Trolling Motors

[RWDunn]

I have seen very little information on trolling motors with regard to Triumph boats. I just bought a 2003 170 DC without a trolling motor. I am trying to determine the following.

How do you install a trolling motor on a Roplene surface?
How and where do you run the wiring?
Where do you store the battery (batteries)?
Is a bow mount preferable?
Considering that you can strip a screw out of Roplene fairly easily, should I purchase one of the Minn Kota motors which will break away temporarily if you hit an underwater obstruction? This may prevent pulling out installation and/or mounting hardware.
I have a chrome railing around the bow. How do you install a trolling motor with that rail present?
I will use my boat in both fresh and salt water. Could someone recommend a particular make and model of trolling motor and state why that model is being recommended?
Does anyone have photos of what they have done?

Please see my separate post under the new member area.

Thanks in advance.

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by RWDunn

I have seen very little information on trolling motors with regard to Triumph boats. I just bought a 2003 170 DC without a trolling motor. I am trying to determine the following.

How do you install a trolling motor on a Roplene surface?
How and where do you run the wiring?
Where do you store the battery (batteries)?
Is a bow mount preferable?
Considering that you can strip a screw out of Roplene fairly easily, should I purchase one of the Minn Kota motors which will break away temporarily if you hit an underwater obstruction? This may prevent pulling out installation and/or mounting hardware.
I have a chrome railing around the bow. How do you install a trolling motor with that rail present?
I will use my boat in both fresh and salt water. Could someone recommend a particular make and model of trolling motor and state why that model is being recommended?
Does anyone have photos of what they have done?

Please see my separate post under the new member area.

Thanks in advance.

Installing:
I used the mounting hardware that came with my motor. I have a Motorguide 24 volt 71lb thrust. I drilled the required holes into the top of the side just to the left of the bow light. Inserted the mounting plugs and screwed the motor into the plugs. It's been on a little over a year and used heavily, no problems at all.
Wiring:
I ran the wires from the center console to the bow via a factory placed tubing on the right side of the boat. An access plate on the bow should allow you to access it. I attached the wires to a trolling motor recepticle and mounted it just under the motor. I installed the matching plug to the motor so I can disconnect it whenever I need.
Batteries:
Mine (two twelve volts wired in series) are under my center console. Nice tight fit.
Breakaway mount:
Most motors today come with some sort of breakaway mount. The brand name is your choice.
Rail:
I removed my bow rail and installed small grab rails on the sides. That leaves the front open to raise and lower the motor easily.
Fresh/Saltwater:
Sorry, can't help you there. Mine is strictly sweetwater.
I don't have any photos posted yet, I'm working on it though.

Good luck with your new setup. Please let me know if you need further clarification on anything.

[cagrove]

I finally got my photos uploaded. Check them out in the 170 mods section of the photo gallery.