A story and a lesson: Last week I was out in my 21.5 VIP Deckliner with the new Ultrex w/iPilot working to perfection in the rough water. I was catching big sandies and keeper hybrids on Merimac Point with a stiff wind coming from the north. I fish at the back, casting downwind. All of a sudden I heard a loud noise to my rear. Turning I saw my new trolling motor, foot-pedal and all tumbling over the bow - only the power cable and plug were holding it to the boat. I rushed to the front and grabbed the cable before it could come unplugged and with much effort I managed to pull the heavy apparatus back onto the deck of the boat. Upon inspection, I discovered hat the original Gator mounts I had re-used (I had a trolling motor put on the boat when I bought it new in 1996) had pulled out of the deck. And no wonder, I saw that the installer had used three one inch woodscrews in each of the two Gator mount hubs. Of course, what needs to be done is use bolts, nuts and washers through the deck to handle the force of choppy water on the heavy boat. The marine dealer who outfitted the new boat had taken a shortcut (It is difficult to reach under the deck and get the nuts and washers onto the bolts coming through the deck). I never used my original trolling motor much, so never discovered the issue.

I am VERY fortunate that the power cable held onto the expensive trolling motor long enough for me to get to it. I re-installed the motor yesterday ditching the Gator mount, and am back in good shape. Thought maybe this story and lesson would be worth sharing.

Wow Dennis, the exact I mean exact same thing happened to me in 2009 early June. But I was not fast enough to catch the power cord. I WP the spot, hired a diver to retrieve but it was 20mph wind the following two weeks and TM was lost. But thank God my boat insurance covered everything

WOW! Can�t trust anybody!

Your lucky Dennis, glad you caught it. It is sad when mechanical guys take short cuts that over time will not last and ultimately cause problems and cost more money.

Sounds like a Bill Dance moment,...glad all is well.
I hate someone takes shortcuts and then charge you for what you think is a good job.
Grrrrr...

That one got my attention real fast there so glad you got it saved.

Same thing happened to me a few weeks ago on my 2016 tracker. Trolling motor was installed using self tapping screws. I hit a log while trolling slow and the whole motor came off. I had to reinstall with locking nuts, bolts and washers

1/4� toggle wall anchors from Lowe�s.. $12 (10 count) can�t beat�em.

Wow Dennis! Great reflexes and glad you were able too save it. Sad that people will short ya on the labor and not say a word.

I have learned painfully that the only work you can count on is the stuff you do yourself. I had a mobile boat service guy ( Don's Mobile Marine) do my boat service this year. Despite paying my former vendor in full I discovered my lower unit oil had probably NEVER been changed. It was low and Black as coal. My impeller was worn out despite it's replacement was a line item every time on my invoice.

Glad you saved that motor.

I cut a 7" hole near where I can reach, then use bolts, nuts, and metal plate washers I drilled and designed. Covered the hole up with the 7" deck plate from Academy. It was an easy job for me and much much stronger. It was 20mph South wind, we were on good fish, the TM prop kept leaving the water but we were still stationary. I was behind the console looking at the graph and saw the TM came loose and can't get there fast enough to grab the cord. Lol. You got crazy reflexes like a ninja, Dennis. Wish you capture all that on video. Lol

Todd I did mine about the same as yours but had access from the front storage. I check the bolts everytime I pull the prop checking for line.

I put double nuts on each bolt so they won�t back off and also used big car fender washers for strength.

Wow Dennis! I remember when it happened to Todd. So glad you got it back and are up and running!