Bow Mount Positioning

[jignpig]

Question for you guys,

I have a new to me boat and it seems a little "squirelly" compared to my old boat. My question is, how big of a difference will remounting the bow mounted trolling motor make. Right now it is about 12" off the center line of the hull to the starboard side.

My problem is there is a "nose protector mounted to the front of the bow with a little lip that keeps me from getting a "flush" mount at the tip/nose of the boat...
Thanks in advance!!!
Todd

[Morton]

I am not sure what you mean by squirley... turns to fast / slow?

If you are referring to how fast the boat turns using the bow mount ... it could be the positioning but it most likely is something you just need to learn or get used to.

My bow mount ( wireless 'kota ) is positioned about 5" off center when deployed. It acts a little differently if I am using it from the back of the boat Vs. the front. This has to do with how much of the "V" is in the water.
I do notice that a turn to the port side needs to be more gradual that a starbord turn since I am pushing the boat sideways. Not a big deal to me ... just different than my last rig. It is more dramatic if I am fishing from the bow ( more boat in the water ).

I have more difficulty keeping the motor in the water in rough conditions even though it is a 60" shaft than fighting how it responds turning.

You could try making or having a mounting plate built that would allow you to get closer to the center line and possibly eliminate some of the problem.

Morton

[bumps2]

Question for you guys,

I have a new to me boat and it seems a little "squirelly" compared to my old baot. My question is, how big of a difference will remounting the bow mounted trolling motor make. Right now it is about 12" off the center line of the hull to the starboard side.

My problem is there is a "nose protector mounted to the front of the bow with a little lip that keeps me from getting a "flush" mount at the tip/nose of the boat...
Thanks in advance!!!
Todd

There are 3 things you need to think about if you mean you want to install the motor at the centerline of the hull.

1. Interference with the bow mounted running light with the motor either stowed or deployed.

2. Depending on the type of motor you have (power drive or cable drive) might be impossible to deploy.

3. Motor head might hit the winch stand when loading the boat.

As the other poster said my power drive Minn Kota is about 5-6" to starboard off the hull centerline and I have no problem with boat control. 12" does seem a bit much to be off the centerline. I have an adapter plate on my motor so I can slide the motor off and set in on the front deck when trailering and with the motor attached to the plate I have no problem with bow light interference, deploying and stowing or the motor hitting anything when launching or loading.

b2

[jignpig]

Thanks guys! I probably do need to get out and practice some more I went from being able to stop go and turn on a dime to feeling like a drunk out there! Steering in general is different, straight, left right it is a whole new animal! A little disheartning, but it is what it is... Thanks for the advice, I might try and post a pic so you can see what I am talking about.
Thanks,
Todd

[San Chan]

Question for you guys,

I have a new to me boat and it seems a little "squirelly" compared to my old boat. My question is, how big of a difference will remounting the bow mounted trolling motor make. Right now it is about 12" off the center line of the hull to the starboard side.

My problem is there is a "nose protector mounted to the front of the bow with a little lip that keeps me from getting a "flush" mount at the tip/nose of the boat...
Thanks in advance!!!
Todd




Come to think about it, mine is about 8" off....but I really have to think about it before I remember its 8" off. Never thought about it as a problem till you bring it up...........just spend some time and you will get used to it.

[jignpig]

Thanks for the thoughts fellas... Been out a couple times since and things are waaay better. Kinda got caught up in that "American" instant gratification thing! Going well.
Thanks,
Todd