Wizumz Posted March 21, 2022 Report Share Posted March 21, 2022 Does anyone have info/pictures on how they have done a bow mounted trolling motor on the older Light Tackle Hewes models? I'm attempting an install currently of a motor guide trolling motor with a quick release bracket but running into issues reaching the underside of the would-be mount location. Also, having issues with clearance of the tm shaft and the rub rail, to get ~1" of a gap the mount would have to be right up against the edge, which makes me believe I wouldn't even be able to send a bolt through without hitting the underside of the rail lips. Thanks for anyone that has experience here and can shed some light. It seems like I'm going to have to make some sort of starboard base that's going to allow the trolling motor to deploy further out and use toggle bolts to secure it all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallowminded6 Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 5 hours ago, Wizumz said: Does anyone have info/pictures on how they have done a bow mounted trolling motor on the older Light Tackle Hewes models? I'm attempting an install currently of a motor guide trolling motor with a quick release bracket but running into issues reaching the underside of the would-be mount location. Also, having issues with clearance of the tm shaft and the rub rail, to get ~1" of a gap the mount would have to be right up against the edge, which makes me believe I wouldn't even be able to send a bolt through without hitting the underside of the rail lips. Thanks for anyone that has experience here and can shed some light. It seems like I'm going to have to make some sort of starboard base that's going to allow the trolling motor to deploy further out and use toggle bolts to secure it all. I have a 2000 18’ LT that I put a MinnKota I pilot on this year. i used a wrench taped to a paint stirrer to do it. I have large fender washers on all of the bolts and there is 0 flex. I have used off shore snapper fishing in moderate weather with no issues. You will have enough room to do it. Just wont be a good time. Make sure the puck is far enough forward that you can use your front cleat. Mine is good but is low clearance when the TM is on it, but works fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shallowminded6 Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 I also used an inspection camera from Harbor Freight to see what I was doing. Was helpful. Where are you located at? I am in Vero. If youre close youre welcome to use my camera so you dont have to buy one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polliwog Posted March 22, 2022 Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 My 20ft LT looks like shallowminded's except to is a a little further back from bow and more following the side contour. I wish I were able to send a picture,but boats in CT and I'm in FL. motor launches the same way, starboard side. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wizumz Posted March 22, 2022 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2022 Thanks guys, this is helpful. I'll give this another try over the weekend. I have a cheater bar I could tape a wrench to that should give enough reach for bolts. My plan to try this weekend is to reverse the quick release bracket to allow the inner puck to be farther inside the edge of the boat, I found a video on YouTube of a guy doing this and it's exactly what I need to do. For anyone interested: Then tape a wrench to a breaker bar and use an inspection camera so I don't flip the wrench over and lose my nuts and washers inside the boat. Will update with results. Thank you @Shallowminded6 and @polliwog for the advice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wizumz Posted April 4, 2022 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2022 An update, motor is installed successfully and wiring is tested and complete. The inspection camera was a life-saver, highly suggest this method to anyone doing this project. It'll be frustrating but having a really bright shop light inside the boat helped a lot. I have photos of the install below. We taped the washer together and wrenched onto the aluminum washer so they didn't fall out while trying to place it, then once those were on the bottom the nylon lock nut was carefully placed, used a piece of duct tape under the wrench to help from dropping the nut. shop light inside boat, inspection camera tape to wrench taped to chisel success Ionic 50ah 24v lithium battery in the port bow hatch, perfect fit. Drilled two holes in the hatch wall for the wires to snake up to the bow. No on-board charger yet, will be charging at home until I figure out where I can charge at my marina (dry-stowed). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted April 4, 2022 Report Share Posted April 4, 2022 I had a similar situation on my 'new to me' 16 Redfisher. The prior owner had mounting holes drilled that were too far rear to work with my Minn Kota puck and a Riptide ST motor. I fabricated an intermediate mounting plate of 1/4" aluminum ....... used the existing mounting holes to secure the plate and then located the puck farther our toward the bow to provide shaft clearance. The plate was drilled and tapped to accept 1/4 x 20 SS screws for the puck ...... length of screws so that the bottom end is flush with underside of plate. jb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted April 4, 2022 Report Share Posted April 4, 2022 Oops - should have looked more closely ........ project complete and looks great ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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