Minn Kota AP65 mounting

[James]

I will be mounting a Minn Kota AutoPilot 65 on my boat (ProV 1890) in the next week or so. I'm curious what people are using for removable plates for these. It looks like my options are a strictly removable mount or a retractable/removable mount. Any opinions whould be great! I will be using a RAM mount to stabilize the shaft. Also, my current motor is mounted so that the shaft and head comes across the bow towards the port side. My boat is a tiller, and I usually set up to drift with the port side up wind (so I can see my electronics locker while drifting). I would like to mount the new motor so that is lays toward the starboard side, so it is out of the way for people fishing in the bow. Any disadvantage to this?

Thanks!

James

[Paul Dickson]

I am using the removable mounting bracket and find it meets my needs and provides a secure locking scheme. I am not sure what real benefit there may be to the retractable bracket so someone with one may comment.

As to the orientation of the trolling motor, I asked a Lund rep at the Sportsmans Show the question since I did not know if there were any pro's or con's either way. He said there was absolutely no benefit to either side from a functional view. If you pick up any fishing mag or the Lund brochure they will show almost all with the TM retracting to the port side. Mine was rigged by the dealer to retract to the starboard and I think I prefer it that way. I am right handed and the retreival seems more natural. The boat (1775 Pro V) also has the TM plug on that side so it is the shortest connection between the TM and plug.

Paul

[Waterfowler]

Right now Gander has the removeable plates on clearance for something like $30.00ish. To the second question, I've mounted the motor both ways, but not on that exact boat. Sounds like you have a good handle on what your doing. Good Luck!!

[Dave in Mpls]

James-

As you noted, you have a couple options for mounts. I assume you have the new Grip Glide AP65.

If you go with a Minn Kota removable mount, you will need the MKA-16-02. These will be around $40. I believe the ones Waterfowler refered to that are on clearance at Gander Mountain for $30 are the MKA-16-01. These will NOT work with the Grip Glide series of MK motors. If you have the old style, they will work.

http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com/motors/minnkota/m_prod.html

Also, Cabela's carries a couple different mounts. The first one is much the same as the Minn Kota mount, but is a couple $ cheaper. The description on the Cabela's site does not say that this model is compatable with the Grip Glide, but it does say it is in the catalog. Go figure...

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod-wrapped.jhtml?id=0001108&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat21380&parentId=cat21380&parentType=index

Cabela's also carries the retractable/removable mount you refered to. This is not specified as being compatable with the Grip Glide in either the catalog or on the web page.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0001107010721a&navAction=push&navCount=2&indexId=cat21380&podId=0001107&catalogCode=IC&parentId=cat21380&parentType=index

As far as mounting, use whatever position you prefer. I mount mine so that the head and shaft lay to the Starboard side, for the same reasons you mention (I run tillers as well).

Regards

[perchjerker]

Dave-
I got the model on clearance (it was $20 at my Gander Mountain) MK 42 for my AP65. It will work, but you have to drill new holes in the bracket. Was kind of a pain, but I made it work. I like the bracket because it is longer (and I think its stronger because of that) than the one I saw that is made for my AP 65.

I think the advantage of a retractable bracket is if you are docking and are worried about the motor hanging off the bow hitting something, you can slide it back out of harms way.

[Dave in Mpls]

Perchjerker-

With the MK 42, did you have to redrill all four holes, or only two? Also, does that model have the locking quick release?

Thanks - I'm still trying to make the decision as to which mounting system to go with. I'll drill a couple holes for $20!

Regards

[perchjerker]

Dave-

Pretty sure I redrilled all 4 holes. It has a hole for a padlock, if thats what you mean. I can take a few qick pics of the installation with my dig. camera if it will help you out.

[Dave in Mpls]

Thanks for the offer, PJ, but I'm gonna be heading out that direction tonight anyhow. I'll stop in and take a look at the two, and go from there. I still have some gift cards from Xmas I need to use up!
I don't really have any need to go with the retractable mount, as that motor will only be on the boat a few weekends a year. I've got WI smallmouth opener coming up, so I need to get cracking! That's right, folks....BASS - but only the brown ones!

Regards

[Dave in Mpls]

Is that MK 42 mount designed for the Maxxum and Riptide bowmount motors? I didn't make it out to Gander last night, but will be going tonight. On the MK web site, the only reference I can find to the MK 42 is for the Maxxum motors. If that is the same one you got, it looks like the way to go, even if it means a bit of surgery. I have the MK 8 on an AT I have on anouther boat, and it will definately not work for the AP.

http://www.johnsonoutdoors.com/motors/minnkota/m_prod.html

Thanks for the help! I only want to do this once...

Regards

[perchjerker]

Dave-
Yep, thats the one I got. Its exactly the same width as the base of the AP 65.

Let me know if you get it, drilling the holes is a little tricky, because there is a gusset in the base that you have to work around. But its not that bad a job.

[jimmy]

When deciding to mount on the port or starboard side, consider the safety issue of your visisbilty forward with bow trimmed high.