Thread: Trolling motor bracket

we are good at giving advice...aren't we????

As long as no electricity is involved.

Originally Posted by PawPaw "gene"

First of all, since it's corroded in place it must not have been moved in a long long time. So why move it now. But if you absolutely need to here is what I'd do. I'd warm it then twist the knob until something gives. If the bolt unscrews you're done. If the plastic handle twist off or break get rid of all the plastic and then grab the metal head of the bolt that was in the plastic with a large and strong pair of vise grips. Warm it again and try to unscrew it. If you twist it off, depending where it breaks you might be able to open the clamp. If not, slide a hacksaw in the space between the clamp parts and saw the bolt, it's alright if you cut some of the clamp if it is tight for the saw blade. Once you have it opened and apart, file or grind the bolt flush with the aluminum clamp. Now you are ready to drill it out. Be sure to center punch it dead center. If possible use a drill press and sharp bit but even if you have to use a hand drill be sure you have a new or sharp drill bit. A dull one will walk to the side. Drill it out to the inside diameter of the threaded hole not the size of the bolt. It's probably a 3/8" bolt and if so you will need a 5/16 drill bit. After drilling all that should remain is the threads of the bolt in the threads of the clamp. Use a sharp object like an ice pic or something similar to remove the bolt thread from within the clamp thread. After that, run a tap through it to clean it out. If you bungle the job, drill it out to 7/16" and tap it to 1/2" inch. You will also have to drill out the other half of the clamp to 9/16". It should be a breeze for anyone with drill press, by hand a lot harder. I wish you were near as we'd have that thing going in no time.
"gene"

We're the second owner of this boat, the previous owner positioned it a little lower then we'd like it to be. I appreciate the advice, it may not be worth the trouble and possible down time right now, with the fishing about to heat up (hopefully).

Is your strap small enough to grab it close to the bottom? If you were on the ears, you were losing a lot of useful torque. Worse case scenario (unless you get crazy with it) you break the plastic and decide to just leave it in its current position.

Originally Posted by TigerFanatic1

Is your strap small enough to grab it close to the bottom? If you were on the ears, you were losing a lot of useful torque. Worse case scenario (unless you get crazy with it) you break the plastic and decide to just leave it in its current position.

I tried with the small strap on the bottom, couldn't get a good bind on it. I also tried with the small strap on the bottom, and the big one on the ears.