Trolling motor Isolator bolts????

[J_pontius]

Ok, I got a question regarding the trolling motor isolator bolts.  First off, I can get under the deck of my boat to mount the trolling motor with bolts etc.  The isolator bolts won't be installed like normal, from the deck to the trolling motor.  I have a special made aluminum mount on my deck to raise the motor up enough to get over the bow.  Anyway this mount is about 18 in long, 6inches wide and 3 or 4 inches high.  If I put 4 isolator bolts on each side of the mount, attatch the mount to it, will it do the same thing?  I want to avoid drilling more unnesessary holes in the deck.  

Anyone used these before?

[Wayne P.]

If you can get to the underside of your deck, do not use the isolators. I have seen too many of those applications pull out. Most of those setups have been replaced with a bolt/washer/nut conbination to prevent the pull outs. Since a large hole had to be used for the isolator, the molded-in nut was cut off and the rest of the isolator was used to take up space for a 1/4" bolt. If you are worried about the mount marring the boat surface, just use some rubber matting for a spacer. For your application, just drill matching holes of the trolling motor bracket, the spacer and deck and run the bolts though the trolling motor mount, your spacer, and through the deck. Use a fender washer and nylock nut.

[J_Zink]

Those isolator bolts like BPS sells are junk.  I nearly lost a TM overboard when I hit a stump and the bolts sheared off.  

[J_pontius]

Ok, sorry, I typed I can get under my deck.  I meant to type, I cannot acces the underside of my deck by any means!  The isolator bolts would just be used on the special mounting plate and not from the plate to the trolling motore.  Sorry for the confusion.  If anyone has other suggestions, let me know.  

Thanks

Pont

[joeyd50]

I have a 1987 Skeeter Starfire 175, and I can't get under the deck, I used the Isolater Bolts from BPS, 8 of them coast $19.99 and I'm running a Minn Kota Maxxum 101, they seem to hold fine, but do check them for tightness often.

Good Luck

  Joe

[kudzu]

why not try a toggle bolt or a metal expanding base hollow wall anchor bolt and a piece of rubber matting rather than relying on a plastic filler piece on the isolator?