CONTINUOUSWAVE

Hi all. I am working on creating a bracket to mount a MinnKota Terrova 55-lbs-thrust trolling motor outside the bow rail on my 1997 MONTAUK 17.

There are old threads referencing members who made aluminum plates that mount to the bow step reinforcements and extend forward [that contain links to other websites where there were pictures].

I am using the RT-17 quick-release, and I am mocking up options using cardboard. I don't want to move the bow rail or navigation lamp.

I would like to see pictures of how a newer Minnota trolling motor is mounted.

There are dozens of photos of mounting plates.

The difference between them is the number and location of holes into the bow pad area.

Typical mount:



I have seen recently (but can't locate) an improved method of install where the base was attached to a backing material (HDPE or similar) that spanned the lip and did was through bolted. Here is my rough illustration:



This method avoids the possible water intrusion into the foamed cavity. The bolt holes are easily repaired if removed in the future.

Re dead links to images: It is impossible for me to have any sort of control over the content of other websites where there might have once been a picture posted to which someone once gave a link to on here. A number of image-hosting websites have gone dark, and some have unscrupulously obscured the images that they continue to host expecting the person who posted the image to pay a fee. This sort of outcome is unfortunate, but there is no way for CONTINOUSWAVE to remedy or restore or affect the behavior of other websites. If you use a GOOGLE search you can often find cached images that remain in the archives of GOOGLE where they no longer remain in their original location.

Also note a new approach to installing a bow trolling motor includes modifying the bow rail by installing a hinged section to allow the shaft to deploy and stow.

Additional information on adding a rail hinge is available.

Thank you for your replies, I have seen several other mounts just nothing quite like what I am imagining and I don't want to get this wrong.


Here is what I am working with: I made a mirrored template on the port side however the motor will be mounted on the starboard side.


I flipped the template over to the starboard side and placed the motor in position far out enough to clear the bow rail.


So close! In this position the control head unit extends about 1" out the gunwale.

In order to get the control head inside the boat my options are to either move the motor base several inches forward to get more side clearance however then the motor base will be hanging considerably off the front of the boat. My other option is to cut the 54-inches shaft shorter to 48-inches; that will probably still work great for the waters I will be in. Am I overthinking this? Any advice or experience is appreciated.

On all the installs I have seen over the years, the mount only extends over the lip just so the motor can deploy.

Consider changing the angle of the base (not the mounting plate) so the motor stows inboard.

To clear the rail, you can add a hinge to the rail. Just need 4 bimini eye fittings and a hacksaw, nut, bolt and pin with safety wire. Here is a drawing to give you an idea.



One version - finished.