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Hi,

that's what winter is for, right? Spending money on boats!

I've mounted a Minnkota Powerdrive 55lbs on the bow of my Outrage with a quick-release bracket. The same could also be done with their salwater version (Riptide model) cause the dimensions are the same.

The tricky part was to make sure the motor will clear the bow rail when deployed. To overcome the uneven gunnel surface caused by the "lip", I made a "riser" out of 1 1/2 inch Starboard that I secured in place of a front cleat after some trial and errors with a wooden template for precise location.

It turn out great and seems to be strong enough but a 54 inch shaft is a pretty big lever and I don't want the screws to pull out if I hit the motor when drifting so I also need to secure the riser toward the front but it's out-of-question to drill through the gunnel. I then made an aluminum bracket that also clamp under the gunnel. Not particulary pretty but functionnal and in 1 minute and can remove the bracket and replace the cleat.

https://picasaweb.google.com/10537960...cjm68fMMA#

I also intalled a Fulton Fold-Away hinge kit for the trailer tongue so I won't have to fit it sideways in the garage and I add two quarter seats backrest cushions, ordered from Anderson Mfg. through Sue at Twin Cities Marine.

Next will be moving the batteries into the console with a switch in the electronic box, as soon as I receive that $200 worth of wire...