Mounting trolling motor help

[traveler]

Just in case you missed this on the expert equipment section....I'm trying to mount my new motor on the bow of a fiberglass boat. I marked the holes, but I can see no way to reach the area underneath to attch the nuts to the bolts. I can access the bow thru the anchor well, but my arm is a foot short (at least!). So...would lag screws work? Toggle bolts?? Somebody must have run into this problem...

[kenlaker]

probably not lag screws, as there may not be enough meat for them to grab- toggle bolts would hold better but may be a problem if youever want to remove the motor- I've used the collapsible type of inserts in the past for mounting seats, once installed you can insert or remove the bolts as you need, but as the metal on these is fairly thin, they may, even though galvanized, not last as many years as you may have the boat. There are also some expansion shields that may work for you as well. My choice would be the collapsible inserts.

[Wade Joseph]

If it were me, I'd make a trip to my freindly dealer, ooo and ahhh over the new boats for a bit, look at the similar model to yours, then inquire as to how they do it when they pre-rig the boats.

[traveler]

Thanks Ken. Hoping to use SS, but I don't know if any other fasteners are made of stainless. I thought I'd give Minnkota a call today and see if they have any advice.

[ripstick]

Dont use lag bolts. Try tosee if you can get a long wrench in there. If you can use the open end tape the washer and nut to it so it will stay on drop a small dia. punchin the hole line up wrench. then have some body take the punch out and screw the bolt in. It will take time but will work. Good luck.