Do I need a quick release plate for my bow mount trolling motor?

Looking at updating my trolling motor on my 16’ Lund Stinger tiller (similar to a Pike/Mr. Pike if that matters). One guy I talked to about buying one from basically said the quick release plate should be an automatic. I didn’t question him at the time on it. Sounds like it’s not a bad thing.

Do I really need to spend the other $60 on this? Other that the rare service (hopefully rare) when would I want to be removing this? Transport? This has not caused any issues so far on my current setup.

From reading a few reviews it sounds like having a carpeted deck, which I have, can create some issues. I’ll probably have this mounted wherever I buy it. Sounds like Cabela’s is doing free install during the spring classic.

when I sell them it is usually because owners have a cover that isnt made to fit over them,road bounce on long trips,then there is the whole theft worry.
other than that it is up to you for why you may want one.

Iowaboy1 wrote:

when I sell them it is usually because owners have a cover that isnt made to fit over them,road bounce on long trips,then there is the whole theft worry.
other than that it is up to you for why you may want one.

The only reason I have a quick release is like stated, because my cover fits without it.

If worried about bouncing down the road, you’ll be fine.

I didn’t on my last and regretted it. Had a trolling motor issue and had to bring it in. So I added plate before re installing it. Installed quick release plug and plate. Never again will go without if just for the chance on a needed repair

I have one, it’s very handy when I put the cover on. Sometimes, depending how far I tow the boat I’ll take it off and I often take it off and put it in the hotel room for a piece of mind well worth the $ in my opinion

Yeah mentioning taking it off and re-installing it for service is probably reason enough. I had to re-install the one I have now when I bought this boat used and it was a real PIA, Even though I’d have the motor installed, dealing with it in the future might be a problem without the plate.

Just remember……without installing a padlock it will be just as easy for a thief to grab & go as it will be for you to remove it for service.

Dutchboy wrote:

Just remember……without installing a padlock it will be just as easy for a thief to grab & go as it will be for you to remove it for service.

Yep, step one is moot without step two.
As far as bounce goes, a ram support will fix that. I’m not sure it’s really necessary with the shorter shafts however.

For the price it’s worth every nickle. Convenience for service, taking off on long trips, remove for theft reasons, cover won’t fit…. the list goes on and on. And all that for just $60

I never had an issue, but a buddy lost his Terrova on the highway with one. Must not have locked it down right, but it was toast when he found it on the side of the road! Always put a padlock on, just for peace of mind. I don’t think I would own one without a quick release mount.

My current boat came with one. I didn’t think it was really needed at first. In the 2 years I’ve had the boat I’ve taken it off probably 8-10 times – Mostly on long road trips ( Canada Twice ) If it has a longer shaft the bouncing may cause some problems. Some of the out of way spots I go to the roads are rather rough. I know I’ll never own a boat with out it again

My old motor had one and I used it a lot. When I bought my Ulterra, the thing was so much bigger and heavier that I bolted it down and it hasn’t come off the boat in 2 years. So, do you need one? No. Can it be very convenient if you take your motor off a lot? Yes.

I have a quick release and really like it since I have had my boat forever it has seen 4 updates to the trolling motor nohting like taking 10 minutes to install new trolling motor.

I like it for when we go out and don’t plan on using it, one less thing in the way, less weight, etc. I didn’t have the QR on my first trolling motor and just hated not being able to remove it when I wasn’t using it. To each their own though

I have one also and remove it for all the reasons above. I also had my TM shaft freeze when fishing muskies last November. I had to take it off and bring it in the basement for it to thaw out.