Trolling motor installation with no acess

[Jm526]

I will be mounting a new trolling motor on my bass boat, but I do not have any access for my hand underneath to tighten the bolts. It's a pretty dumb design flaw. I have my old trolling motor mounted with the rubber T bolts that I bought at bass pro, and its been working pretty good, but I read somewhere about stainless steel toggle bolts, would this be a better route? what do you guys think is better.

 

Thanks

[RUSS9999]

I have never seen a bass boat that didn't have a panel up front with a trim switch and TM plug for access. It must not have a tray for TM foot peddle either. Would most likely have to drill the holes bigger for toggle bolts and have to cut them loss to ever get it loss if you need to remove the TM.  

[Scott F]

Why don't you cut an access hole. You can mount this cover plate. Comes in 4, 6 or 8" sizes in black white or grey. $14-$24

 

[Catt]

The problem with toggle bolts is you have drill over size holes for the toggle nut to fit.

[Way2slow]

I quit using the rubber T bolts a long time ago. After a few years the start coming apart, the motor gets loose and you can't tighten it.  I would make me an access port if at all possible and bolt it down with SS bolts and self locking nuts with rubber washer between the motor and boat.

[Jm526]

Ok, I like the idea of the aces hole, I'm going to look to see if I can do that. If not I want to put a recess tray in, I will have to make a big hole and could use that for my arm to fit in. Thanks for the input. I didn't want to use the rubber things again or drill big holes for toggle bolts. Thanks for your guys help

[WIGuide]

Just curious, what type of boat is it?

[J Francho]

I had my kid climb into the front storage to do mine, lol.

[Jm526]

1 hour ago, WIGuide said:

Just curious, what type of boat is it?

It's a storm bass boat, there custom made down here in Florida. Mines is a 1994