Bow Mounted Trolling Motor Bracket

[phishin04]

I'm looking to create a customized bracket to mount a bow mount trolling motor to on my 2004 Sea Ray 185 Sport. I'd rather not drill any new holes through the bow, so was thinking of using the existing holes from the cleats and light to mount a custom frame to. Has anyone ever attempted to this, have any suggestions on how to do this, or have any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Chris Nowell]

All the trolling motors that I've seen have been mounted on the transom or swim grid. Is there a particular reason you need it to be mounted to the bow? I'd think you'd have better control and performance from such an engine if it was pushing from the rear as opposed to pulling from the front.

AND,,,, welcome to the forum. There's lots of good advice and outright lunacy to be had here.

 

[phishin04]

Thanks. From everything I've been told and heard, I will have more control over the boat when pulling rather than pushing. Any slight wind will push the bow if the trolling motor is on the transom.

 

[Chris Nowell]

Thanks. From everything I've been told and heard, I will have more control over the boat when pulling rather than pushing. Any slight wind will push the bow if the trolling motor is on the transom.

Good point. I guess a lot depends on how fast you'll be trolling. The gear we use requires speeds of about 5-6 MPH (statute MPH). At this speed the leg can be used as a rudder or I've seen trolling motors mounted on electric remote control brackets. Our former 230 CC had the latter. Good luck.