Trolling Motor Mounting Question?? HELP!!!

[slimeyslab]

I have SeaArk 170zx with a Motorguide TM. I have been through countless numbers of rubber isolator nuts that are made to mount Trolling Motors with Gator style mounts to aluminum/fiberglass. These thing are getting expensive to replace (around $20.00 per 8 at BPS). I have tried putting them on extremely tight and loose and everywhere in between. They still break for no good reason. Has anyone else had this problem? Are there fixes or other ways to mount a TM if you cant access under the deck to place a washer and nut? Thanks in advance for your help.

[FroggerZack]

check fastenal.com they may have something more durable.

[possumcop]

Get rid of it and get a Minn Kota!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[slimeyslab]

It would still mount the same to the boat. I have several MinnKotas and prefer MotorGuide over the two. I just cant seem to keep those rubber isolator bolts from just snapping in two for no reason at all.

[luvjign]

Where exactly are they breaking (where's the shear point)? At the boat's bow surface?

[slimeyslab]

They are breaking right where they tighten against the deck. Basically where they make contact with the aluminum. It is almost like they are being cut or worn on the edge of the hole in the deck until they break. It happens almost every trip. I have owned several other boats and have never once had a problem like this.

[DTG]

MINN KOTA= problem solved

[slimeyslab]

MinnKotas and Motorguides both connect to the boat exactly the same. They are bolted on . How is changing brands going to have any effect? I have a MinnKota in my garage that I kept for a back up, but I really like my Motorguide. Besides it's not the motor with the problem, It is the way it is anchored to the deck.

[Cane Pole]

MinnKotas and Motorguides both connect to the boat exactly the same. They are bolted on . How is changing brands going to have any effect? I have a MinnKota in my garage that I kept for a back up, but I really like my Motorguide. Besides it's not the motor with the problem, It is the way it is anchored to the deck.

I usta leave my TM in the water to run short distances (slow speed). I popped a few doing this. Dummy me.

[Barnacle Bill]

Try using some hardened bolts instead of the ones that come with the well nuts.