Bow mounted trolling motor ?

[Svinny88]

Hello.  New to this site  recently sealed a deal on a 16' sea explorer, and am getting ready to outfit it for mostly freshwater striper fishing on the east coast.  Bow mounted trolling motor is a necessity for fishing here.  I saw one picture on this site, but could use more info.  Does anyone have one on their arima?

[AJFishin]

Welcome to the site, here check these out. Probably the first one is the one you saw.
http://www.arimaowners.com/index.php?topic=7086.0

http://www.arimaowners.com/index.php?topic=3596.0

[Svinny88]

Yes. The first link is the picture that I saw. I might have come up with a solution has anyone used Leelock anchor products on aromas? While researching I came across this company looks like quality products, and would give the ability to switch from a bow roller to trolling motor and other options.

http://leelock.com/product/mk-01-minn-kota-trolling-motor-mount/

[Svinny88]

Working on mock up for trolling motor. Ordered a LeeLock  anchor quick detach base.  Hopefully it will be here on monday

[Svinny88]

Motor installed and water tested.  Works great! 

[crazyfisher]

Motor installed and water tested.  Works great!

Instead of starting a new topic, I was hoping you put up some more information on how you mounted the trolling motor to the front?

which model did you get?

I'm thinking of putting a trolling motor on the bow so I can maneuver on local lakes. or I was also thinking of making something to attach to the back of the boat and attaching it to the plate in red. I believe this was used for the downrigger.

The trolling motor is only going to be used for steering and moving around while casting lure. For trolling I use the main or the kicker motor.

Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.

[AJFishin]

Motor installed and water tested.  Works great!

Instead of starting a new topic, I was hoping you put up some more information on how you mounted the trolling motor to the front?

which model did you get?

I'm thinking of putting a trolling motor on the bow so I can maneuver on local lakes. or I was also thinking of making something to attach to the back of the boat and attaching it to the plate in red. I believe this was used for the downrigger.

The trolling motor is only going to be used for steering and moving around while casting lure. For trolling I use the main or the kicker motor.

Any input is much appreciated. Thanks.

Not sure how great these are, but they do make trolling motors that attach to your outboard, like the Minn Kota MK80 EM .

[crazyfisher]

very cool, will have to look into it :)

[Svinny88]

The engine cavity plate trolling motors do not sit deep enough in the water.  They are a waste of money on most boats.  I installed a Minkota ulterra, 112lb thrust, 36v 60" shaft.  This is the absolute longest motor that will fit on a 1511.  Any longer and it would hit the windshield when stowed.  The ulterra has power stow and deploy.  Without it, it would be absolute horror climbing up front to stow and deploy 20-30 times a day when changing spots.  The front hatch will only open about 5" when the motor is stowed.   The center windshield can only be folded over when the motor is deployed, and can stay open when stowed.  Motor, batteries, wiring, breaker, cable gland, battery tender disconnect, onboard charger , minkota alternator charger(allows me to charge trolling motor batteries when running main engine) custom mounting bracket, and all the rest of the odds and ends to install cost me well over 5,000.  It could be done cheaper, but I chose to spare no expense on this build, because I use this boat to guide for freshwater stripers here in pa. Rear electric trolling motors are hard to control a boat like this, especially with any type of wind or current.   The ulterra is linked to my solix 15 on the dash, and my solix 10 mounted in the rear by the motor well.  The auto pilot and spot lock feature can be controlled from either unit, the remote, or the foot pedal ( I have never hooked the pedal up).  Although expensive, this is a setup that gives me the ability to work the cockpit while the boat practically drives itself, and make course adjustments while fighting fish, setting lines, rigging tackle, etc.  on a windy day, or in current, the trolling motor can be used in conjunction with the main, as an autopilot for steering. 

[swu011]

Do you have any pictures of your install? I have a 1511 Sea Chaser and I'm interested in getting a salt water minn kota for the bow of my boat. The space is tight on the inside of the bow rails. If I were to mount one I imagine I would install one on the port side with a bracket that locates the trolling motor outside of bow rail when stowed.

The engine cavity plate trolling motors do not sit deep enough in the water.  They are a waste of money on most boats.  I installed a Minkota ulterra, 112lb thrust, 36v 60" shaft.  This is the absolute longest motor that will fit on a 1511.  Any longer and it would hit the windshield when stowed.  The ulterra has power stow and deploy.  Without it, it would be absolute horror climbing up front to stow and deploy 20-30 times a day when changing spots.  The front hatch will only open about 5" when the motor is stowed.   The center windshield can only be folded over when the motor is deployed, and can stay open when stowed.  Motor, batteries, wiring, breaker, cable gland, battery tender disconnect, onboard charger , minkota alternator charger(allows me to charge trolling motor batteries when running main engine) custom mounting bracket, and all the rest of the odds and ends to install cost me well over 5,000.  It could be done cheaper, but I chose to spare no expense on this build, because I use this boat to guide for freshwater stripers here in pa. Rear electric trolling motors are hard to control a boat like this, especially with any type of wind or current.   The ulterra is linked to my solix 15 on the dash, and my solix 10 mounted in the rear by the motor well.  The auto pilot and spot lock feature can be controlled from either unit, the remote, or the foot pedal ( I have never hooked the pedal up).  Although expensive, this is a setup that gives me the ability to work the cockpit while the boat practically drives itself, and make course adjustments while fighting fish, setting lines, rigging tackle, etc.  on a windy day, or in current, the trolling motor can be used in conjunction with the main, as an autopilot for steering.

[Svinny88]

Outside of the bow rail is risky, there is no protection for your 3,000$ purchase.  I would remove, modify, or better yet, remove your bow rail on whichever side you choose to put the trolling motor, and then have a custom rail made that allows the motor to stow and deploy properly.  At least that way you can put the original rail back on if you decide to one day.  If you look at all the Florida style flats boats, the motor is always mounted in a way so they are protected from impact.  A quick release custom bracket from leelock will help you be able to remove/install it , and swap to any of thier anchor systems should you choose to.  With a chaser, you have many options for motors, as you do not need the auto stow/deploy features of the ulterra.  You can also probably get away with a 52" shaft 95% of the time, but I would opt for a 60" for those bumpy ocean days edit::::: for some reason I thought you said sea pacer... even though I read and wrote sea chaser lol.  You will need an ulterra, and I would not go any less than 60" shaft
It is possible that the guys at leelock may still have my wooden template for the custom mount I had them make for me.  If not, order thier anchor mount/nest, and then create your own out of wood, at the desired height and angle for your application.  Then ship them the template, unless you have the ability to weld aluminum yourself, which can save you a few $$$

[Svinny88]

Here is a picture of the mock up

[svo13sg]

Here is a picture of the mock up

Can you share more on the final looking? Did you fabricate the bracket? I'm interested in getting one...