Trolling Motor on Offshore Boat Install

[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.


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[silverking]

Sweet. Very clean and professional look.

Does anyone use anchors offshore anymore?

[Vitz]

Sweet. Very clean and professional look.

Does anyone use anchors offshore anymore?

My goal is not to!

[Srbenda]

Nice.

I have read other reports of flexing in the mounting plate, but hopefully yours and the mounting will be strong enough.

[Vitz]

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.

[Salty Gator]

Looks good Chris. You will love it, total game changer. Congratulations

[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.

[Vitz]

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


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[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.

[Juan]

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?

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

[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.

[bbb]

Ok. Now I’ll go fishing with you. Wasn’t interested in being the anchor puller.

[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.

[Vitz]

Ok. Now I’ll go fishing with you. Wasn’t interested in being the anchor puller.

Well now I don’t need you!

[Greenbone]

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