Trolling motor plate cracks

[JohnMickish]

I just noticed the bow plate (where the plywood platform gets rivited to the bow) on my 1988 Lund Renegade is starting to crack where the trolling motor mounts. I suppose its from the flexing in the waves. I was planning on getting it welded, has anyone had this problem and what did you do?

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It still beats workin'

[Borch]

Same thing on my Lund Predator. I just took off the bowmont. But thought I'd remove the rivets and take it a local metal fabricator to duplicate for me(and maybe improve the design).

Borch

[Chris-Neises]

I had the plate my powerdrive mounts to pull through the fiberglass. Expensive deal.

[bigpike]

Any suggestions on strengthening a fiberglass bow? I was thinking about mounting a steel plate below the fiberglass as well? There is currently some flex in the fiberglass when I apply pressure forward or backwards on it (PD 55). I have not yet used this in the water.

[BLUESHARP]

I used a plastic cutting board I bought at Wal-mart,not the hard plastic.This was softer white plastic.They sell the same material at marine stores.I cut to fit under bow plate,mounted anchor cranker to it.Made it extra big so in future I can mount trolling motor.It absorbs shock well.Acts like giant washer.Hope this helps.

[BLUESHARP]

I used a plastic cutting board I bought at Wal-mart,not the hard plastic.This was softer white plastic.They sell the same material at marine stores.I cut to fit under bow plate,mounted anchor cranker to it.Made it extra big so in future I can mount trolling motor.It absorbs shock well.Acts like giant washer.Hope this helps.