View Full Version : Installing bow mount powerdrive help needed? (port or starboard?)
Hello,
I need to find out what is the best position to mount a minn-kota powerdrive motor,the boat is a 03' Mr.Pike 16'.
I noticed that most people mount the motor when in stow position on the port side of bow but less than average people mounted on the starboard side.
Anybody knows what the pros and cons on each side?
Any input will be much appreciated!
LundBob
05-01-2003, 04:18 AM
I put as much stuff as i can to port. That way if i'm alone in the boat it will help even the weight out so the boat is not leaning to starboard as much. Although a trolling motor on the bow probably doesn't matter much anyways. I put my heavier battery on the port side of the battery compartments. Every little bit helps.
perchjerker
05-01-2003, 06:02 AM
I put mine stowed to port simply because its less in the way of blocking my vision when I am running.
I installed my autopilot towards the starboard side. There were two major reasons. I have a single console so by putting it towards the starboard side I left the whole port side wide open for drift fishing, bobber fishing, and docking. The other reason was that all of the cables come off the left side of the unit, so by mounting it on the starboard side the cables come off in the middle of the boat and run into the bow storage compartment, instead of having to routed them around from the port side of the boat.
ck85abc
05-01-2003, 09:52 AM
I did the same as perchjerker.
Dave in Mpls
05-01-2003, 11:28 AM
I mounted my new AP-65 to the port, as that is where the previous motor was mounted. If I were starting from scratch, I would mount it to starboard. I run a tiller boat, and drift with the port side into the wind and, therefore, fish out the port side. If somebody is in the bow, they must work around the TM.
If I were to buy a console boat, I would mount it to port for reasons already mentioned.
Thanks everyone for their input.
Those feedback from you guys mentioned are very informative,I think it really depends on the boat as well as the majority of the fishing I do.
Anyhow,thanks everybody for their input and tight line!
Norm