Have you ever considered outfitting your boat with a trolling motor? Installing a motor can be intimidating, but with the right know-how and tools, it’s actually quite simple. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of mounting a trolling motor on an aluminum boat. So let’s get started! 

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your aluminum boat out for a peaceful day of trolling, then you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about mounting a trolling motor on an aluminum boat so that you can get out on the water and enjoy some quality fishing time. 

Choosing the Right Motor Head and Shaft Length 

The first thing you’ll need to determine is what kind of motor you want and how long of a shaft you’ll need. Most electric motors come in either 12V or 24V models, though there are other options available as well. The 12V models are suitable for smaller boats, while 24V models work better on larger boats. As for shaft length, it can range from 28 inches to 54 inches depending on the size of your boat. Be sure to measure carefully so that your motor will be properly mounted! 

Mounting Your Trolling Motor 

Once you’ve chosen the right motor head and shaft length for your boat, it’s time to mount the trolling motor itself. If you have a small aluminum boat and are using a bow-mounted motor, then you’ll likely need to purchase an adapter bracket that allows for quick release mounting. On larger boats with outboard motors, the best option is often a transom mount motor. This type of motor requires no adapter bracket and can simply be bolted directly onto the back of the boat. 

Securing Your Motor in Place 

After your trolling motor is mounted securely in place, it’s time to secure it with rubber washers or some other type of cushioning material so that it won’t move around when running at high speed or during rough water conditions. Once everything’s in place, attach your foot pedal or remote control (if applicable) and make sure that all connections are tight. This will help ensure that the wiring won’t get damaged over time due to vibration or water damage.  

Adding Finishing Touches 

Finally, if you’re installing a bow-mounted motor on your aluminum boat, don’t forget to add a bow light so that others can see you when out on the water after dark! And if you’re planning on fishing from your boat, consider adding a piece of cardboard or aluminum plate between your trolling motor head and front deck so that it doesn’t interfere with casting lines or landing fish in shallow waters like creeks or streams.  

Choosing the Right Motor for Your Boat 

The first thing you’ll need to do is choose the right motor for your boat. This will depend on the size of your boat and how much power it needs to move through the water. For example, if you have a smaller boat, then you may only need a single electric trolling motor with around 30-50 pounds of thrust. On the other hand, if you have a larger boat, then you might want to consider two electric trolling motors with 50-100 pounds of thrust each or an outboard motor with up to 150 pounds of thrust. 

Once you’ve chosen your motor, it’s important that you also consider the shaft length. Most small boats will benefit from a short shaft motor, while larger boats may require a long shaft motor. It all depends on where exactly you plan on mounting your trolling motor and how much space there is between the top of the transom and where it meets the bottom of your hull (usually between 12-20 inches). To find out what size would be best for your particular vessel, measure this distance and consult with an expert who can help recommend what type and size would be best for your needs.  

Installing Your Trolling Motor 

Now that you have your new trolling motor in hand (or maybe it’s still in its box), let’s go over how to properly install it onto your aluminum boat! The first step is choosing which kind of mount works best for your specific setup — bow-mounted motors are great for larger boats while transom mount motors are better suited for smaller vessels. No matter which kind of mount you choose, make sure to use stainless steel hardware as well as rubber washers or spacers to ensure maximum protection against corrosion caused by saltwater exposure. You may also want to invest in a quick release bracket or remote control system if desired – both can help make using and controlling your new trolling motor easier than ever!  Lastly, don’t forget about safety – make sure there’s enough room around the bow area so that people can move freely without getting in danger when operating higher speed motors! Just remember: safety first!  

Once everything is installed correctly – don’t forget about any wiring as well – then all that’s left is testing out your new trolling motor! Before taking it out onto open waters though, test run it in calm water using either a piece of cardboard or plastic sheeting attached underneath (this will protect any nearby structures from damage). This way, once everything checks out okay in shallow water – good luck out there! -you’ll be ready for more rough waters ahead!  

Now here’s a 5-step guide to mounting your trolling motor on your small boat in case you’re still in need of help!

Step 1: Determine Your Motor Size and Shaft Length – The first thing that you need to do is determine what size of motor and shaft length are best for your boat. This will depend largely on the size of your boat and how much power you need. Generally speaking, larger boats require larger motors and longer shafts, while smaller boats require smaller motors with shorter shafts. If in doubt, consult an expert or check out online forums for advice from other boaters.  

Step 2: Select Your Motor – Once you know which size motor you need, it’s time to pick out which brand you want to buy. Popular brands include Minn Kota, Motorguide, Torqeedo, and Newport Vessels. Make sure that the motor you select is compatible with your boat type (aluminum) as well as its size (small). 

Step 3: Mounting Location – After selecting your electric trolling motor, the next step is deciding where to mount it. For small aluminum boats, bow-mounted motors are usually the best option because they provide better control in rough water conditions than transom-mounted motors do. However, if space allows for it, mounting a transom mount motor at the back of the boat can also be a good choice for smaller boats. Larger boats may require bow-mounted or remote-controlled motors for better control over higher speeds in calm waters. 

Step 4: Setting Up The Bracket – Now it’s time to attach the mounting bracket onto your boat’s deck or bow area (depending on which kind of motor you chose). To do this, use a piece of cardboard as a template before cutting into your boat’s aluminum plate. Drill holes into both pieces according to instructions included with your motor kit; then use rubber washers and bolts to secure them together using a wrench or socket set. Repeat this process with each component until all pieces are attached securely together; then double check all screws and bolts before moving onto step 5!  

Step 5: Attaching The Motor – Once everything else is securely in place, attach the motor head onto its mounting bracket using quick release brackets (or screws if specified). Finally, connect all electrical wires according to instructions provided by your manufacturer; then test out your new trolling motor setup by taking her out for a spin!

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of how to mount a trolling motor on an aluminum boat—good luck! Just remember to choose wisely when selecting both the amount of thrust (measured in pounds) as well as whether you want an electric or manual model; these decisions will determine how much power and control you have over your boat while out on open waters. For smaller boats like kayaks and jon boats weighing less than 500 lbs., electric motors are typically best; however larger boats may require more power which could necessitate either an electric/remote controlled or manual/foot pedal setup depending on how much speed vs control is desired.. Keep these things in mind when shopping for new trolling motors.

Congratulations—you now know how to mount a trolling motor onto an aluminum boat like a pro! From selecting the right kind of motor to proper installation techniques and safety precautions when operating at high speeds—we hope this guide has been helpful in getting one step closer towards achieving success in mounting up your own aluminum vessel with ease and confidence. Now grab some friends and family together; crank up those tunes; head down to nearest lake; drop anchor; drop line; catch some fish; create lasting memories—and happy boating!