Trolling Motors

Can Killer · 03-12-2006, 12:58 PM

Any recommendations on trolling motor mounts for a GT? I have a shortened front deck but still have room. My main question is battery power. Do I need to mount a second battery so I can still get back?

Thoughts???

***sandman7655*** · 03-12-2006, 01:29 PM

i would def use a second battery,i am interesed in tm mounts also i need one for mine or i am gonna clamp it too the side:)

Carolina Duckman · 03-12-2006, 01:37 PM

GT makes a bracket you could get one and have it welded on or put it down with screws so it can be removed. I like to use a second battery that way there's no question on weather my motor will crank when it's time to go home.

Ring King · 03-12-2006, 02:48 PM

I prefer a foot control trolling motor my self. I have the welded in bow mount on my Gatro Trax. I ran into a problem with the mount being too short for all the screws in the trolling motor base plate to come through where I could access them. Simple solution: Buy a Minn Kota trolling motor and get their quick detachable plate. The only thing that gets bolted to the boat is a small 4"x8" puck. Kinda hard to describe in writing. If I can get the girlfriend motivated to take a boat ride this afternoon I'll take some pics and get them posted up.

Rough night on Bourbon Street last night.:eek: We just woke up so it could be fun trying to convince her to go boat ridin'.:o

Can Killer · 03-12-2006, 03:02 PM

I looked at GT's plate and at the Minnkota mounting plate. Glad to hear good things about both. I can TIG the plate on so its not a problem. May just make a plate if I can get some time at the metal break. A few measurements since it is a short deck and I should be in business.

GanderCommander · 03-12-2006, 08:10 PM

I also have the bow mount for my trolling motor. I did have to modify things abit in order to get it all to fit properly and I do have a seperate battery just for the troller. I use the foot pedal control, but usually just sit on the front deck and operate it by hand as I am reaching over to pick up decoys. For me, it really makes setting up and picking up decoys a whole lot easier.

knees · 03-18-2006, 12:55 AM

I've got the Minn Kota Pontoon 48" (don't let the name fool you, it's a 54# motor) with the co-pilot. I just took a 7" receiver hitch, turned it upside down, welded a steel plate to it & then bolted on the quick-detach mount. Insert into my receiver and I'm in business. Now there's nothing in my way at the bow when hunting or fishing and taking it off is a snap.

HaydenHunter · 03-18-2006, 08:26 AM

knees, I know it's a bit of a tall order, but I'd like to see pix of that setup if you have any.

knees · 03-18-2006, 11:06 AM

HH, will do. I'm going to install a depth finder on it today & I'll post up some pics later this evening.

knees · 03-19-2006, 12:51 PM

Here's the pic's. It's not that great a job, but it works great. I'm going to drill another hole in the receiver and put a bolt in there, that way it won't rattle (as all receivers do) when I'm running.

HaydenHunter · 03-19-2006, 07:53 PM

That's a pretty sweet detail there, knees!

**BoatDR** · 03-19-2006, 10:40 PM

Knees, that is one nice set up. How do you like the mount for that trolling motor ( i heard it is a pain to deploy)?

knees · 03-19-2006, 11:43 PM

It is a piece of $%^& to deploy! The only reason I got it was because my buddy had the Minn Kota All Terrain with the regular foot pedal & the "thick 4' cable". That cable was so stiff that it was a pain to keep the pedal where we wanted it when it got cold. So I decided to go with the Power Drive and the "extension cord" cable--big mistake. Won't do that on my next one. It is a sum-BEEATCH to deploy. The salesman at Bass Pro said it was designed to make deploying a breeze--BS!

I do like the set-up though. I can literally be sans-trolling motor in less than 30 seconds.

QuakKillz · 03-20-2006, 12:40 AM

maybe a stupid question but, is the reciever on the boats from the factory, or an option??

I think its cool.....its there for a winch mount right??

HaydenHunter · 03-20-2006, 01:36 AM

Quak,

It is an option that can be built in to your GT hull by the factory. It can be used in any way you can imagine using a 2" hitch receiver, but the more commonly seen applications are as a winch mount or to hold an extra cargo platform (like the ones you see hanging off the back of SUV's and cars). I just saw a hitch mounted market-size umbrella and am thinking about buying one for giggles, as I have ordered the hitch receiver on my new GT.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/pro...x?baseno=98340

QuakKillz · 03-20-2006, 07:31 AM

cool, I thought thats what it was, just didnt know for sure....thanks for the help!

**BoatDR** · 03-20-2006, 09:41 AM

Thanks knees. I have a few friends that told me the same thing about the auto pilot model which uses the same bow mount.

**Kman** · 03-20-2006, 05:10 PM

I can tell you this, Gator Trax will be offering a new accessory! Great idea!

knees · 03-20-2006, 06:18 PM

Thanks Kent. Consider making 2 holes to the receiver and the attachment accessory so it won't rattle. I know you guys can come up with a cleaner rig than what I've got, but that front receiver just keeps having great uses! Good Job to Gator Trax!

Ring King · 03-20-2006, 07:42 PM

Hey Kman, is there any way to retrofit the receiver to an existing hull?

I know it's a big order and probably not possible, but I figured I'd ask. Seems like alot of neat uses for it that I overlooked when ordering my boat.:poster_oops:

**Kman** · 03-22-2006, 01:06 PM

Unfortunatley it is impossible. The receiver hitch is not only welded but bolted inside to the longitudinal braces. It is stout and you can pick the boat up from that point if you wanted to.
Knees, if you take that drop hitch to someone and have them weld a bead on 2 of the corners (let the bead run as deep as the hitch goes into the receiver) then grind it back down a little it will stop rattling.

Can Killer · 03-22-2006, 10:50 PM

Kman,

What size trolling motor (length) do you recommend on the 18X50?

knees · 03-26-2006, 10:19 PM

Thanks Kent, I can do that myself. I'll give it a try!

bbforducks · 05-30-2006, 11:12 AM

those picks are great, I think Iam going to rig one up for a cheap transom mount like that and it will be removable!!!

HaydenHunter · 05-30-2006, 11:49 AM

Welcome to this Forum, bbforducks!

**BigBand** · 06-08-2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaydenHunter

Welcome to this Forum, bbforducks!

Uh Oh :comptoss:

There goes the neighborhood !

.

huntn'duxx · 06-08-2006, 04:56 PM

I have to say that receiver hitch set up is one of the coolest ideas I have ever seen. Nice job, Knees.

03-12-2006, 12:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Can Killer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 473 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Trolling Motors Any recommendations on trolling motor mounts for a GT? I have a shortened front deck but still have room. My main question is battery power. Do I need to mount a second battery so I can still get back? Thoughts???

03-12-2006, 01:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
*sandman7655* Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: south carolina Age: 38 Posts: 4,570 Thanks: 57 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors i would def use a second battery,i am interesed in tm mounts also i need one for mine or i am gonna clamp it too the side:)

03-12-2006, 01:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
Carolina Duckman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: SC Posts: 577 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors GT makes a bracket you could get one and have it welded on or put it down with screws so it can be removed. I like to use a second battery that way there's no question on weather my motor will crank when it's time to go home. __________________ MUD BUDDY Pro Staff Avery Pro Staff Zink Calls Pro Staff . All men are created equel, Some just use better equipment !

03-12-2006, 02:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ring King Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors I prefer a foot control trolling motor my self. I have the welded in bow mount on my Gatro Trax. I ran into a problem with the mount being too short for all the screws in the trolling motor base plate to come through where I could access them. Simple solution: Buy a Minn Kota trolling motor and get their quick detachable plate. The only thing that gets bolted to the boat is a small 4"x8" puck. Kinda hard to describe in writing. If I can get the girlfriend motivated to take a boat ride this afternoon I'll take some pics and get them posted up. Rough night on Bourbon Street last night.:eek: We just woke up so it could be fun trying to convince her to go boat ridin'.:o

03-12-2006, 03:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Can Killer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 473 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors I looked at GT's plate and at the Minnkota mounting plate. Glad to hear good things about both. I can TIG the plate on so its not a problem. May just make a plate if I can get some time at the metal break. A few measurements since it is a short deck and I should be in business.



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03-12-2006, 08:10 PM	#6 (permalink)
GanderCommander Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Post Falls, Idaho Age: 56 Posts: 11 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors I also have the bow mount for my trolling motor. I did have to modify things abit in order to get it all to fit properly and I do have a seperate battery just for the troller. I use the foot pedal control, but usually just sit on the front deck and operate it by hand as I am reaching over to pick up decoys. For me, it really makes setting up and picking up decoys a whole lot easier.

03-18-2006, 12:55 AM	#7 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors I've got the Minn Kota Pontoon 48" (don't let the name fool you, it's a 54# motor) with the co-pilot. I just took a 7" receiver hitch, turned it upside down, welded a steel plate to it & then bolted on the quick-detach mount. Insert into my receiver and I'm in business. Now there's nothing in my way at the bow when hunting or fishing and taking it off is a snap.

03-18-2006, 08:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
HaydenHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hayden, Idaho Posts: 691 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors knees, I know it's a bit of a tall order, but I'd like to see pix of that setup if you have any.

03-18-2006, 11:06 AM	#9 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors HH, will do. I'm going to install a depth finder on it today & I'll post up some pics later this evening.

03-19-2006, 12:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Here's the pic's. It's not that great a job, but it works great. I'm going to drill another hole in the receiver and put a bolt in there, that way it won't rattle (as all receivers do) when I'm running.

03-19-2006, 07:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
HaydenHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hayden, Idaho Posts: 691 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors That's a pretty sweet detail there, knees!

03-19-2006, 10:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
BoatDR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Age: 35 Posts: 6,221 Thanks: 4 Thanked 24 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Knees, that is one nice set up. How do you like the mount for that trolling motor ( i heard it is a pain to deploy)?

03-19-2006, 11:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors It is a piece of $%^& to deploy! The only reason I got it was because my buddy had the Minn Kota All Terrain with the regular foot pedal & the "thick 4' cable". That cable was so stiff that it was a pain to keep the pedal where we wanted it when it got cold. So I decided to go with the Power Drive and the "extension cord" cable--big mistake. Won't do that on my next one. It is a sum-BEEATCH to deploy. The salesman at Bass Pro said it was designed to make deploying a breeze--BS! I do like the set-up though. I can literally be sans-trolling motor in less than 30 seconds.

03-20-2006, 12:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
QuakKillz † Christian † Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Angelo, TX Age: 30 Posts: 305 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors maybe a stupid question but, is the reciever on the boats from the factory, or an option?? I think its cool.....its there for a winch mount right?? __________________ Robert Powell †<><† Home of Powell's Rapid Reload --- Gauge

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

03-20-2006, 01:36 AM	#15 (permalink)
HaydenHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hayden, Idaho Posts: 691 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Quak, It is an option that can be built in to your GT hull by the factory. It can be used in any way you can imagine using a 2" hitch receiver, but the more commonly seen applications are as a winch mount or to hold an extra cargo platform (like the ones you see hanging off the back of SUV's and cars). I just saw a hitch mounted market-size umbrella and am thinking about buying one for giggles, as I have ordered the hitch receiver on my new GT. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/pro...x?baseno=98340 Last edited by HaydenHunter; 03-20-2006 at 01:41 AM.

03-20-2006, 07:31 AM	#16 (permalink)
QuakKillz † Christian † Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Angelo, TX Age: 30 Posts: 305 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors cool, I thought thats what it was, just didnt know for sure....thanks for the help! __________________ Robert Powell †<><† Home of Powell's Rapid Reload --- Gauge

03-20-2006, 09:41 AM	#17 (permalink)
BoatDR Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metairie, LA Age: 35 Posts: 6,221 Thanks: 4 Thanked 24 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Thanks knees. I have a few friends that told me the same thing about the auto pilot model which uses the same bow mount.

03-20-2006, 05:10 PM	#18 (permalink)
Kman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Springfield, LA Age: 37 Posts: 1,129 Thanks: 14 Thanked 19 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors I can tell you this, Gator Trax will be offering a new accessory! Great idea!

03-20-2006, 06:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Thanks Kent. Consider making 2 holes to the receiver and the attachment accessory so it won't rattle. I know you guys can come up with a cleaner rig than what I've got, but that front receiver just keeps having great uses! Good Job to Gator Trax!

03-20-2006, 07:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ring King Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Age: 32 Posts: 626 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Hey Kman, is there any way to retrofit the receiver to an existing hull? I know it's a big order and probably not possible, but I figured I'd ask. Seems like alot of neat uses for it that I overlooked when ordering my boat.:poster_oops:

03-22-2006, 01:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
Kman Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Springfield, LA Age: 37 Posts: 1,129 Thanks: 14 Thanked 19 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Unfortunatley it is impossible. The receiver hitch is not only welded but bolted inside to the longitudinal braces. It is stout and you can pick the boat up from that point if you wanted to. Knees, if you take that drop hitch to someone and have them weld a bead on 2 of the corners (let the bead run as deep as the hitch goes into the receiver) then grind it back down a little it will stop rattling.

03-22-2006, 10:50 PM	#22 (permalink)
Can Killer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 473 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Kman, What size trolling motor (length) do you recommend on the 18X50?

03-26-2006, 10:19 PM	#23 (permalink)
knees Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: MO Age: 40 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Thanks Kent, I can do that myself. I'll give it a try! __________________ "Ducks? You Bat You!"

05-30-2006, 11:12 AM	#24 (permalink)
bbforducks Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Seattle Posts: 434 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors those picks are great, I think Iam going to rig one up for a cheap transom mount like that and it will be removable!!!

05-30-2006, 11:49 AM	#25 (permalink)
HaydenHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Hayden, Idaho Posts: 691 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Trolling Motors Welcome to this Forum, bbforducks!

06-08-2006, 04:56 PM	#27 (permalink)
huntn'duxx Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Austin, Tx Age: 34 Posts: 1,134 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Trolling Motors I have to say that receiver hitch set up is one of the coolest ideas I have ever seen. Nice job, Knees. __________________ 1750 GT SuperSport/45 Sport Lite "Get in, sit down, and shut up!"

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