Help with trolling motor

[crapAlicous]

I have a new 22' Xpress center console . It's an aluminum boat. The trolling motor is mounted using the rubber type expanders. The first time I used it, the rubber things loosened up and the mount started wobbling. I went to the truck, got some tools, and tightened the bolts up the best I could. I went back and tried to fish, and almost lost the trolling motor in the lake. I don't think there's any way that I can access underneath the deck to put some big washers and bolts on it. My dealer will fix it but don't see how it won't happen again using the rubber expanders. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if anyone has any ideas?

[Tonykarter]

You might try using some rubber vibration isolators. Your hardware store will stock some sizes. Same concept, only shorter forcing bolt. Those long bolt isolators they have used may be too long for the deck you are trying to mount to: the bottom nut will rip the rubber above it as it travels up the bolt during tightening if it has to travel up the bolt too far before it takes a purchase on the underside of the deck. The ripped rubber above the nut then renders them ineffective. And hell to get out too. Ask me how I know this all too well. Look up vibration isolators on the net. They come in many sizes. Determine the depth of deck you are dealing with and choose an isolator that is only slightly longer than the deck thickness. I recommend contacting the manufacturer of the isolators and get their specs on how much longer is best. You want the rubber to mushroom under the deck before it rips, so I'm thinking 1/2" to 1" longer, not the 2" that might be happening under there now. Switch out the Phillips or straight-head screwdriver bolts in the isolators for stainless hex bolts to get more torque on them. And be darn sure to use some antisieze on them or you won't get them out the next time. Again, ask me how I know...Good luck!

[crapAlicous]

It looks like the drilled aluminum boogered up the rubber. You think the shorter bolts will do the same?

[Redge]

I am wondering if they didn't over torque the original installation. You might try it yourself with better results.

[Crappie Reaper]

If the dealer cannot properly repair it, there could be a problem with your warranty if you try to correct the issue. Discuss it and get something in writing to cover it or insist on a replacement boat.

[crapAlicous]

Okay thank ya'll. Hopefully they will have an idea. They've been closed this week for Christmas. Thanks again-Jeff

[Redge]

Reaper makes a very good point!!

[Cray]

You could send BRM a PM. He sells express boats out of BigRiverMarine. Or just call him. He will shoot you straight on how to mount it.

[crapAlicous]

Thank ya'll. Hopefully my dealer will be open today. I forgot about B River Marine. Thanks Cray

[crapAlicous]

Yes Reaper I didn't think of that. That would not be good.