Mounting a trolling motor.

[Rogue Hunter]

I've pretty much decided on a 55lb, 54in shaft, Power Drive, Minnkota for my 14ft Rebel. I'll be putting the battery in a forward compartment...unless the experienced folks here suggest otherwise!

I'm going to mount the motor with one of those plates, so I can remove the motor after each use.

I've seen plugs at the store that can be countersunk onto the deck, and, attach a male plug to the motor leads and battery charger, so I don't have to the open battery compartment to recharge battery. Are these flush mount plugs a good idea? Maybe it should be mounted on the vertical surface so water can't short-out the battery?

Just looking for tips and techniques for mounting the trolling motor.

Thanks in advance!

Rogue Hunter

[Giant_Jackpot]

Rogue,

I would mount the connector on a vertical surface for the reasons you describe. Probably not a good idea to have water standing in there. Also I would think in a boat that size you would want the weight of the battery as far forward as possible.

[Mark Christianson]

I will say that a 54 inch shaft is not necessary on a 14 ft Rebel.

48 inch is WAY more than enough.

[korn_fish]

I agree with biglake. I purchased a 55 lb minnkota maxxum last year, with a 52" shaft for my 14ft. Way too long and way more power than I needed. Will be replacing it this spring. Can always use the extra power, but when not using the trolling motor, that extra lenght becomes pain.

Youll see mine for sale pretty soon in the for sale thread.

[Mark Christianson]

Ah dump kornfish. I just bought a new maxxum. Why didnt you tell me you were selling yours???

[korn_fish]

sorry biglake - Thought about it all last year. Made the decision when I pulled it out of storage on Saturday.

Have you used yours yet? Take it back

I'm just waiting to get teh "ok" response from FM to post the add. Guessing it will move pretty fast.

[Giant_Jackpot]

Quote:

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I will say that a 54 inch shaft is not necessary on a 14 ft Rebel.

48 inch is WAY more than enough.

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I say longer is better! Biglakeba$$ fishes mostly smaller lakes with little boat traffic. I fish on Tonka a lot and you get a lot of big waves with the big boats. You won’t be sorry you have the longer shaft.

[Rogue Hunter]

ttt