Electric motor - bow mount vs. transom mount?

[guitarfisher]

I'm considering an electric motor as an alternative to the 3.3 hp kicker I have on my 16' aluminum. Anyone have any thoughts on the pros and cons of bow mount vs. transom mount?

[bcalvert]

I have a 14’ aluminum v-hull and have used both in the past year. I prefer the bow mount for my style of fishing. I primarily fish for bass and find I have more precise control over the boat when using the bow mount. If trolling was my primary means of fishing then I would probably go with the transom mount.

At the Pond Jumperz (electric only bass club) fish-in last month, one of our members had both on his boat. Two anglers were fishing from this boat and they found that when the back seater got snagged, he would take control of the transom mount and navigate to get un-hooked. This allowed the front seater to continue fishing while the back seater retrieved his rig. I thought it was a great idea.

[The Quadfather]

I have a 14’ aluminum v-hull and have used both in the past year. I prefer the bow mount for my style of fishing. I primarily fish for bass and find I have more precise control over the boat when using the bow mount. If trolling was my primary means of fishing then I would probably go with the transom mount.

At the Pond Jumperz (electric only bass club) fish-in last month, one of our members had both on his boat. Two anglers were fishing from this boat and they found that when the back seater got snagged, he would take control of the transom mount and navigate to get un-hooked. This allowed the front seater to continue fishing while the back seater retrieved his rig. I thought it was a great idea.

Brian, send me a pic. of your boat sometime. I have a 14' deep hull also. I am thinking I would have to build in some kind of something?? at the tip of the bow in order to mount a bow mount motor. Not really thinking of going that route anyway, just thought that it wouldn't even be an option.

[hanapaa808]

guitar and quad... i have had both motors on my 15" aluminum boat and decided that the bow mount is the way to go. first off, its easier to pull a boat then push it. in the wind or in windy conditions, the bow mount works way better. i will ocasionally fish for bass but trolling around for kokes and trout is normally what i do. not to mention having a foot control or remote control is very nice to have!!! especially when you have to tie leaders, operate downriggers, or what ever else you need to use both hands for. just my 2 cents...

[Rich McVey]

for my 16.5 ft Bayliner.. BOW MOUNT is the only way to go. I also have the AutoPilot and the wireless copilot installed. Makes controlling the boat effortless from anyplace on board.

[bcalvert]

I have a 14’ aluminum v-hull and have used both in the past year. I prefer the bow mount for my style of fishing. I primarily fish for bass and find I have more precise control over the boat when using the bow mount. If trolling was my primary means of fishing then I would probably go with the transom mount.

At the Pond Jumperz (electric only bass club) fish-in last month, one of our members had both on his boat. Two anglers were fishing from this boat and they found that when the back seater got snagged, he would take control of the transom mount and navigate to get un-hooked. This allowed the front seater to continue fishing while the back seater retrieved his rig. I thought it was a great idea.

Brian, send me a pic. of your boat sometime. I have a 14' deep hull also. I am thinking I would have to build in some kind of something?? at the tip of the bow in order to mount a bow mount motor. Not really thinking of going that route anyway, just thought that it wouldn't even be an option.

I will take some photos tonight. Currently what i have is the 'rough draft' but it works. I have some Brazilian Chery that I will be making a "real" solution out of this winter.

['OL GREY DOG]

i LOVE my bow mount for troll'n...works fine for poke'n around in the weeds for green fish 'n perch too...butttt it shines when troll'n....i have the motorguide wireless on my 17 ft jon..be'n kick'd bk in a nice pad'd seat in the bk of the boat both DR's down cold beer in 1 hand 'n my lil remote controll to drive the boat in the other...aaaarrrggg cant beat 'er... she'll do about 1.5 mph when push'n max weight rating....i keep the 20 horse down and it acts like a rudder keeps her from blow'n around as much...with the motor in the front it plows right through all the #%*@& ^$@*% skiers 'n jet ski wakes 'n stays right on track....yes i had to have special brakets made...i think the 1 for the motor and the self storing anchor cost me a lil over a $100 pro built at a welding shop....well worth it consider'n the torque/presures theyre under...<shrugs> my 17 cents worth....DOG

[Anglinarcher]

Bow mount for control, transom mount if you cannot fish easily from the bow.


This last weekend a friend fished out of a boat without the bow mount and he claims he will never do that again.

[Coastfishin]

I have a bowmount on my Smokercraft, will never go back to transom mount! Much easier to control, especially in the wind, foot control so my hands are free to fish, and it doesn't seem to drain the battery as fast as the transom mount did

[guitarfisher]

i LOVE my bow mount for troll'n...works fine for poke'n around in the weeds for green fish 'n perch too...butttt it shines when troll'n....i have the motorguide wireless on my 17 ft jon..be'n kick'd bk in a nice pad'd seat in the bk of the boat both DR's down cold beer in 1 hand 'n my lil remote controll to drive the boat in the other...aaaarrrggg cant beat 'er... she'll do about 1.5 mph when push'n max weight rating....i keep the 20 horse down and it acts like a rudder keeps her from blow'n around as much...with the motor in the front it plows right through all the #%*@& ^$@*% skiers 'n jet ski wakes 'n stays right on track....yes i had to have special brakets made...i think the 1 for the motor and the self storing anchor cost me a lil over a $100 pro built at a welding shop....well worth it consider'n the torque/presures theyre under...<shrugs> my 17 cents worth....DOG

I'm with you DOG. That's my kind of fishing!
Great feedback guys. Sounds like bow mount is nearly unanimous.