Help with 2019 Tracker Pro Team 175

[Titan]

I know, this is a stupid question but........I'm wanting to upgrade my trolling motor.  I tried to remove the old one yesterday and the bolts holding it just spin, indicating, of course, that I need to get under the front deck in order to remove those bolts.  There is a sloping, carpeted, panel going from the front deck (where the foot pedal is located) up level with the aluminum portion of the front of the boat (where the TM is bolted on).  I cannot figure out how to remove the sloping panel.  The TM wiring comes out of the panel.  I removed that assembly but did not see any way to remove the entire panel which, I think, would allow access to the underneath side of the trolling motor.  I didn't see any screws in the panel.  There are some screws going down through the aluminum on the upper level, but those just spin also.  Does anyone out there know how to remove the sloping panel?  Or, how to remove the trolling motor?  I didn't make much of an effort because I didn't want to damage anything.  Help!

The second photo shows the panel.

Edited February 14, 2020 by Titan
added photo

[Log Catcher]

Depending on which trolling motor you are getting you should be able to remove the old trolling motor from the mounting bracket and lay the new one in it. I replaced mine a few years ago but I needed a new mounting bracket. I removed the screws holding the panel in where the TM plugs in and the tilt and trim switch is. I had to tape a 1/2" wrench to a long metal rod to reach in there to get to the nuts. while my wife turned the bolts from the top side. They sometimes mount them with rubber sleves with the nuts in side them. If this is what  you have you may have figure out a way to cut the bolts or drill them out. Hope this helps and good luck.

[moguy1973]

There are screws embedded in the carpeting on that sloped panel.  I'm thinking there are 8 total.  4 across the top and 4 across the bottom.  Then that panel should lift out and you should have access to the under side where the TM is mounted.  I had the same issue on mine.  They use rubber well nuts to hold the TM mount onto the boat and that's why they are spinning.  You'll need a pair of vice grips to hold them from spinning.  Not much room there, be prepared to get your hand cut up unless you wear mechanics gloves or something.

[RichF]

There are definitely screws hiding in the carpet of that panel.  At least, that is the case with my '08.  

[FishinBuck07]

There are screws in mine also!

[Hower08]

Screws in mine and it's a 2001. They're just hiding in that new plush carpet 

[Hook Wet]

OP, you'll need an square S2 bit to remove them. Run your finger along the edges of that panel and you'll find them. Take your time removing them as i mangled up a few using a Philips bit before I realized I need to use an S2 bit on my '14 175. I'm assuming Tracker is still using the same fasteners.

[GreenPig]

Gain access by any means necessary. You can not miss fishing. ?????

[Titan]

Thanks for the info.  Those screws are hidden well!  I WILL resort to the hole saw if I have to!!

[OnthePotomac]

If you place a bar under the TM mount and lift it with pressure while unscrewing(unbolting) from the top it may place enough force on the underbolts to hold them in place while you do the top.  When you put the new mount on just use the rubber isolators mounts with the spreader bottoms with the bolts embedded in them.  The tops on these just require a big flat blade screw driver.  Are you sure you do not have them now and are just finding the isolators hard to pull out with the top bolts/screws out?  I have a G3 and that is what I had through the metal deck when I changed my TM.  New rubber isolators are really cheap.  I just pounded in new isolators and screwed them down until tight with the new mount.

[Mjmj]

I don't have a tracker, but with minn kota trolling motors, they use locking nuts. This could also be a possibility why they are spinning. You will need to get a wrench in there. When installing the new motor. I f you are using an electric tool to install the bolts. ( If the nuts that come with your new trolling motor are locking nuts. ) DO NOT RUN THEM FAST INTO THE NUT! It will heat up the nylon in the nut and make it a pain in th a$$ to take them off in the future. Don't ask me how I know ?

[moguy1973]

7 hours ago, Mjmj said:

I don't have a tracker, but with minn kota trolling motors, they use locking nuts. This could also be a possibility why they are spinning. You will need to get a wrench in there. When installing the new motor. I f you are using an electric tool to install the bolts. ( If the nuts that come with your new trolling motor are locking nuts. ) DO NOT RUN THEM FAST INTO THE NUT! It will heat up the nylon in the nut and make it a pain in th a$$ to take them off in the future. Don't ask me how I know ?

I found this out when I installed my Minn Kota.  Got about halfway down the bolt and the threads fouled like all get out.  Had to end up using a cut off wheel on a Dremel to get them out.  Ended up getting different bolts and used some locking washers and the nuts off the rubber well nuts from the MG mount that came with the boat.