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Binkie,
Interesting post. I just mounted my trolling motor base to the fore deck of my '07 Montauk 150. Had I read your post I might have done it differently, not to say that I couldn't remove it and do it now. It seems that if one does things as you describe you had better be sure you want it there forever :)) I am not sure about that for my TM. I did not use wood for the base of mine but used HDPE instead..the principle is the same.

I consulted Outboard Motor Shop in Oakland, Ca. They are THE Whaler dealer in No. Ca. and have a well respected service dept. They said to simply drill and tap mounting holes into the fore deck and bolt it down with stainless machine bolts. The phenolic in that area is 3/8. I did just that and used a high grade acrylic caulk as a bedding compound and sealant for the bolt holes on the threads. I've also seen pics of other members' personal pages that seem to show the same.

If I ever want to remove it I can simply do so and plug the holes with 3M 5200.

Now, having described my process, do you think it will be satisfactory? You obviously know your stuff given the pics of your resto' on your personal page.

Thanks,
Mark