Trolling motor placement

[timsmcm]

Can some of you men tell me or show me the best ways to mount My new trolling motor? I have a lowe 14ft that has a semi v type hull that I am building a front deck on it. Does the motor need to be near the front point (or middle of the boat)? I am putting the terrova 55 on it and it looks like it needs to be close to the edge and after my deck is finished it will still be a little lower than that round piping on the top of the boat. What do you use as a spacer to lift the tm base up to clear this. I also wanted to know if I could get away with using t nuts to use to attach the tm because if I need to get the tm that close to the front of the boat there is no way I can get my hand under there to get the nuts and washers on the attach the motor. Also what do I need to get to wire up the trolling motor? Is there some kind of electrical center or other device to attach the power wiring to up front as I will wire heavy wire to the battery in back.

 

[Waterwings]

Different materials (wood, aluminum channel) have been used by some to mfr a raised mounting surface for tm attachment. Do you have any pics of the front deck/area you want to mount the tm? Photos help immensely when members offer tips/suggestions.

 

[billclay1]

I just purchased a new Lowe 1648 MT, and I had the dealer install a Terrova on the front seat/deck. They used this thick foam/rubber tubing as a spacing material to account for the height difference you are refering too. This seemed fine at the time, but not that I have had the boat in the water, and used the trolling motor, I have noticed a problem. When I accelerate with the Terrova, it causes the front seat/deck to flex significantly. I don't think the thin aluminum of the front seat/deck is strong enough to support the weight/thrust of the Terrova, especially over long periods of regular use. I contacted the dealer about the issues, and I am waiting for their response.