Ranger 518 VS Recessed Trolling Motor

Hello all I was browsing around and ran across this forum so decided to join in! Hope 2017 brings a good fishing season to everyone!!

I recently down sized from a Puma FTD to a Ranger 518 and I'm already missing the recessed trolling motor control. Just wondering if anyone has installed one on this particular model? Looks like the middle compartment goes way up but I haven't looked it over yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Its a 2000 model.

Thanks

I'm sure it's been done many times. Check out the Ranger boards - they're very active and I'd be willing to bet someone there has already written up a tutorial for your exact boat.

I have a 2000 R91 and I installed a recess trolling motor tray with no problems. You might want to post this in the Ranger forum.

Thanks guys. I'll check the Ranger board

I installed one in my 2000 518VX. I used a comfort troll and love it. Welcome to the boards!!

I installed one on my 2002 518vx. You will have to cut some of the front compartment out, but you cannot tell when you open the lid, just be careful when you do you will find the wires for your compartment light there. The use of a dremmel made it a lot easier when installing.

Thanks guys! I'm definitely going to look into it here pretty soon.

Does it it weaken the deck any or is it still good and solid?

Mine is still solid. Lots of foam and i mean lots.

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Originally Posted by skeel

I installed one on my 2002 518vx. You will have to cut some of the front compartment out, but you cannot tell when you open the lid, just be careful when you do you will find the wires for your compartment light there. The use of a dremmel made it a lot easier when installing.

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What Skeel said. It can be done. Worst part is removing all the foam.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by skeel

I installed one on my 2002 518vx. You will have to cut some of the front compartment out, but you cannot tell when you open the lid, just be careful when you do you will find the wires for your compartment light there. The use of a dremmel made it a lot easier when installing.

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Is the wires easily seen so I can avoid cutting them? Are they ran I a tube or something?

If I remember right there is a half tube that runs under the middle of the deck. If you did happen to cut it, it's only two wires and can easily be stripped and butt connected back together.