Just bought a MK Maxxum 70 lbs thrust and am about to install it on my 18' Fisher aluminum bass boat. The bow is not completely level (curved) and in order to provide a "flush" mount for the "Bowguard Breakaway Bow-Mount", I need to place some spacers or shims (or the like) to ensure a proper attachment. The Bowguard is a level bracket that now mates to a non level surface.
I had to do this with my old Motorguide and placed plastic spacers (which I had to manually cut out from some composite planking) at each of the 4 screw locations (the Minn Kota uses 6 screws). For reference, the spacer closes to the tip of the bow was close to 1 inch thick and the spacer at the back was only about 1/8 inch thick.
Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? It would appreciated!
Minn Kota Bow Mount Installation
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Grey_Thunder
- Participant
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2009 1:46 pm
- Location: Barrhaven
Paul Shabata gave a presentation on boat rigging, thanks to JP Ostiguy, earlier this year.
Paul made reference to dollar store cutting boards as great aids to helping out in special fit situations.
I have used them myself a few times this year, easy to cut and shape, you should be able to create shims using them.
Good Luck.
Paul made reference to dollar store cutting boards as great aids to helping out in special fit situations.
I have used them myself a few times this year, easy to cut and shape, you should be able to create shims using them.
Good Luck.
99 Princecraft 176
98 115 Johnson Ficht
VHF Call terry f 316014005
NPAA 537
98 115 Johnson Ficht
VHF Call terry f 316014005
NPAA 537
Minn Kota Bow Mount Installation
In mounting a Terrova on the bow of my Princecraft using their quick release bracket and adaptor plate, I encountered the very same problem.
I solved it by purchasing a piece of composite plastic 1/2" thick with the same dimensions as the adaptor plate at Plastics of Ottawa (or Canus) and I had it milled into a wedge shape that was basically 1/32" on one edge and 1/2" on the edge over the gunwale. A bit on the expensive side but it provides me with confidence in its structure.
If I was to do it again, I would start with something in the 5/8" or 3/4" thickness and have them taper it to 1/8". Just to ensure the motor ends up completely level. Re using cutting board plastic, I was told by someone I have trust in and works in the field that the plastic is different and would not take the stress.
I solved it by purchasing a piece of composite plastic 1/2" thick with the same dimensions as the adaptor plate at Plastics of Ottawa (or Canus) and I had it milled into a wedge shape that was basically 1/32" on one edge and 1/2" on the edge over the gunwale. A bit on the expensive side but it provides me with confidence in its structure.
If I was to do it again, I would start with something in the 5/8" or 3/4" thickness and have them taper it to 1/8". Just to ensure the motor ends up completely level. Re using cutting board plastic, I was told by someone I have trust in and works in the field that the plastic is different and would not take the stress.
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Grey_Thunder
- Participant
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2009 1:46 pm
- Location: Barrhaven
Thanks for the two replies.
On my old Motorguide, I had used composite board and cut it myself (rather than having it milled) with a jig saw, hack saw and some sand paper. Most recently, I actually had had some trouble finding smooth composite decking in the regular hardware stores (Home Depot and Rona) and had to trek over to Gatineau to buy the same board I original had bought from Reno Depot: a grey coloured composite plank (1" thick and 6"x4').
I wish I had known about that plastics store as I'm sure it had more selection.
On my old Motorguide, I had used composite board and cut it myself (rather than having it milled) with a jig saw, hack saw and some sand paper. Most recently, I actually had had some trouble finding smooth composite decking in the regular hardware stores (Home Depot and Rona) and had to trek over to Gatineau to buy the same board I original had bought from Reno Depot: a grey coloured composite plank (1" thick and 6"x4').
I wish I had known about that plastics store as I'm sure it had more selection.