, and the wave sets differ, and it’s darn hard. These GPS trolling motors have changed the world of bottom fishing. I’m trying to catch up to the times.

I’ll remove it when we chase pelagics offshore.





or spearfish or chase lobster.





I am ALL about the kids.

If anyone has any other ideas or suggestions I’m all ears. I’m still learning.

Brian

[Big Bend Brian]

Acassidy thanks for helping to clarify the idea of why someone would want to put a GPS trolling motor on an offshore boat. They are already popular on large boats here in the Jacksonville area. Those that have them on their boat have a HUGE advantage over those that don’t.

Great idea on tilting it and bringing it into the boat. Thank you. While removing the rail would be easy I’ve seen another 24 Outrage with the rail removed and it just didn’t look right to me. It lost that Classic Whaler look. Next week we’ll be playing with mounting ideas as we move the trolling motor around the bow trying to decide on an optimal secure design.
Brian

[NLA01]

Hey Brian—You have a great looking family and boat. You all look like y'all are having fun. Man that is a lot of Lobster. So you just free dive for them? My fishing trips look nothing like that.

How in the world did someone steal both of you outboards?
Archie

[biggiefl]

Thanks for the clarification on the benefits of a trolling motor offshore. I know larger boats do the same with thrusters for staying on a certain spot. Why doesn't anyone make a stern mount one which would be much easier to mount?

[Big Bend Brian]

Man that is a lot of Lobster. So you just free dive for them?

Yep. Down in the FL Keys we just snorkel for them. We try to stay in less than 12 feet of water. Anything deeper and I start hearing a lil whining.

How in the world did someone steal both of you outboards?
Archie

My boat was in for a service when a Miami Ring of thieves backed up to a Marine Mechanic shop with a semi, cut the fence, rolled out a forklift and removed 9 motors from boats (2 of which were mine). Cut the cables and unbolted the motors. Just like that.

Fortunately for me I had a “Replacement Clause” on my insurance policy. Nationwide finally bought me brand new motors but 3 weeks later dropped my boat insurance.
Brian

[jimh]

I hope your family likes fresh seafood.

[Jefecinco]

That's a beautiful Mahi. The last time I had one on the hook was off Kwajalein Atoll. A big shark hit him just before he got to the transom.