Posted by jcisco13 on 09/30/21 - 3:28 PM
#1
This is my first boat and I want to mount a Minn Kota 55lbs thrust trolling motor to the bow of my 1996 Boston Whaler 13 Dauntless. I want to know, can I drill a 3" Pilot Whole somewhere to the left of the center line of the bow or in the anchor bay in order through bolt the quick release puck w/5200 or 4200. Also, if it is possible will it hold for many years or I do I need to reinforce the plywood underneath the bow with an aluminum plate. I plan on using a quick release system for this install. Also, it appears that I will also cut the railing to make room for the trolling motor in order to have clearance to release it. I've kind of look around the site but didn't find anyone doing this to a 13 foot whaler. Any suggestion would greatly be appreciated, thank you
Posted by Phil T on 09/30/21 - 4:14 PM
#2
These are frequently asked questions.
Cutting an access hole to through bolt is not the appropriate approach.
You only want to through bolt at the lip of the bow where the rubrail is.
You can use a threaded insert or toggle bolt into the deck.
You do not want to use adhesive. That is an indicator you don't have the needed fasteners.
(I have helped 3 owners repair the damage of inspection ports and dug out foam that lead to water intrusion).
You can add a hinge to the rail. There is a writeup I did. Let me try to find it.
There are embedded backing pieces in the gunnel
FAQ steps:
Trolling Motor Install
Half a dozen owners have installed a trolling motor on a boat that does not have a pre-wire.
To do this without major modifications, batteries are installed in the console. The floor is cut and the batteries sit on the deck,
The batteries are wired to an on/off switch and also to a plug receptacle installed on the side wall of the console.
The motor power wire is modified to add a male plug.
A heavy duty extension cord is made up of marine battery cable of appropriate gauge with a female connector (for the motor end) and a male end (console). The cord is stored in the console when not in use..
Hinge to the bow rail.
You can add a hinged section to the bow rail using either bimini eyes or a rail hinge fitting from Victory products.
Edited by Phil T on 09/30/21 - 4:25 PM
Posted by Phil T on 09/30/21 - 4:22 PM
#3
Here is a photo from Todd12's personal page here on WC.
He made a custom metal plate the spanned the front step and is through bolted in the "lip".
This is a low-invasive method.
Posted by jcisco13 on 10/03/21 - 2:07 PM
#5
Thank you Phil for these ideas and I think a custom metal plate that spans the front step along the side is what I will do since I want it to be strong for a long time. In addition, to the bow rail modifications. Thank you again for helping me avoid drilling a 3" pilot whole. Whew!