Rigging a Transom-Style Trolling Motor "Up-Front"

[dsuden]

I have a clamp-mount Minnkota that can be used in the stern, or reversed and clamped to the bow of a boat. It might be what I need to initially go with when I get a jon... and the boat I'm currently looking at is the MV 1648 NCS Alumacraft. Question...is there a way to rig a clamp-style trolling motor on the *front* of those boats?

 

[cgaengineer]

The clamped area just need to be reinforced with either a metal plate or a piece of wood between the clamps and hull.

 

[johnnybassboat]

You should also check out fish on fabrications. I am pretty sure he makes just what you are looking for, and his stuff is priced well and built well. Good luck and good fishing.

 

[dsuden]

Hey, good call... "Fish On" does have a rig like that.

The other approach I thought about is using some 90 degree angled metal and bolting a piece of 2x4 onto it. I would just want to make sure I used the right kind of hardware for the angle bracket. Any hints on what gauge it should be, and would I be looking for galvanized steel? Better question, maybe...since I'm not sure where to start looking for it...anybody got a hint on a specific part that would work...something that could be found at a local Fleet Farm or Menards or whatever? Link would be great.

 

[kofkorn]

It probably wouldn't be hard to rig up the same kind of clamp used on canoes for trolling motors.

https://www.prostrikeboats.com/directboats/slide3/canoe3/WQMount.jpg

Probably fastest that way, and no mods required to the boat.

Good luck!