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I recently bought at Mako 17 Pro Skiff (with patience I finally upgraded from the Pelican!) and also purchased a Riptide ST Bow mounted trolling motor. Before I started drilling into the precious fiberglass to install the trolling motor I realized that if I were to drill I would not be able to reach the screws nor fasten the nuts. Another barrier is the lip at the bow would require something to level the trolling motor. I did some research and found that I could get some starboard to help level the trolling motor however I need some advice as to how to fasten the starboard to the bow. Would it be wise to glue it down or just sweat the many holes im going to put into the boat? Or is there another way to mount a trolling motor and I'm making this more difficult on myself? Thank you for any help!

Most are mounted to the expanding rubber washer on a bolt that you drill just large enough to insert the washer. Then as you tighten, the rubber washer expands in place. That also allows for the vibration that you get in trolling motors. I would put those same type of bolts through the motor bracket and the starboard.

Starboard is not adhesive friendly (not much will stick to it based on its chemical properties) other than some high end 3M products that reportedly will have some level of adhesion doubtful it would hold a TM in place. You might check into some of the Quick Release mounts made for the MK as they have a much smaller footprint (only the small puck is mounted to the boat and that might solve/help with your deck/lip issue as well as the TM sits a little higher off the deck: MK Quick Release mount

As for mounting things with no access another option for securing: SS Marine toggle Those rubber ones are not as secure especially in rough water and will come loose as the rubber ages and dries out.

zload wrote:Starboard is not adhesive friendly (not much will stick to it based on its chemical properties) other than some high end 3M products that reportedly will have some level of adhesion doubtful it would hold a TM in place. You might check into some of the Quick Release mounts made for the MK as they have a much smaller footprint (only the small puck is mounted to the boat and that might solve/help with your deck/lip issue as well as the TM sits a little higher off the deck: MK Quick Release mount

As for mounting things with no access another option for securing: SS Marine toggle Those rubber ones are not as secure especially in rough water and will come loose as the rubber ages and dries out.

x2 on this advise. You'll need the RTA17 for your ST http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Products/ ... E-BRACKET/

had problems with the expanding rubber mounts several times, if you use them keep a sharp eye in them

I'm another one that had a bad experience with the rubber bolts. I almost lost my whole trolling motor as it decided to break loose running in the channel. I will never use them again. Have you thought about cutting an access hole so you could reach the bolts? Could you cut a hole under the front latch and reach through there?

Thank you guys for the advice! Demon and Zload I will be purchasing the bracket tonight as well as the SS Marine Toggles if I cant reach the puck screws through the hull.

Post up the pics when you are done with the install! Remember measure twice drill once

Maybe I should check my rubber toggles. Been on there 5 years with no problem (on my old boat which my brother has). I agree though that solid metal makes better sense (until it corrodes ). Let us know how the install goes.

I cut the rubber mount that extended below the deck and used stainless bolts , fender washers , and self locking nuts. no more problems