CTFishTalk.com: Trolling motor on an open bow boat - Connecticut Boat Repair, Electronics, and Motor Help ( CT Boat Repair, Electronics, and Motor Help ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

shortypowers · Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 83

I have an older fiberglass tri-hull open bow boat that I use for fishing. I'm not in a position to get a boat better suited for fishing.

This boat has bow rails and there is no room on the transom to mount one. Is there any way to mount a trolling motor on one of these?

slimecoat · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 1576 Location: Newington, CT.

Shortypowers, you will have to cut a section of your bow rail to allow for the foot controlled trolling motor to flip up and out of the bow when you want to put it down. Doing this will severely weaken your bow rail. Then comes the problem of securing it to the deck. You will have to make up a custom platform to bolt the trolling motor down to. Have fun with this winter project!
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dave_376 · Joined: 25 May 2007 Posts: 171

if you just want a trollimg motor and dont need a foot control you could make a bracket to mount a transom mount to your boat. i had a Transom mount TM on the bow of an old Aluminium boat, i used some long bolts and big fender washers to bolt a 2x6 to the bow and then had another piece of 2x2 bolted and glued to it. i never had an issue with it and it worked great. you should be able to get a 2x6 or a strong piece of plywood under your rails and make it work, alot easier then cutting or removing the rails.