Finally got the 2.5 hp Merc motor started - problem solved: where to put the t.m.

My aluminum 10' Lowe's flat bottom V is very stable. Much of the time I can stand in it when casting. But this was before I bought the 2.5 hp Merc. Once the starting problem was solved by a local mechanic, the next problem is where to put the trolling motor.

I was concerned that the battery and heavy 4-stroke would weigh the transom down to much when I sat on the back seat not to mention the 45# thrust Minn Kota tm. Since I've always used a handle extension for the tm to be able to sit in the middle seat, I couldn't see myself twisted around handling it along with the gas motor. Besides, the extension handle can not be used when both motors are side-by-side on the transom.

Solution: attach a thin board with screws just up from the oar lock to take the tm bracket. Aluminum is thin and the stress was too much without the wood. I can still use the oars and swivel the tm in any direction (extension not needed) while sitting in the middle seat.

The tm is tilted horizontal to the water when the gas motor is running and the gas motor is tilted with prop out of the water in shallow water when fishing to avoid stumps, rocks, weeds, etc. The combined weight of the tm battery, gas motor and me on the back seat still allows a nice speed with little transom dip.

If I use my 12' flat bottom boat, I will have to figure out where to put the tm other than the very front due to a metal handle in the way. Most likely a side mount also. The 10' is easier to load so I use it when fishing solo.

Sounds like an awesome set up to fish from

Thanks.
In my area all other lakes are electric only. This particular lake I use to fish from my old bass boat and know it well. The lake is also the largest water of the 8 waters and to get from one end to the other takes about 50 min. with the tm/ now only 10 min. with the Merc. The advantage using a shallow-draft boat is I can go shallower and work the wetlands closer to shore than heavier boats are capable of.

Hopefully this little 4 stroke won't take much gas as my 90 hp 2-stroke did considering the increase in fuel price. But then again my 2003 Chevy truck is lucky if it gets 16 mpg. I don't want to guess how much it will cost to fill the 26 gal. tank.:dono

It is liable to make gas. I downsized from a 2 stroke 150 down to a 4 stroke 60. The boat with the 150 had a 30 gallon tank and may have gotten a mile to the gallon. The 4 stroke has a 13 gallon tank and you have to go a long ways to burn 5 gallons

Good to know. The .3 gal. gas tank should be good for 3 round trips and hopefully not use much oil.

Once broke in it shouldn't use any oil unless there is a problem

Update on why the 2.5 hp Merc wouldn't start. It seems the octane needed is 91 and non-ethanol a must. Only one gas station in my county sells it. I was told by a rep at Mercury that the motor should be able to run on reg. unleaded and 10% ethanol but no go.
The other thing was what to do if the engine is flooded. Push the choke all the way in, wait a few minutes and then restart. It worked! Also, it's not advisable to lay the motor on its side before starting. When I went to the lake the motor was on its side on the truck bed but then wouldn't start at the lake or thereafter at home.

So with new gas, the motor starts every time left in the upright position.

Sounds like you have it licked now. Once you got thosd quirks figured out. You are ready to enjoy it

Too bad the weather has been fall-like: cold fronts with high winds of 20 mph for the last 48 hours. Maybe this week.
Just nice to know I didn't waste 850 bucks.

Those fall temps are when the crappie really start to bite