Trolling motor Theft Lock - Advice

[zanzibarro]

Any good advice for a lock for terrova bow mount? Who makes one I didn't see one at minnkota web site? Is it better to rig something up yourself? Any advice appreciated.

[Esox_Magnum]

Mines bolted right to the boat....Never been a fan of the release brackets...

[ClownColor]

I have a quick release but that has a cotter pin holding it in. Went to fleat farm and found a small lock that would fit.

[Raider4ever]

All the Minn-Kotas I have owned have had holes drilled into the quick-release plates that match up and holds a standard Master Lock. The bottom plates were/are bolted onto the boat. You would have to do at least two other things to get to the TM bolts. Not worried.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Carry insurance!!! Bolt the plate to the deck of the boat. Use a padlock. There have been a few times that I wished somebody would steal it!! Never has happened!!

Did I mention Carry insurance????

Do the best you can to secure it and forget about it. There are more important things to worry about like where are the fish biting???

Mike

[delcecchi]

I think about all you really need is enough to keep the honest people honest. Sort of like locking your car or house. If someone wants in, they will get in.

[JosMN]

Bolt it straight to the boat, thats the best way I have found for people not stealing them. Locks on the release brackets aren't going to stop those crooks. 4 or 5 bolts that are hard to get at usually will...

[TruthWalleyes]

I have the detachable plate. My TM stays on the plate with a paddlelock.

[h8go4s]

I have the quick release plate and a padlock, but if I were to do it again, I'd just bolt it on direct. It's extra money for less security. With the plate, all a thief needs is a cordless grinder with a cutoff wheel and the padlock is history in seconds. Bolted on the deck with locknuts, it would take longer to steal.

[TruthWalleyes]

I installed my v2 yesterday. I just bolted it on. Someone would need to take out 12 bolts and 3 screw's. Would take them a while... I should know, I screwed up and had to mount it twice

[ClownColor]

Part of the reason for a quick release is to take it off so nobody steals it...so if u don't take it off, then bolt it down. I use paddle lock during storage but if they bust into the garage, I'm guessing they'll find better things to steal then my used trolling motor. And bolted or locked, they'd get it if they made it into the garage. A lock, will keep the people at the resorts, gas stations, and bait shops away.

[harvey lee]

Mine is bolted and locked. If they want it to the point they cut the lock off, I have good insurance. Most times the locks will deter the thiefs.

[h8go4s]

Part of the reason for a quick release is to take it off so nobody steals it...so if u don't take it off, then bolt it down. I use paddle lock during storage but if they bust into the garage, I'm guessing they'll find better things to steal then my used trolling motor. And bolted or locked, they'd get it if they made it into the garage. A lock, will keep the people at the resorts, gas stations, and bait shops away.

Why a paddle lock? I don't bother locking my paddle. Must be a gold-plated paddle.