bow mount trolling motor on 2000 sea pro 210cc

[Raf]

Hi all, I am purchasing a 2000 sea pro 210cc.  Ive never owned a Sea pro or a center console for that matter. I am going to be installing a Minn Kota bow mount trolling motor on it.  The boat is in storage so I wont be able to get it until mid april.  I am hoping I can get away with a 24 volt system, but I am not sure if the 60 inch shaft length will be enough.  Has anybody here used a 60 inch shaft or Does anybody know if a 60 inch shaft is long enough for this boat? Once I have the boat in the water I can take measurements to the waterline and figure out if it will work but was wondering if anybody knows because I found a used motor I am thinking of purchasing before I actually get the boat. The motor I am looking at is a minn kota terrova 80 lb thrust w/ipilot. Thanks for any input. 

[gnrphil]

Pretty sure freezerfiller has a trolling motor on his, I'm sure he'll point you in the right direction.

[freezerfiller]

Yep, I'm your guinea pig on this one. I have the same boat. I have the 80# riptide and it pushes that boat around very well. I've even used it coming in to dock and had people yell "Captain, your trolling motor is in the water" If I remember I get about 5-6 mph with it. As for a 60" shaft being long enough, the answer is yes and no. It's good in 2' seas and under, but it will cavitate any more than that. I wish they made a 66", but they don't. The bow rail makes it difficult to deploy, but if you have a propane torch and a big 2X8, you can heat it at the first bow mounts and pry it up an inch and a half and it works pretty well. I made a ss bracket which is posted somewhere on here to mount it using the existing bow rail mounting holes so I didn't have to drill but one hole in the boat.

[Raf]

Thanks for the reply. I did see your pictures as well and it looks like you did a great job. I was looking at a used motor with a 60 inch shaft but I see they also make the terrova with a 72 inch shaft so I may go that route. I will most likely end up removing part of the rail because of the type of fishing I will be doing involves putting the motor up and down frequently. I will post some pictures once I get the motor on probably in a couple months.

[freezerfiller]

The 60" is about perfect most of the time if you will be in calm water. If you go with a 72, you will likely need to either remove a section of the bow rail or hinge it to flip out of the way. I was going to cut and sleeve mine with a slightly larger piece of stainless tubing before I came up with the bend it up idea. Congrats on the new boat!

[frankiezee]

Would like to see the after pics. As I have the same model boat and waiting for delivery on my Minn Kota.