My buddy has an older Champion boat. He got a new Ultrex but we cannot get under the deck to mount two of the 4 bolts. In the old days we used the Motorguide TBolts that secured from the topside. Is there any other way to bolt down a trolling motor when you do not have access under the front deck?
Had that issue on an express Bay boat. Got a 4" hole saw and cut a hole close to where the Trolll motor was going. Went to Marine deale and bout a 4" round access plate the kind you have to twist to remove Came out great.
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Post a pic of the bow area, I have not seen a champion I could not gain access to yet, Usually 2 electrical plates up front, remove them, wear a long sleeve shirt to avoid glass cuts, lay down on the deck. Your arm has to go in past elbow, You are working by feel,
Pre fab 3 pc alum strap 2 in by 4 in for backers under the mounting bolts. Use nylock nuts
Is difficult to do using 1 hand, helps to have helper to turn the thru bolts.
I just did this last week by myself on a 85 champ, owner said there was no way
:thumb up2:Quote:
Originally Posted by lpugh
I am very tall and long arms and I would have to be in past my shoulder to get to the front bolts.Quote:
Originally Posted by lpugh
Attachment 532959
Looks like there is a plate under the troll motor. I would remove the troll motor off the plate and reassess. You may have to look at cutting new hole to access the bolts that hold the plate down.
Same configuration as the one I just did. remove both plates. Is not easy, took me about two hours including the time to fabricate backing plates. Butt, I have a lot of practice doing this.Quote:
Originally Posted by STRETCH1
Same color of boat as yours>
. That is just a plate that was under the bracket for some unknown reason. There are just 4 mounting holes for MG TNuts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradrodfish
I like the 4" hole idea. Is there room behind the depthfinder to put it, and if so, will that area be deep enough to get your hand in there?
. Well I get my hand in there but now where near the bolt holes.Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeky
Looks like a good time to install a recessed foot tray. Should be able to reach the area you need if it's far enough forward. On my 97 Champ mine is as far forward as I could get it.
I did the exact thing for my bay boat, tried reaching, about 12” short, tried using a long wrench with the nut taped into the end, just way too much movement, and after too much pain and discomfort I cut the hole and installed the plate. Plus it gave me easy access to the bow light wiring and the trolling motor plug in the deck.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bradrodfish