2001 206 Elite Recessed Trolling Motor Tray?

[jefrobie]

Hi all. Anyone with a 206 install a recessed trolling motor tray? I need to poke around and make sure that there is no brace or something, but thought I'd run it by this group first. Any suggestions, likes or dislikes regarding WHICH tray? I'm seeing everything from plastic to aluminum & gelcoat..Thanks, Jeff

[Lea]

Lots of folks have installed trays in all sorts of models...no issues.

Check the sponsors here on BBC....you can't go wrong!

[ChampioNman]

Pretty boat! Key to installing the recessed tray is using the template. ChampioN runs their wires up the port side and nothing is in the middle except foam if it is there. Pull off your access panels and use a mirror to check for any braces. There shouldn't be any, when installing the tray keep in mind that the drop is about 3" so you would want to move the tray 3" closer to the front pole so you don't have a leg extenion problem with you being on the pro pole.

[Bassin Bob71]

Man is that a sharp rig

[WaYoop]

That is one sharp rig Jeff

Are those windshields the taller ones? Do they keep the wind off ya at speed?

Headed to Banks/Roosevelt/Rufus just after labor day, can't wait.

Rob

[jefrobie]

Not sure on the windshields? They are the stock that came in 01...Haven't really been able to let er run out. I've fished it three times on the Pend Oreille River and it's low, low right now. Have to be very careful....But the smalley and pike fishing is very hot. Looking forward to putting a tray in, I think it will clean up the front and be a bit more comfortable. Any favorites? Power coated, plastic or gel coat? I'm leaning away from gel coat, thinking about pressure and possible cracks, but maybe folks here who have them have had no problem...I'm going to post a review on this boat after I've had it out a few more times. I've had a couple of Rangers for comparison. The previous owner had the prop worked at supposedly lost a couple miles on the top end. He said it would run 68-69 but I'm seeing more like mid 60's. Once again though, haven't had the chance to run it out on this river...Thanks for the compliments on boat. I think it's kind of "understated elegant"! Sharp, but not too much bling....

[BassinBarrister]

I have a 201 206 also. Mine has a recessed tray (I did not put it in) so you shouldn't have any problem. I can't see what engine you have but mine is a Yammie 225 and runs 65 on GPS, tops. Not a speed demon but a great fishing platform.

[jefrobie]

Do you know what tray they used?

[hopalong1954]

this is what I put in my 184 and its an excellent tray, I used the aluminum for adding back strength after the cut.
the price is the same as the cheapo model that bass pro sells in plastic.
great company to do business with too.

http://www.comfortroll.com/

[Bassin Bob71]

If you're never used a recessed trolling motor foot pedal, I suggest you try one before cutting holes in the deck. I'm sure I'm in the minority, but my 198 came with a factory recess and Champion did a great job of laying it out, but I'm not completely sold on it yet. One issue is all I've had until this boat are Motorguides, and I have had a lot of trouble getting used to the Minn Kota foot pedal (the on/off button is on the wrong side of the pedal to me). That is part of the problem I have with it, but the other thing I'm not crazy about is I stand to fish all the time.....to turn left I end up with my heel lower than the deck of the boat which is uncomfortable for me. To each his own, but be sure to try one before cutting holes in that pretty rig. My $.02

[jefrobie]

Thanks for the input. Probably the only feedback I've read that does not like the recessed trolling motor! I've not used one personally on the water but have been on a boat or two with one on. Feels very comfortable and seems to be a bit less clutter on the deck for sure.

[pudge]

I put one in my 96 202 and I love it!The only thing with mine was that there was
a 1 inch pvc tube that ran up the middle of my deck and it carried two wires
to my front panel. All I did was cut the pvc flush with the recessed tray and spliced
back the two wires.

[ShannonBassMan]

No issues with my fiberglass trays never had one customer have any issues yet, they are made from same materials as the rest of the hull, they wont crack and look great.

As far as the guy who does not like recess since it is too deep, I bet you could make a spacer and get some longer screws and bring it up to the height comfortable for you. I am noticing some boat manufacturers only recess a couple inches stock.

Also in rough water a tall butt seat is a must and you can still stand only using seat to lean against helps maintain balance.

I have yet to hear a customer regret install.

[MM]

Damn good looking Champ! Sent you an IM.