Transom mounted trolling motors. Do you take it off the boat when traveling on the roads?

[FishingRebel]

Sorry for this dumb question, but I figured I would ask you more experience guys.  Per Minn Kota's manual, it stated to lift the trolling motor all the way to the top then have the trolling motor fold inside the boat when traveling.   Will doing this ruin the trolling motor's mount and clamps though especially since roads can be bumpy at times causing the trolling motor to move up and down?  Is it best to just take the trolling motor off from the boat completely while traveling on the roads and reinstalling the trolling motor each time at the lake?

 

 

 

 

[delcecchi]

Here is the way I look at it.   It is probably best to take it off the boat and lay in the bottom on a pad or put it in the tow vehicle, but it is ok to do what the manual says.  They want the heavy part right up next to the mount so it won't  put much stress on it as opposed to just tilting it up like an outboard.  In fact, with it pulled up it probably is pretty well balanced on the mount.  And demounting it could be a pain depending on how wires are routed and connected to the battery. 

[paceman]

Sure that would be better for it, but that would be really challenging if you have wave wackers on the boat. I personally don't see a need for it. if the road is bumpy, just slow down.. Another option would be to use a bungy cord, hook it around the shaft and something solid in the boat and the trolling motor won't bounce around..

[jmg]

Paceman,

A buddy showed me the bungey cord method years ago and it's worked just fine.  Keeps everything secured with just a little give for the road bumps.

[blindluck]

On ‎6‎/‎3‎/‎2016 at 9:00 AM, FishingRebel said:

for this dumb question, but I figured I would ask you more experience guys.  Per Minn Kota's manual, it stated to lift the trolling motor all the way to the top then have the trolling motor fold inside the boat when traveling.   Will doing this ruin the trolling motor's mount and clamps though especially since roads can be bumpy at times causing the trolling motor to move up and down?  Is it best to just take the trolling motor off from the boat completely while traveling on the roads and reinstalling the

The only time I worry about the trolling motor is when I am pulling up to the dock.  You go in too fast and run the risk of slamming the head on one of the poles.  Happened once.