2007 190 Outrage: Cost to Install Electric Trolling Motor

[jwaters58]

A quote to have a Minn Kota [24-Volt electric trolling motor] installed [on my 2007 190 OUTRAGE] was between $7,000 and $8,000 depending on the battery choice, with the batteries going into the anchor locker.

[Implied request: give comments on this proposal.]

[Moderator's note: this thread was separated from a prior discussion about installation of electrical connectors which is is now in SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL.]

[Phil T]

That is a horrible estimate. Knuckleheads.

It is $400-$600 in materials to rig up an extension cord and an outlet on the console and add a hinged section to the rail.

I have specifics if you want.

[jwaters58]

Thanks Phil. I will take any information you have. It's greatly appreciated.

[Phil T]

Owners have installed a trolling motor on a boat that does not have a [factory installed pre-wired electrical receptacle at the bow to provide power].

To do this without major modifications, batteries are installed in the center console. The center console floor is cut and the batteries sit on the deck.

The batteries are wired to an ON-OFF switch and also to a receptacle installed on the side wall of the center console. The motor power cable is modified to add a plug.

A heavy duty extension cord is made up of marine battery cable of appropriate gauge with a female connector (for the motor end) and a male end (for the center console end). The cord is stored in the console when not in use..

Hinge to the bow rail.

You can add a hinged section to the bow rail using either bimini eyes or a rail hinge fitting from Victory products.

Here is an owner's photo of his install:

Fig. 1. Modified bow railing with hinged section added.

Bow_Rail_Hinge_Jamie.jpeg (84.36 KiB) Viewed 2479 times

Hardware -

Hinge - https://fluidconcepts.net/product/locking-bimini-tube-hinge/

Bow eyes - https://www.wholesalemarine.com/sea-dog-bimini-canopy-top-chrome-7-8-external-eye-end-pair.html

Clevis Pin with lanyard. https://www.wholesalemarine.com/sea-dog-stepped-release-pin-with-lanyard-stainless-steel.html

[jwaters58]

That looks really good. Thanks.

[jimh]

Re the modification to the bow railing seen in Figure 1: you would have to be VERY keen on having a trolling motor on your boat to be willing to chop up the bow railing in the rather drastic manner seen in the photograph.

[jimh]

A quote to have a Minn Kota [24-Volt electric trolling motor] installed [on my 2007 190 OUTRAGE]...[had] the batteries going into the anchor locker.

Locating two large and heavy batteries in the anchor locker is a terrible plan. That is the worst place for the added weight. In general, any weight in the very bow of any boat should be kept to a minimum.

The anchor locker is a wet place and usually full of wet gear like anchors and ropes. Putting the batteries in the anchor locker is a bad choice.

Further, batteries in the anchor locker will suffer reduced service life due to the extreme motion of the bow when the boat is operated in any sort of seas.

Abandon the idea of putting the batteries there.

[Jefecinco]

Unless I stumble upon a fair price from the start I look for other bids from shops with good reputations.

Some Boston Whaler models often sold with a trolling motor option are all constructed with the cable tunnel from the center console to the bow to simplify production. Before cutting on your deck investigate the presence of a cable tunnel in your boat. A hole or rigging boot in the front of your console is a clue.

[jwaters58]

I will look for a tunnel to the front before doing any wiring. Thanks for that information.
Jeff

[Phil T]

You will not find one.

It is for this reason owners fabricate an "extention cord".