Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

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Vitz
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Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Vitz »

I just finished the install of a 72” MinnKota Ulterra on my Contender 23T. I bought the motor on super sale back over the summer and finally got around to installing. The biggest issue I had was trying to figure out how to span the 7+ inches of deck that slopes down to the rub rail. With the help of the folks at Tallahassee Welding, I can up with a bracket that I think is going to do the trick. ImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImageImage


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silverking
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by silverking »

Sweet. Very clean and professional look.

Does anyone use anchors offshore anymore? :lol:
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Vitz
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Vitz »

silverking wrote:Sweet. Very clean and professional look.

Does anyone use anchors offshore anymore? :lol:
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Srbenda
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Srbenda »

Nice.

I have read other reports of flexing in the mounting plate, but hopefully yours and the mounting will be strong enough.
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Vitz
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Vitz »

Srbenda wrote:Nice.

I have read other reports of flexing in the mounting plate, but hopefully yours and the mounting will be strong enough.
I put a large aluminum backing plate underneath the deck and thru-bolted it to the top mounted bracket. I tested it out yesterday, granted it was in pretty calm seas, and I didn't see any flex.
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Salty Gator »

Looks good Chris. You will love it, total game changer. Congratulations
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Juan
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Juan »

Great looking mount and you're going to love the Ulterra. Mine is 60" and I don't use a quick release bracket and have it hard wired and the only flex is the little bit the shaft flexes in the stowed position in rough seas. I would guess the shaft of the 72" mounted an inch higher on the quick release bracket will also bounce/flex a little but they claim they're made to take it.
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Vitz
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Vitz »

I’m going to install a Ram mount to hold the shaft steady while running.


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silverking
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by silverking »

Found out about a guy in Alabama who makes a durable version that clamps to the shaft. He's working on one for me now.
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Juan
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Juan »

silverking wrote:Found out about a guy in Alabama who makes a durable version that clamps to the shaft. He's working on one for me now.
I like that. Will it work on an Ulterra with the belt drive on the shaft?

Vitz wrote:I’m going to install a Ram mount to hold the shaft steady while running.
Probably a good idea if there's flex in the shaft. I was more concerned about cord stretch and losing the coils with age since it's stretched and bounces around quite a bit in the stowed position. You can stop that while trailering with a bungee cord or a trolling motor cover: http://popptops.com/Home_Page.html
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by silverking »

Juan, not sure but you can give him a call to discuss. I suspect so, as he's done a bunch for guides on the AL Gulf Coast and California bass anglers.

Mine has required some modifications since it's low profile and for the skiff. He did one prototype and is working on the final version now.

Nice guy, he's retired and has all the tools to produce these. Feel free to drop my name. Don't think he'll charge you double if you do. :lol:
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by bbb »

Ok. Now I’ll go fishing with you. Wasn’t interested in being the anchor puller.
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Juan »

This probably doesn't concern you since you have a quick disconnect and more than likely won't leave your trolling motor on the boat for extended periods but just as a point of interest... The ONLY complaint I have about the Ulterras are the slots in the housing. They hold dirt and water after a rain or washing and they don't drain. You have to stick a towel or something in each slot to remove the water. I considered filling the slots with silicone to keep the water out but Minn Kota says doing so will void the warranty and they suggest regularly cleaning the slots. Not a biggie, but a pain in the butt.
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Vitz
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Vitz »

bbb wrote:Ok. Now I’ll go fishing with you. Wasn’t interested in being the anchor puller.
Well now I don’t need you! :D
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Re: Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

Post by Greenbone »

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Hey Vitz ,thought you might like to see couple upgrades on Robalo
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