
I have been following all of the past posts for mounting trolling motors on a 222 Sportfish. All of the existing threads deal with a 197 Sportfish and I wanted to start the discussion with the 222... I have been working on a template to create a mounting bracket for the standard Minn Kota quick release mounting puck. My layout includes having the metal mounting bracket fulling covering the trolling motor bottom plate. I have seen many brackets that do not provide any support for the full trolling motor mounting bracket where just the puck has some kind of structural bracket below. For those that have these sorts of mounting brackets, do you see any drawbacks? Is there any flexing when the motor is driving in the opposite direction or do you pretty much count on the fact that current will always make sure the torque on the bottom plate will always be putting more force on the back side of the mount?
I think the trolling motor works best opposite of the anchor locker door swing which is why I decided to mount the motor on the starboard side. I made a "rubbing" of the non-skid surface up near the starboard side of the anchor locker to come up with a good fit. I am able to reach under the surface through the anchor locker to be able to attach the mounting nuts on the bottom of the bots I plan to use. I made a plywood prototype to make sure that the shaft and everything would be clear of the side of the gunnel and all seems to work well.
I am working with a local metal shop to try and stamp out the bracket I need. I was planning on using 1/2" aluminum for the bracket. My metal shop thinks that is overkill but I want to make sure that flexing is limited. I was curious if anyone else would be interested in this bracket as it may be beneficial if my metal shop can stamp out several of these from one stock plate of aluminum. If so, let me know. It may be more economical to get many cut out versus just one...
This image is my latest thoughts on my bracket design:

I am considering limiting the metal bracket extents only to what is required to accommodate the quick release puck but was hoping for some feedback from others before I do... Right now this outline includes the entire base of the trolling motor mounting bracket. Also, the actual boat perimeter extends 3 or 4 inches outside of the non-skid surface so not that much will be protruding over the gunnel. Also, the angle of the puck allows the shaft that extends back towards the stern to not impede using the seat on that side.
Just looking for some thoughts before I pull the trigger. Trolling motor will be here next week and I plan on getting this done pretty quick!
I think the trolling motor works best opposite of the anchor locker door swing which is why I decided to mount the motor on the starboard side. I made a "rubbing" of the non-skid surface up near the starboard side of the anchor locker to come up with a good fit. I am able to reach under the surface through the anchor locker to be able to attach the mounting nuts on the bottom of the bots I plan to use. I made a plywood prototype to make sure that the shaft and everything would be clear of the side of the gunnel and all seems to work well.
I am working with a local metal shop to try and stamp out the bracket I need. I was planning on using 1/2" aluminum for the bracket. My metal shop thinks that is overkill but I want to make sure that flexing is limited. I was curious if anyone else would be interested in this bracket as it may be beneficial if my metal shop can stamp out several of these from one stock plate of aluminum. If so, let me know. It may be more economical to get many cut out versus just one...
This image is my latest thoughts on my bracket design:

I am considering limiting the metal bracket extents only to what is required to accommodate the quick release puck but was hoping for some feedback from others before I do... Right now this outline includes the entire base of the trolling motor mounting bracket. Also, the actual boat perimeter extends 3 or 4 inches outside of the non-skid surface so not that much will be protruding over the gunnel. Also, the angle of the puck allows the shaft that extends back towards the stern to not impede using the seat on that side.
Just looking for some thoughts before I pull the trigger. Trolling motor will be here next week and I plan on getting this done pretty quick!