Attaching trolling motor to transom.

Builder's Forum
1

 

Hello, everyone!

What is the "best" way to attach a small trolling motor to our wooden boat transoms? The solution I am looking for is one that is removable, and will preserve the transom finish without compromising motor attachment. 

Laminating a "U" shaped piece that goes over the transom?

Laminating a "U" shaped piece out of fiberglass/carbon fiber, that goes over the transom?

Either one will mar the finish, not to mention water, sand, etc., getting trapped inbetween.

Perhaps, one of the ideas, above with a neoprene backing that would compress when motor vize screws are tightened?

2

   Thanks, Michael!

3

We've had good success using old mouse pads (remember those?), grippy side down toward the wood, draped over both sides of the motor mount pad so that the "hooks" and the screws won't come in contact with the wood.  This needs to be set up pretty hard to be secure, but we've never lost a motor, including a 21' Sea Pearl being pushed by a 2 hp Honda as hard as it could.  Just keep an eye on it.

.....Michael