# Trolling motor for Skerry **URL:** \ **Category:** Builder's Forum\ **Created:** [September 14, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506 "2008-09-14T12:09:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Bob\_Heinrich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bob\_Heinrich](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Bob_Heinrich)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/1 "2008-09-14T12:09:21Z")
Someone is advertising a Skerry for sale in the Bazaar and is offering it with an "invisible" trolling motor rig.  I asked the person to describe it but I haven’t heard from him/her.  That said, I’m on the verge of completing my Skerry and now I’m curious about using a trolling motor on it, say on a quiet lake or pond.  I can’t imagine mounting a trolling motor on a double ender (though I seem to remember reading somewhere a long time ago that you could put one on a canoe) and I wonder if someone here knows anything about how it’s done?  Appreciate any feedback.  Thanks,  bob h ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Heinrich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bob\_Heinrich](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Bob_Heinrich)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 11:37am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/2 "2008-09-15T11:37:09Z")
John, I just realized, the only real change to the boat is the rudder, which means that one could simply have a second rudder, rigged with the trolling motor.  Do I have that correct?  Thanks.  Bob H. ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_Ogata](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bc8723/32.png) [@Eric\_Ogata](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Eric_Ogata)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 12:50pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/3 "2008-09-15T12:50:12Z")
I've seen quite a few canoes with side-mounted electic trolling motors. There are also bow-mounted electric trolling motors commonly used by fisher-persons. I'd think either of those could probably be fairly easily adapted. Not invisible by a long shot:) But probably easy to remove and have out of the way when not in use. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Pont](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@David\_Pont](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/David_Pont)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2008, 5:57pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/4 "2008-09-14T17:57:42Z")
As the Skerry has a pointy tail and it says ‘invisible’ I’m thinking they have built a well (think wide daggerboard case) somewhere aft? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Hagianis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5e9695/32.png) [@John\_Hagianis](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/John_Hagianis)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 7:44am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/5 "2008-09-15T07:44:49Z")
A while ago, the old "Small Boat Journal" had an article on a rudder with a trolling motor built in. Build a rudder. Take the trolling motor of your choice and cut off most of the shaft. being careful not to cut the wires. Use the motor as a template and cut the rudder to fit the motor. Seal the tube / wires with silicone calking. Run the wires up a slot in the rudder / tiller assembly and into the boat to the speed controller. Mount the motor to the rudder using epoxy. I need to send you a picture of this if my description is not clear. Now you have a boat gliding along with no visible means of propulsion. I may do this myself, after my skerry is done building. (need to finish painting the interior) John C-H (not to be confused with JCH of CLC Boats)  ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Heinrich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bob\_Heinrich](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Bob_Heinrich)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 11:34am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/6 "2008-09-15T11:34:17Z")
John,  thanks for your reply to this.  I think I understand it, but a picture is worth a thousand words.  I’d really appreciate a picture if you have one.  You could either post it here or email it to me privately; doesn’t matter to me.  All that said, the Skerry is such a terrific boat on its own merit and I will probably not tinker with it.  The Skerry is my first boat building experience, so I guess I’ll hust have to do another kit that will easily accept a trolling motor.  Jimmy Skiff might work!  Once again thanks, and pls send pics?  Best,  Bob H ---
**Author:** ![John\_Hagianis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5e9695/32.png) [@John\_Hagianis](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/John_Hagianis)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 2:53pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/7 "2008-09-15T14:53:53Z")
Hi Bob, That's right. I just thought of something. reverse wont work without the rudder blade locked in the down position. A nylon screw thru the swivel assembly would make a good shear pin to save the blade should it run aground. I'll try to get that picture on line tomorrow. I had a canoe with motor mount. I still have the mount and thought of using it. I may give it a try.  Actually, If I'm going fishing, I could row or motor. hmmm ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Heinrich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bob\_Heinrich](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Bob_Heinrich)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/8 "2008-09-15T16:13:35Z")
Actually, fishing would be the only reason I'd use a trolling motor and I live on top of a nice bass pond which would make it ideal.  Not that I'm against rowing but I've fished before in a small john boat with a trolling motor and it just makes things that much easier.  I still may fool around with the rudder idea since all it would require is a second rudder.  Look forward to any pics you can upload.  Thanks John,   And Oqata, thanks for your comments too.  I'd rather avoid the bow mount motor because I don't think it's fair to the Skerry to rig her that way.  At least a hidden motor in the rudder gives her the natural appearance she deserves. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Hagianis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5e9695/32.png) [@John\_Hagianis](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/John_Hagianis)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 8:37am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/9 "2008-09-16T08:37:01Z")
Bob, errrrr. I have a pdf, but don't know how to attach it here\> ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Heinrich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e0b2c6/32.png) [@Bob\_Heinrich](https://forum.clcboats.com/u/Bob_Heinrich)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2008, 11:26am UTC](https://forum.clcboats.com/t/trolling-motor-for-skerry/34506/10 "2008-09-16T11:26:06Z")
John, you can email it to me at [noozeppr1@aol.com](mailto:noozeppr1@aol.com).  I don’t know how to upload a photo to the forum either.  Thanks again.  Bob