HOWDY!  I JUST BOUGHT A 2004, 17.5' NITRO BASS BOAT. This is my first boat with a bow mounted trolling motor.  Only trouble is, every time I apply power, the motor rattles in its mount. THIS HAS GOT TO SCARE NEARBY FISH.

The guy I bought the boat from said that he'd tried to tighten everything, but it still "rattles".  Any one have any ideas?  Is this the way it's suposed to be? Do I need to buy a new mount...or a whole new motor?

Thanks for your help.

Kastin Kurt

Kastin,

Open the panel in front of bow and look to see if there are any well nuts connected to the bolts that are attached to the mount. This type of nut will be recessed into the fiberglass and will be incased in rubber. If there are none of these nuts used this is my first suggestion to buy some from your local hardware store. If they don't carry call me at 253-876-0613 during 8-5pm and I will see what I can do.

I own a fastener company and believe I can help you.
Russ

Mark,

I'll agree with you about the quieter part, but have been running motorguides for over 20 years and have never had a lick of a problem pure dependability and not that noisy. Atleast my rope didn't break.
Just my .02
Russ

It's an accepted fact that MotorGuide, while selling a lion's share of TM's in the past are known to have some problems with noise and weeds that Minnkotta's don't face.  Consequently, MK's have outsold MG's for several years now.  That however, doesn't answer your problem.  
Here is where to start.  At the pivot point of your shaft where it turns, there is a collar with a set screw.  Inside that collar is a nylon bushing that can slide up and down.  Make sure that bushing is down as far as it can go without coming loose and tighten the set screw.  That should alleviate most of the junky sounding "clunk" that you hear when you energize the engine by stepping on the foot control button.  If that does not help, you will need to replace the bushing.  The authorised MG repair shop is run by Walt Rose at Angler's Choice tackle store on the North side of Seattle.  North end guys can help out on the correct address.
I used to have the same problem with former MotorGuide trolling motors until I switched to Minnkotta TM's several years ago.  Not one weed problem or noise complaint since.

Kastin,

Sometimes a gator mount makes a huge difference.
Russ

The shop you are referring to Smitty is off exit 177 from I-5 I  believe and is the Lake Forrest park Neighborhood. You go East off the exit and is a few miles down on the left behind McDonalds.

Pretty dang close Rob! Angler's Choice is actually less than half a mile East of the Freeway, and you are quite right - it is the Lake Forest Park exit - There is a light with a Chevron Gas Station on the South corner and a Shell station on the North corner. Turn left into the strip mall about 200 yards after this light and Walt's place is in the back left corner near the Fitness Center.

Walt does a great job and his prices are reasonable, while you're there check out his Bass tackle too!!!!

(I live about two miles from his place)

Faz