Best Trolling motor for a 185 sport OB

[Darryl115]

I have a 185 sport OB that I'd like to install a bow mount trolling motor. I perfer to purchase the Motor Guide wireless (12v w/ a 48" shaft). Anyone tried to install it on their 185 OB? Anyone suggest which is the best motor or mount to use on this Searay? Do you have any pics of your installation?

 

[gr8daneh]

I would think you should check out the local Marine Max and see what the Sea Ray fishing package for the 185 uses. It is probably outrageous from Sea Ray, but you might be able to get some ideas about the mount you would need and the potential for a fishing seat in the bow as shown in the brochure for 2007. Good luck!

 

[Darryl115]

Good idea, however it would have to be a used boat since SeaRay has discontinued the 185 Sport OB. I will call the dealer and get their input. Thanks...

 

[wish2fish]

Here is picture of my old boat that had a trolling motor added. It is a little smaller but probably gets the point across. The front cleat is right behind the motor.

 

[Darryl115]

Thanks alot, that looks alot like my 185 OB bow but your label says it's a 220BR? I don't suppose you installed the motor yourself? Was it a Motor Guide brand? Did the mount seem sturdy the way it was bolted to the bow? Do you know the shaft length or the thrust rating of that unit?

 

[wish2fish]

As I stated this was my old boat. A 1989 160 BowRider. I just sold the boat in May 2006. Now I have the 220 Bow Rider. I miss the fishing from the 160 but the boat was entirely to small.

It was a motorguide and I had the motor installed by dealer back in 1990. I think this is something I could have easily done but it would have taken me some time to do. They also installed 2 batteries and charger. It worked great without a problem until I sold it. The only think you have to be careful of is to make sure people don't step on the shaft when boarding. I like having the trolling motor as a backup for safety. There were a few times when the motor died or ran out of gas and the trolling motor got me to safety. One time I went like 4-5 miles with the trolling motor to get back to the ramp.

One thing I wish I did have was that wireless control. I liked to striper fish and someone always had to be upfront to steer the boat when trolling.

 

[Darryl115]

Thanks for the input, I guess I'm trying to install a trollling motor with the intention of removing it when I'm not fishing so the type of (quick release) mount I use is likely the determing factor on which one I go with. Your picture was a great help..