Question re: front deck of ChampioN

am looking to install recessed trolling motor pedal in deck of my 190DC , 1992 ChampioN.

will cutting an opening in the deck and putting the foot pedal in place, harm or weaken the front deck? is there a possibility of creating a problem for the future? or is this a safe procedure? will cut the hole and add a metal plate to hold the trolling motor.

know this is somewhat of a common procedure, but have never heard of problems...

thanking you in advance. appreciate your help..... http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

I've got a 1998 190 and we did it about 4 years ago. No problems yet. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

I just put one on a 89 184. There is a brace towards the front of the deck that you will have to cut thru. I would imagine that your boat would have this also. It looks like a 2x2 piece of wood fiberglassed into the bottom of the deck. You can kind of see it in this pic. It is in the right corner.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/j...g?t=1277898169

I have a 180DCX and no problems at all. Just all the foam you will have to chip out. If I can help out on the recess or the install just let me know. Be glad to help out. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

Super easy just hard to make that first cut! Took me about an hour to get the guts to cut the hole, measure and measure again and make sure to seal everything up.
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/u...4/69367afa.jpg
http://i660.photobucket.com/albums/u...4/3dc4b555.jpg

Best choice you will ever make!

I have the same boat 190DC 1992 and installed a Pro Contol. No problems so far, alot of insulation to go through, wear long sleeves and gloves. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif

look at the comfortroll put one in my 82 184 and its the best made, powder coated aluminum and cheaper than the plastic junk bps sells. http://www.comfortroll.com

You will definitely be glad you did it. A lot less fatigue on your leg. I have one on my 193 and I love it.

I just bought a troll eeze for my 1992 SCR184....I'm just waiting for it to get delivered.

I got a question for you guys cutting holes your hull to do the recessed TM.

How are you directing the water drainage for when it pours on a long rainy fishing day ? By the look of the pics.. there is no fiberglass wrap on the wood below the top layer!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is not good....

Rot sucks...

I would paint the exposed edges with a couple coats of epoxy. I think I might also run a bead of RTV around the box portion of the tub at the flange.

There is a drain hole and hose on the tray. It directs rain water to the bilge and out... As Reggie said, you have to seal the wood the cutting exposed before installing the tray..