Transom Trolling Motor On The Bow

[Dyerbassman]

I am looking to mount a transom trolling motor to the bow of my semiV boat. I have reversed the head already, and now I have been staring at the boat trying to get the best idea on where to put it. Anyone have any ideas/input? Thanks! I am trying to keep it simple.

[Christian M]

Mount it closest to where you're going to be fishing

[NebraskaBasser]

I went to a metal shop and had them bend a piece of 1/4" aluminum plate into an "L".  The cost was about $20.  I think I started off with a piece that was about 12-14" long and about 4"-6" wide - but take your own measurements.  This will place the motor/shaft directly in the center of the nose...

 

BUT, when I got home I realized that the "nose-plate" on my boat wasn't flat!  I could have drilled holes in both and then shimmed the plate on each side so it wouldn't wobble.  But, decided to go a different route rather than messing with it...

 

I took two pieces of plywood/board and cut them a little larger than the mounting bracket of my motor.  Then I "connected" them with straps so that they hang below the gunnel.  I did that for three reasons... 1) it made for a better/flush fit to the hull, 2) it protected BOTH sides of the hull, and 3) it the motor came loose or for some reason I wanted to lift up the WHOLE motor, the pieces wouldn't be falling into the lake. 

 

Although the latter version isn't right in the CENTER of the nose, it's close enough that you shouldn't have any problems.

 

Hope my descriptions made sense?

 

Good luck!

[Dyerbassman]

Any pics of that set-up?

[NebraskaBasser]

Any pics of that set-up?

Sure!  (But which one? <g>)

 

Send me a PM and we can exchange emails.  I'll gladly send you pictures and fill in any details for questions you may have!

 

bob DOT cody AT cox DOT net

[topwaterrob]

How did you reverse the head?

[Dyerbassman]

On most trolling motors, there is a bolt and a nut that holds the head (top) onto the shaft. If you unscrew the bolt and pull it out, making sure to catch the nut, the head can be turned 180 degrees. Then just line up the holes and put the bolt back through carefully so you don't pinch the wires. Tighten it up with the nut and you can mount it on the bow, having the handle facing in. Takes 5 minutes!

[Wayne P.]

One more thing you might consider if you attach the motor close to the bow is an extension handle.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Ironwood-Pacific-HelmsMate-Extension-Handles/product/7783/

 

Additionally add a Big Foot switch to the negative power wire so you can turn the motor on and off without turning the handle. That will allow you to fish more, and fight the motor less, especially if it is windy.

[Downeaster2010]

I as well have reversed the head so I might use my small trolling motor like yourself.  A large plumbers clamp or pipe clamp will work well for you to mount the transducer to the trolling motor.