CS #218, motor mount (sorry Ray!)

[SUKIE]

Here are the promised photos of my motor mount, designed to be as unobtrusive as possible, yet still funtional. And, it works beautifully. I use a MinnKota 30 lb thrust which pushes us along just fine, and absolutely quiet. I've only really used it once, 8 miles up a lake, out of wind, and had to be home. Rats, I'd have rather sat it out untill the 4 o'clock breeze!

[Joel B]

Sukie

Looks good. Very unobtrusive. Where to you keep the motor and battery stored?

[SUKIE]

Joel,

This is a problem. The battery is in the lazarette, meaning that the power cord has to go under the hatch. I looked at a plug that would allow me to keep the hatch cover fastened, but the plug alone was something like $44. A little steep for me, so untill my piggy bank fills I'll run the wire under the hatch.

The motor can be tilted up and almost clears the water, but usually I store it under the foredeck where it fits thwartships and sits on wooden cleats so it won't shift.

[wkisting]

Looks good Sukie. Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Rod Thompson]

Elegant solution Sukie.  So what kind of battery do you use and how much does it weigh?  How deep in the water is the prop?

[SUKIE]

Hello Rod,

Sorry for my delayed response, but I have a great excuse. Been kayaking "down east" on the coast of Maine for the last week, and, it didn't rain!

To answer your questions, I use a deep cell, 12 volt marine battery which weighs just about the maximum I can lift with one arm (maybe 30 lbs??)

The propeller is just barely under water, actually breaks the surface when we get any waves. I had cut off about 4" of the motor shaft to fit the whole thing in the lazarette, now wish I hadn't done that. Oh well, next boat. . . .

[Rod Thompson]

Thanks. That's a wonderful excuse.  Weather on the prairies has been record setting warm for September.  Great time of year for paddling.