J14 tolling motor install

[dclark54]

Does anyone have a good idea about where an how to install my brand new minn kota.....I'm not sure where to install the battery, plugs or even the motor base itself....I'm a pretty handy guy, so I can handle the installation, but I want to make sure that I'm not overlooking anything....Here are a couple pictures and as you can see, I don't even have my nav lights yet....should the battery be located under the center console or the front deck....the front deck would have to be modified to install the battery there..I bought a 55lb 48in copilot with the small footprint and I want this to look good. I also bought a plate that the motor base will be installed on so that the trolling motor can be removed........thanks for any help

[workinprogress]

That's a good looking setup you've got there DClark. I have a j16 wth a trolling motor mounted on the front deck. Mine is a Motorguide so yours will mount a little differently, but the basics should be the same. Battery placement is purely a matter of choice, but for my setup I chose to put it under the front deck for 2 main reasons. I needed some extra weight in the bow, and I didn't want to have to run wire from the console to the front deck. I've seen really clean wire runs done in pvc or flexible conduit, but I really didn't want to have to clutter my floorspace with anything. Your rails will prevent you from mounting off center like I did without some type of modification. Just an idea--You could mount the trolling motor where it deploys dead center between your rails, but at an angle where it doesn't take up all of the space on your deck when stowed. That would mean you couldn't use a center mount, red on one side, green on the other nav light, but you could buy separate red and green lights and mount them off center. Good luck with your install.
http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com/album.php?albumid=58

[dclark54]

workinprogress,

Did you install the access door on your boat yourself? I think that I would like to cut a hole in the top of the front deck an install the battery underneath the deck just like yours. Did you reinforce the edges on the cutout. I'm worried about weakening the deck....what do you have the battery sitting on? I'm trying to determine if I can install an access door myself.

[workinprogress]

Yes, I mounted the access door myself. You can buy the door at your local CS dealer. The battery is sitting on a wedge I made out of 2x4s and plywood. It's purpose is solely to give the battery a flat surface to sit on. I screwed it to the deck and coated it with Marine-Tex. If I had it to do over again I would fiberglass it instead, but I am still comfortable that it is waterproof. I did not reinforce the deck, and you won't need to either. At that point the deck is almost 2" thick. I took me about 4 jigsaw blades and a lot of patience just to cut out the hole. In all my use of the front deck, I have never seen any evidence that in needs any additional support.