YamahaC40Guy
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- Dec 1, 2008
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Hey guys, I'm BRAND new to this forum, but have done a fair bit of lurking! I'm a lifelong fan of aluminum boats, and cut my teeth on an old FeatherCraft. That boat is long gone, but I recently purchased a very used Crestliner (spring '08) and went to work on getting a motor, and doing some modifications. Anyhow, I ended-up buying a gently-used Minn Kota PD trolling motor and found myself doubting my first thoughts on how I should mount it. Hoping someone can offer some insight here! First off, the "dilemma" as I see it';
The bow of the boat sort of "sweeps-up", and isn't parallel to the water's surface. See drawing below. As far as I know, the trolling motor needs to be mounted about parallel TO the water's surface, give or take. So, whatever I end up using, need's to compensate for this. Yes..?? Issue#2~shaft length. Buying used, the choices can be limited. The one I got has a 55" shaft, longer than I need. No problem when deployed, but in the "up" position, will cut into the deck space somewhat unless I have the head of the motor overhanging the edge of the boat a bit. Mooring then becomes an issue, for obvious reasons. Issue#3 Navigation lights/position of motor base~As the boat isn't that large, I'd rather stick with the navigation lights where they are and NOT offset where the base of the trolling motor will sit. Room is limited though, and having it right on the nose of the boat seems to make the most sense. How have you guys dealt with this? It would seem to make the most sense (for boat control) if the shaft of the motor is hanging almost straight down from the very front edge of the boat.
Now, the drawing, and a few shots of my beloved!
The bow, from the front;
The bow, from inside;
Sitting at the dock, where she spends a few weekends a year;
Thanks in advance for any help/photos you can provide, I'll keep searching these forums for other solutions. Also, if anyone would like any more info. on what I've done to my boat, fire away!
Thanks,
C40
The bow of the boat sort of "sweeps-up", and isn't parallel to the water's surface. See drawing below. As far as I know, the trolling motor needs to be mounted about parallel TO the water's surface, give or take. So, whatever I end up using, need's to compensate for this. Yes..?? Issue#2~shaft length. Buying used, the choices can be limited. The one I got has a 55" shaft, longer than I need. No problem when deployed, but in the "up" position, will cut into the deck space somewhat unless I have the head of the motor overhanging the edge of the boat a bit. Mooring then becomes an issue, for obvious reasons. Issue#3 Navigation lights/position of motor base~As the boat isn't that large, I'd rather stick with the navigation lights where they are and NOT offset where the base of the trolling motor will sit. Room is limited though, and having it right on the nose of the boat seems to make the most sense. How have you guys dealt with this? It would seem to make the most sense (for boat control) if the shaft of the motor is hanging almost straight down from the very front edge of the boat.
Now, the drawing, and a few shots of my beloved!
The bow, from the front;
The bow, from inside;
Sitting at the dock, where she spends a few weekends a year;
Thanks in advance for any help/photos you can provide, I'll keep searching these forums for other solutions. Also, if anyone would like any more info. on what I've done to my boat, fire away!
Thanks,
C40