Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

I have a 17 ft Wahoo. See pic. I’m trying to figure out how to mount an electric trolling motor on the bow. Have to deal with the rails. Have found swing brackets that allows me to cut into my rails to allow the trolling motor to clear the rails. Cost about a hundred bucks. Looks like a great option. I have 18 inches from top of hull to the waterline. I’m planning on purchasing a remote controlled motor, not a lot of space for a foot controlled motor. I will need to fabricate a mounting system to attach the motor to the boat, that doesn’t seem to be a problem. My question is , number one, have anyone ever done this successfully. Number two, with 18” from boat to waterline what size shaft should I purchase. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. I just got bit by the bass fever. It’s a great boat but I have utilized it for trout fishing. Can’t seem to swat that damn bass mesquito! Don’t want to spend what looks like 12 hundred bucks for the trolling motor and can’t make it work! Have tried a front rail mounted trolling motor without any success.

rgutierrez Loc: San Jose CA

If your Bass fishing bug persists, you’ll be forced to at least address having the proper boat for that type of fishing. I’m guessing you’ll get tired of the issues and work arounds from not having the right boat. Just sayin.

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I’d buy the trolling motor then go from there. My minkota Terova could possibly operate below that rail. I’d think a 54” shaft would be about perfect but others may no better. The remote control, Ipilot, spot lock, all can’t be beat!! Makes all types of fishing better!!

Tight lines
J

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

It’s still a great boat. Trout fishing with my two downriggers have put quality fish on the boat over many years. Striper fishing in the delta has been very successful. Best boat I’ve ever been in when it gets ugly. Never seen a bass boat in the bay fishing for halibut and stripers !Very versatiby boat. Will never consider a bass boat. But thanks for your opinion! Bass boats are to one dimensional for me.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

I’m not sure how much room you have to work with on your bow but my trolling motor sits at an angle on my boat. When it’s up and in the water it’s on the right side of center. If you zoom in on this picture you might get the idea… 🐟on

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Thanks. Nice boat!

FourchonLa. Loc: Fourchon Louisiana, South Louisiana

Take a look at the video below SAB. It may give you an idea.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bKR8mPfbB0k

rgutierrez Loc: San Jose CA

Agreed J. My friend’s boat has spot lock and it is awesome. Maybe look into building a platform in the bow for your casting and perhaps a mounting area for the Trolling motor. Good luck!

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Thanks for the imput. My boat has a front casting platform along with a removable casting seat. Have room at the bow to mount a trolling motor. My issue is clearing the front rails when raising and lowering the motor. Definitely will purchase a spot-lock style motor.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

A Minn Kota Terrova, with a 54” shaft should/could work.

Measure from the bottom of the motor’s locking ring to the water line and add 20”s to get you to the top of a motor blade tip pointing up. Also, figure how high you would like the top of the motor up above the top of the locking ring, mine is 14”s. Those figures should give you an idea of the length of the shaft you need/want. From what I read you want your motor head around 20”s into the water depending on waves and how shallow you are going with your boat. I have mine at 20”s and it works fine. See how the motor fits mounted on an angle, mine is on an angle, but check too that it will not hit anything on the tongue of the trailer when loading/unloading. You may have to extend your motor out before raising it up to drop it in the water so you clear the boat railing.

Looking at your boat I would get the 24v, that only gives you the option of 60” shaft and 80 lb trust. Another thing to think of is if you are going to run the motor in salt water, if so then you should get a saltwater trolling motor, look at the Riptide Terrova.

I have a Terrova, freshwater, 24v, with 60” shaft, 80 lb trust, it is on a Pro Guide Deep V Side Console boat with a length of 16’.6” that weighs around 1800-1900#s fully loaded with gear and 25.5 gals of fuel, love all the features of the Terrova especially the remote and spot-lock, it pulls my boat easily.

You want your motor to be able to pull your boat easily and not be underpowered, as you know it does get windy on the water and depending on where you are boating you may have current/tide changes.

DVTracker Loc: Harrisburg, PA.

Nice boat DozerDave.

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Wow… great video! That’s exactly what I’m attempting to do. I found a company that makes a hinged rail bracket just for this type of application.
Now I need to figure out proper shaft length. Thanks!👍

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

Thanks! Great info. I basically used what u recommended in regards to measuring for proper shaft length. 16inches above the bow for the motor head to clear the front rail, 20 inches from bow to waterline, and 20 inches below the waterline for the motor. Total: 56 inches. I’m thinking about a 54 inch shaft. Appreciate your input!

Still above water Loc: San Francisco ca

I’m making a template using a broom handle and cutting out two pieces of plywood in the pattern of the motor drive and the motor head to see how it will fit. Don’t want to spend a grand and not have it work out.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

Thanks, Still. Hopefully you’ll find a solution. I wouldn’t be without my trolling motor… 🐟on