View Full Version : mounting an autopilot - permanent or bracket
terrys
03-12-2000, 06:15 PM
Just bought a new Minnkota 65PD/AP for my new boat and am looking for advice on whether to permanently mount the motor to the bow or use a bracket that allows you to remove the motor. One of the vendors at the show recommended removing the autopilots anytime you trailer your boat to avoid damage to the trolling motor from the head bouncing around. I have not heard of any problems and I need to make a decision before having my boat cover made. I never had any problems with my other boat but it had a cable drive with shorter 48" shaft. What do you guys do?
Personally, I like to permanently mount my MinnKota. I have a 824 autopilot on my boat and I installed a small ball ram mount ball to the rail in the front of my Lund and attached the other end to the top of the rail. This holds the motor securely. I think that the trolling motor takes more of a beating when cruising in rough water than from trailering. I also believe the removable mount has a little more movement. That's why I use the ram mount - and it's easy to hook up when the water gets rough. If you look in the Cabella's catalog (Spring edition) they show the application and the setup to get.
Regards, Mark
Terry/JNR
03-12-2000, 06:48 PM
I use the removable mounting bracket that slides forward and back only for covering the boat. I slide it back so it's not sticking out over the bow. It's nicer for covering the boat. Otherwise with the tranducers and wires for the bow finder, it's really not removable. The one on my alumacan has been mounted that way for going on 6 years, winter and summer, trailering and all. No problems.