Rubber Mounting Isolators

[katsass]

Just curious, has anyone used these successfully on the bow mount of a Motorguide trolling motor? I've heard and noted the complaints and discussions. I just wondered if they work for anyone.

Thanks a lot! I'm bow mounting a foot control Motorguide on my boat Mon and plan to use the rubber isolators.

ks

[OutdoorFrontiers]

I've never heard of anyone using them to any advantage.  I've tried in the past and on all my boats I've ended up using heavy stainless bolts, large fender washers and stainless/nylon locknuts.

Steve

[BassBUFF]

I used them on my old Stratos when I cahanged TMs. Always had to tighten them up regularly. If I had to do it again I'd follow OF's advice.

[Mike Cork]

I've been hit or miss with them. Meaning I've had them work great and I've had to stay on them. If it's possible, meaning you can reach where a bolt will go through, I'd use a bolt and nut. That said I would be afraid to use the mounts but remember to add them to your morning pre-flight.

[3deez]

I had them on all my glass boats and never had a problem. now I have them on my tin and I have to screw them down after every trip. don't think I can fit my hand underneath to use bolts.

[OutdoorFrontiers]

I had them on all my glass boats and never had a problem. now I have them on my tin and I have to screw them down after every trip. don't think I can fit my hand underneath to use bolts.

Sometimes you have to get creative when installing the thru-bolts on a TM mount.  I've used my kids when they were small because their arms were small enough to reach in through the "dash" to get the washer and nut on the bolt.  Heck, I even borrowed the neighbor kid when my kids weren't around.

I've modified tools and even siliconed the washer and nut into a box end wrench so that I could reach in, get them started and tightened up.  Then a little twisting and the silicone would release the nut and washer.

Steve

[katsass]

Thanks you all! I appreciate the input.

I like the idea of reducing the vibration with the rubber mounting bolt/etc. However, since I can reach under the deck to install them, I'm going to cut the rubber isolator off at the thickness of the deck. I plan to use a shorter bolt, a flat washer, a lock washer and a nut on that. Maybe that will get me the dampening of the vibration advantage some without the loosening problem.

Thanks again for the input. It was pretty much negative, with one sort of positive.

ks