Trolling Motor Bracket for PA12

Hi,

I’m new to the forum but have owned my PA12 for nearly 2 years. The last time I went trolling my knee got a little sore from pedaling so I decided to mount a trolling motor. I built a PVC mount that inserts into a rod holder but wasn’t pleased with the geometry so made a mount that connects to the PA’s hand rails…it was simple to build, cheap, light, and super strong. Here are a few photos…

http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/degru ... t=2&page=1

The mount was constructed of (2) Stanley 10” x 1-1/4” steel angle brackets (#N220-186), (4) #2 conduit hangers, a scrap piece of plywood, and an assortment of nuts and bolts. Total cost less than $25. All the hardware was purchased at Lowes. After mounting the plywood, I cut off the excess steel from the bracket that extended above the wood and smoothed out all the sharp edges. The brackets are about 3/16” thick and no bending occurs when you apply pressure to the shaft. Also, I figured that if I can lift the PA from the hand rail, a 30# thrust trolling motor isn’t going to harm the rails. I did, however, run a couple of strips of rubber tape around the rail to prevent the conduit hangers from scratching the finish. Now, all I have to do is wait for some decent weather and give it a try. I’ve also built a mount that inserts into the drive well and will try it after I try the rear mount. My Minn Kota Endura C2 30 fits the drive well perfectly. The rear mount weighs so little, I’ll probably leave it attached because I may get a larger trolling motor that won’t fit the drive well.

Dan

The mount for the rod holder works perfectly if you get the geometry right. Its simple and light and doesn't put any extra stuff or weight in the way. Yours is fine of course and will do the job. Go with what works for you.