Trolling Motor Installation Advice

[rps]

I recently bought a bow mount 24volt Minn Kota Riptide ST. As I have mentioned before, I am NOT handy with tools. I had a marine mechanic install the motor for me.

He used the same method Xpress used to factory install my original trolling motor. He drilled holes in the aluminum deck and inserted a threaded sleeve which serves like the deforming sleeve in a molybolt. I am sure the things have a name, but I don't know it.

Look at the base and plate design of the Riptide ST and Terrova. The base/plate is much smaller than the traditional scissor mounts. The motor end of the unit locks into a cradle that sits in the middle of that small base/plate. This means the shaft and head extend much farther from the end of the mounting plate.

As I reported a little over a week ago, I was running down the lake, thankfully not at top speed, when my new trolling motor dismounted from the bow. It appears the bouncing of the longer shaft and head fulcrum popped the sleeves out of the deck when I crossed a wake.

The new installation will be bolted through the deck. To make this install, we will cut a fist size hole in the interior side wall of the bow so that washers and nuts can be secured on the bolt ends. The hole will be covered with a removable plate. That way I can check/tighten the nuts.

If you upgrade to the Terrova or Riptide St (and I really like the motor, especially the hand held steering fob) be sure you consider the extra force the design will place on you boat deck and think about bolting the unit on if the boat design permits. I was only travelling in the mid 20's when I had my experience. I don't want imagine what it would have been like if I had been in a boat that was going 40 or higher (not that my rig could ever go that fast).

[LarryC]

I’m on my first Terrova but had a PD with AP before. Mounted both with stainless steel through bolts and used big (fender washers) along with nylon lock washers...they have never loosened one bit.

After mounting my last Terrova I headed to the lake. It deployed at 70 mph on the highway. A little cosmetic damage to the skeg. The reason it deployed was because the locking mechanism was a little stiff and I didn’t slam the motor down...and double check to make sure it was locked. The little green light should also go off.

[rps]

Good point. I am still in learning mode on the motor and will insert a double check in my routine.

[Walleye1]

Good point. I am still in learning mode on the motor and will insert a double check in my routine.

rps,

I installed the stabilizer shown in the link below on my deep v walleye rig. Don't have a Terrova but do have a PD Autopilot.

This thing ain't cheap but it will definitely keep your trolling motor from accidentally deploying. Also keeps all the electronics in the head from bouncing around in rough water. I mounted mine on the gunnel directly under the motor shaft when in the stowed position. I first tried a bungy cord but shaft still has too much bounce for me.

walleye1

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/template...&hasJS=true