TM Slide Mounts

I'm was told I would need some form for a slide mount like a life saver or on that R&R design makes for the load/unload process when using a terrova, ulterra, ultrex or XI tm. I can see why this would be recommend since the tm sticks out off the front of the boat. I just want to let you guys know what I've come up with to save quite a few dollars. Using a minn Kota MKA 16-30 quick release for $59.99, you'll see in the pics that I simply drilled and tapped one extra 1/4"X20 hole. Unscrew bolt, slide the plate back to newly drilled hole and done. I have completed install or tested but I don't see why this couldn't get the job done.

I've never had an issue with it loading or unloading and hitting the roller. I did use one on my latest boat just for a better fit with the cover. There would only be 2 things that would concern me with yours. How heavy of a gauge is the metal and will it hold up to securely holding the trolling motor in rough water or if you hit a stump too hard. Looks like you are losing about half the security of the length of the bracket out of the rails. If it is heavy duty then that may not be an issue. The other thing that I would question is do you have any kind of safety device to keep it from fully sliding forward if the bolt backed out from a rough ride. Most of the sliding trays that I have seen have something that locks it like yours, usually just a pin but mine had a bolt that had to be removed either on the front or the back to slide it out but would also serve as a stop in case the pin came out. I'd figure out something to use as a back up safety because you don't want to watch a $2500 trolling motor swim off the bow and sink.

Looks good though.

This bracket does seem to be shorter than what I've compared it to. To add some security, I place a stainless steel plate on the underside. As far as locking it, there is a slot just for that at the far left in the pics. They installation sheet show and actual lock in that place. I'd probably use a lock at certain times but haven't made up my mind on what to use while on the water. First thing that came to mind was a c-clip but haven't thought about to much.

You don't need it to move that far to give you clearance so you'd probably be just fine on that, you'll just have to mount it a little closer to the edge. Good idea. Waiting to see some pics of it mounted and hear how it works out for you