Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

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txaggie08
Posts: 126
Joined: Fri Jan 14, 2011 12:08 am

Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by txaggie08 »

I'm thinking about mounting a trolling motor on my yak, have a couple of q's

One: I want to do a stern mount, and that will dictate stalling some brackets. Are rivets the best way to go in mounting where I cannot reach?


Two: battery life. Would a lawnmower size battery be sufficient or am I going to HAVE to carry a big marine deep cycle? I'm a little concerned about weight in my prowler, I'm nearly 300# as it is. I'd like to get a few miles out of the deal, mainly using it to go from point to point....


thanks for the help guys
Turner
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Re: Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by Turner »

Txag,
You might want to check these pics of the Prowler Trident 15 that PoppyG rigged with a trolling motor.. I bought it from him last week. I didn't build this, but you can contact him or search his posts for the info on where he got the parts, etc. This set up is the bomb!! I will have my maiden voyage tomorrow.

Trolling motor mounted:
Image
Close up:
Image
Retracted for shallow water:
Image
txaggie08
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Re: Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by txaggie08 »

How is that mount plate attached to the top deck? I see how he did it, and it's a great idea, just wondering how to bolt that to the top deck.

What battery are you running? What kind of life are you getting? curiosity how much crap are you carrying including you??
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K5RCD
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Re: Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by K5RCD »

Look here to see pics of my Magic and rigging.

http://k5rcd.org/kayakpics.htm

I drilled an access hole above water line using the hole saw in the photo. I think it was 1 & 1/4 or 1 & 1/8 th in. dia.

Bought the fine thread plug at Tractor Supply, and painted it to match. I needed the offset wrench (Harbor Freight) to reach the back nuts. I used 1/4 inch stainless steel machine screws, with large fender washers (largest that will fit through the hole) under them, and the locking type nuts. If you don't need an offset wrench, you can just use a 7/16 box end wrench, and use masking tape to secure the nut into the wrench, stick it through the hole and tighten it down from the top. You can tape the wrench to some type of extension if necessary, if you tape it well enough to apply a little torqe to it. Be sure to use only all stainless steel hardware.

Rivets or other blind fasteners are just not robust enough to last.

As far as a battery goes, a lawn mower battery won't be sufficient. You need a deep cycle marine type battery (about 50 lbs weight) or a wheelchair battery. Use only a gel cell, AGM, or totally sealed battery. Do NOT use a regular acid type battery. If you should turtle, the acid could spill in your face. If that happens, you will be instantly and permanently blinded, so don't even think about it. I use an Odyssey Marine Battery. I tried an Optima battery but was not at all satisfied with it.

Hope this helps.
Randy
Last edited by K5RCD on Sat May 14, 2011 10:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
texnomad
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Re: Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by texnomad »

I do not recommend the gel cell batts. They can leak. The AGM style of batts will not leak and can be installed in any orientation including upside down. Yes they are expensive but safer.
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K5RCD
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Re: Blind hardware install/batt question for trolling motor

Post by K5RCD »

texnomad wrote:I do not recommend the gel cell batts. They can leak. The AGM style of batts will not leak and can be installed in any orientation including upside down. Yes they are expensive but safer.
Good point TEXNOMAD:
I agree, the gel cell type can leak if dropped or grossly mishandled, but is still much safer than normal lead acid types. Yes, the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) type is even safer, and while it is initially more expensive, will far outlast the other types. My Odyssey is the AGM type. I edited my post to include the AGM type, which I should have done initially.
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