busted bow mount in big waves???

[little buddy]

anyone ever get their bow mount minnkota power drive repaired after it flopping down and busting the metal pin and misc plastic??

[kevfish]

I had that problem constantly. They would say just screw the nut hard enough and it will not come out of the cradle. Thats fine on small lakes but when your pounding 4 foot waves on the big water it will come out and cause damage. I eventually lost my motor during a storm on millle lacs. a wall cloud was coming across the lake- after the 3rd time that it plopped in the water I did not want to stop and pull it up- eventually it just ripped off the front of the boat, I was just glad we made it to shore. Now I bought a new one and have a ram mount that secures the head of the motor-works great and no more busted pieces

[Hoovey]

I repaired mine, but it was never quite the same. I replaced the parts I could and straigtened out the twisted metal close to it's original shape. This worked until the motor popped up on me again and put an end to that motor. I switched to the Maxxum and haven't had an issue with waves since.

[ccarlson]

Get the ram mount that holds the shaft in place up by the head. Well worth the money for the security and peace of mind knowing it won't bang the motor around or worse, lose the motor as the others have said.

By the way, there are two versions of this ram mount. Usually the short one is the one you need for the Minn Kota PD's. Measure the distance from the shaft to the boat when stowed and you will know for sure.

ccarlson

[musky hunter]

I solved my problem by taking a Johnny Ray base, the kind with the push button release, and manufactured a bracket to hold the pin to the shaft of the bow mount.It works great, holding the motor rock solid, yet releases with the push of a button. The bracket was made from a stainless steel split ring collar bored to fit the diamater of the motor shaft with a stud welded on and epoxied into the Johnny Ray locking stud. This was easy for me since I have access to machine shop and welding capabilities, but maybe the idea could be simplified or an alternate solution found to accomplish the same thing.