1988 Lund Predator Bowmount Problem

[fullchoke]

I need ideas/help!! My bowmount just about went into the drink last summer because the base that the bracket is latched onto is slowly deteriorating. The rivets are still good, its the metal base that is cracked along the lines of the bow that is damaged. It looks like this from the front of the boat... __!------!__ The bowmount brace goes ontop of the dashes, the break is between the underscores and the exclamation points. I use a Minnkota auto pilot. What are some potential garage logician fixes?????? Thanks for your input!!!

[Borch]

I've got the same issue on mine. Although I haven't fixed it yet I plan on taking it in to a metal fabricator and have them build be a new and improved bracket. It's a poot design that causes too much stress on the angles ont eh bracket. Once fixed the used on a trolling moter support/brace would help greatly when the motor is in the up position and your mnotoring across the lake.

Borch

[JohnMickish]

Funny, I have an 88' Renegade and it has the same problem with the same trolling motor! This spring when I get it out of storage I am going to drill out the rivets (the plate is still fine) and bring the boat to a good aluminum welder and have a bead layed down in the crack. Thinking of having another plate made up that matches the bow contour and bolting that on under it, making a sandwich.

[danfall]

I think I've got mine fixed in a garage logician way. 88 Predator had cracked on one corner of the bracket. I mounted a larger piece of plywood to it and have attached the plywood to the heavy alum stem by using a alum spacer about 1.25" long and a bolt right though it. You could modify this with just a bolt and jambing all sides, etc.. If needed, I could add other attachment points elsewhere. The crack is still there, but the crack can't flex, so I expect the problem is solved, plus I get the added benefit of a large enough wooden platform for anchormate, bow light, and troller. I also get added stability for the anchormate and enough distance to keep the anchor from banging on the boat. Of course, it took half a day to rig, but well worth it in the end.

D

[fullchoke]

Howdy, is there any way you could send me a picture of your remedy??? mkouatli at mn dot rr dot com

Thanks!

[fullchoke]

Well fellas, I fixed it. Drilled out the rivets on the old plate, removed it. Attached the Minn Kota bracket to the green treated 2x10. Green treated 2x10 lag bolted thru the flimsy aluminum to another green treated 2x10. This puppy ain't going nowhere. It isn't the prettyest thing around but the Jesse James would have no issues with it, cuz it works and it looks cool.

[JohnMickish]

Cool, I still haven't fixed mine yet but it's on the list....