Daytripper
New Member
Has anyone successfully mounted a bow mount trolling motor to the front of their 180BR?
Looking for ideas and suggestions.
Looking for ideas and suggestions.
Bow Mount Trolling Motor for 1998-01 180BR
- Thread starter Daytripper
- Start date
WazzuCMGrad
New Member
Why not just add a set of SmartTabs with the trolling levers (to act as drag brakes)? Just thinking out loud, as this is what I'm planning with my 180SP. I guess it depends on if you're lake fishing or saltwater fishing, I suppose, but we do mostly saltwater (fishing) and that should get the speeds down sufficiently for successful salmon trolling.
Just a thought; there's lots of threads out here about the SmartTabs. I can't picture a good place to mount something for a trolling motor. Might be best to make a bracket you could hang over the top of the bow (think in a temporary fashion), then mount the trolling motor to that. That way, if you do other things like skiing, you don't have to fight with the trolling motor. Think a french cleat style bracket that would keep the bracket from popping up when trolling.
Good luck!
Just a thought; there's lots of threads out here about the SmartTabs. I can't picture a good place to mount something for a trolling motor. Might be best to make a bracket you could hang over the top of the bow (think in a temporary fashion), then mount the trolling motor to that. That way, if you do other things like skiing, you don't have to fight with the trolling motor. Think a french cleat style bracket that would keep the bracket from popping up when trolling.
Good luck!
blaster
Well-Known Member
- May 23, 2011
- 3,468
- Boat Info
- 2010 sea ray 205 sport
F-250 CCLB 6.2 4x4 3.73 rear.
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3 mpi alpha 1.62
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/45671-Trolling-Motor-Help?p=572105&highlight=#post572105
Its doable but the removable electric motors are going to run about $1500 without any installation. Basically you would run a cable to probably 2 batteries aft and have a plug at the bow to connect to for the power. The mount would basically look like a small square mounted to the bow and the motor would connect to that with a quick release. This setup is nice because the motor can be easily removed and stored or left at home when you don't need it. I have seen this done on that vintage 180 as well as a 2000 185. Like I said its doable but pretty expensive. I wouldn't consider anything that mounts to the drive tabs or transom, they aren't manouverable and clog easily with weeds.
Its doable but the removable electric motors are going to run about $1500 without any installation. Basically you would run a cable to probably 2 batteries aft and have a plug at the bow to connect to for the power. The mount would basically look like a small square mounted to the bow and the motor would connect to that with a quick release. This setup is nice because the motor can be easily removed and stored or left at home when you don't need it. I have seen this done on that vintage 180 as well as a 2000 185. Like I said its doable but pretty expensive. I wouldn't consider anything that mounts to the drive tabs or transom, they aren't manouverable and clog easily with weeds.
Last edited:
Daytripper
New Member
Thanks for the help. I was hoping that someone has done this and maybe had some pictures so I could get ideas.
Minn Kota sent me the schematic of their quick release bracket. I will see if the footprint will work on the limited space near the nav light.
Might be a few days. Boat is now in the shop ... bellows and boots.
Minn Kota sent me the schematic of their quick release bracket. I will see if the footprint will work on the limited space near the nav light.
Might be a few days. Boat is now in the shop ... bellows and boots.
blaster
Well-Known Member
- May 23, 2011
- 3,468
- Boat Info
- 2010 sea ray 205 sport
F-250 CCLB 6.2 4x4 3.73 rear.
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3 mpi alpha 1.62
Did you click the link? There are pictures posted by wish2fish in that thread as well as links to another thread with pictures. If you really search csr there are other pics posted including a mount where the bracket is raised by stainless tubes to create a level surface. I looked for that one but couldn't find it, its there somewhere though.
I picked up a 2001 BR a few months ago and the guy I bought it from has it set up with a bow mount electric trolling motor. He had a Minn Kota 55 lbs trust motor.
It has the motor mount in front, and just below it has the plug for the motor. The wiring is ran to under the glove box where there is a mount for the battery.
I just need to pick up a motor for mine, his dog chewed through the wiring for his motor.
I'm going up to the cabin this weekend so PM me your number or email and I'll send some pictures through my phone.
It has the motor mount in front, and just below it has the plug for the motor. The wiring is ran to under the glove box where there is a mount for the battery.
I just need to pick up a motor for mine, his dog chewed through the wiring for his motor.
I'm going up to the cabin this weekend so PM me your number or email and I'll send some pictures through my phone.
