Trolling Motor Mounting Plate

[CRAPPIE HUNTER 2008]

Based on being "Secure" not so much as taking on and off....
I am getting a Minn Kota ipilot (yeah I'm behind in times ......and wondering everyone's opinion.
Mounting on a Xpress aluminum boat on bow. Would you mount directly to boat OR use a lockable plate that has only a small padlock between it and whoever may want it......just curious and thanks.

[dwightparks]

Two reason's I went to plate. First reason is I pull my boat with the cover on and trolling motor where it sticks out doesn't fit good so I remove motor. Second reason on a steep ramp trolling motor can drop and hit trailer winch stand. With the plate you can slide the motor back enough so this is not an issue and slide back in place. where these type motors have to extend a good distance to clear they are at risk of being broke or bent and is nice to be able to lock it to boat.

[coolerfull]

Mount it directly to bow with lock washers if aluminum! Don't pull your boat with cover unless your running into a known monsoon. It allows it to blow trash out an dry. When you mount it this way you will understand how a bandit will give up. Been there done that. Hope I cld help

[cache22]

Mount it directly to bow with lock washers if aluminum! Don't pull your boat with cover unless your running into a known monsoon. It allows it to blow trash out an dry. When you mount it this way you will understand how a bandit will give up. Been there done that. Hope I cld help

Please remove your trash from the boat and PU truck before hitting the road...... our Arkansas has been TRASHED ENOUGH!

[coolerfull]

I was meaning like leaves an such!

[ibmack]

uhhh, i agree with cache. if he covers it to begin with, chances on him needing to blow out leaves hustling down the road are pretty much nil

[coolerfull]

Ibmack your right but i see hardly any boats being pulled with cover on. Second no good reason the trolling motor shld drop even on a steep ramp unless I'm misunderstanding something! Mine never has on a steep ramp. Just giving my opinion. I'd rather pull a boat without a cover than have to deal with replacing trolling motor. When I get to a lake I wanna fish! My boat occasionally gets leaves an pine needles in it an I like the idea of letting boat air out on the highway. Each to thr own. Don't consider that trashing up anything an it's not trash like bags and cans and etc... maybe I shlda cleared that up? I didn't like the trolling motor bracket myself an mounted it directly.

[cache22]

Blowing leaves are okay!!! I have a mounting plate on my Terrova not for security and removal but so I can slide it back to keep it from hitting docks, etc. It extends too far off the bow if mounted directly and is subject to damage if you bump into things (like I do )
Also on a steep ramp, it can strike the bow roller when the back of the boat floats up and the keel runs down the bow roller.

[coolerfull]

I have a 60" shaft on my terrova. I have to be mindful but never had any of these issues you speak of? Even on a steep ramp. Anyway maybe ole Crappie Hunter 2008 has more to think about now? Lol