Minn Kota Autopilot - Where to mount

[Dave in Mpls]

Does anybody have any suggestions as to how far off the rub rail the shaft should be positioned to allow for unobstructed operation while raising or lowering the motor? I'd prefer to only have to drill once!

Regards

[Suzuki]

Only as much as you have to. Deploy the unit and check clearances.

[rock2me]

I had the same problem, couldn't drill the holes.

No straight answer here Dave. I don't want to be cyber slapped but you will just need to try it a few different ways. It will also depend on which mount you are using.

I had a fishing partner, who I trust, come over to stow and deploy a few times, prior to drilling any holes. My Minnkota removable mount is set back about 3inches (if memory serves me right) and I had to make a compromise about how much of the head unit in the boat vs. getting it as close to straight off the front. It is all compromise.



Good Luck

[Dave in Mpls]

Thanks-

Only Eric gets cyber slapped!

I don't have a problem drilling the holes, but like I said, I'd prefer to only have to do it once! I hear ya on the compromise thing. I'll be using the Minn Kota removable mount MKA-16-02, as it is the only one I could find locally last night. Any opinion on the hardware supplied with the mount?

Regards

[rock2me]

I used the supplied hardware to mount the top plate to the motor. The bottom plate was secured using SS Bolts and those nylon lock nuts. I did not use the supplied rubber washers, bolted it straight to the gunnels and deck. I was able to get the two outside bolts through the square gunnels. The other two went through the plywood in the V space in front.

It is rock solid. I did not use the rubber because (right or wrong) I thought it would allow the motor to move too much. This way it is locked to the boat. Oh yeah, when the motor is installed I always use a padlock just in case that locking screw comes loose. I purchased a nice Master lock that was encased in plastic. It doesn't mar the finish of anything it touches.

Good Luck

[Bob G2]

Relative to the type of mount, IMO, I liked The Original removal mount by TC Industries over the Minn Kota removable mount. My reasons are that the Original's mount was longer, which in my mind would spread out the forces better and the tolerances of the slide plate was a bit better, resulting in a more snug fit. Don't get me wrong,the Minn Kota will work fine also. Relative to the rubber spacers,I believe their function is to help isolate the unit from vibration. Additionally, since the plate is raised, it is less likely to affect the bow surface beneath it, which may be of concern if you should want to keep your trolling motor unit should you sell the boat.

On my boat, since there is a bow railing on the sides of my gunnel,
I used the rubber spacers, along with having to add nylon spacers in order for the head of the trolling motor to clear the rail. Once the bolts were tightened, the plate is rock solid and does not move at all.

I am not sure, but do check to see if your plate has SS bolts. If not, then I would go out and buy SS hardware.

Another thing to check when mounting is not only your clearance of the rub rail, but make sure the trolling motor head does not hang over the edge of the boat when it is in the stowed position.

Good luck with the motor.

[bigtimber1972]

I used the rubber "washers" thinking it would save the bow from abuse but, maybe more importantly, act as sealant to prevent water from leaking around the bolts.