Hello everyone. I just bought a minn kota trolling motor for my 18'sea pro (center console) and I cant deside if I should install a quick release bracket before I start drilling holes. are they really that benificial? do most people have them on their boats? with the design of my boat, it would actually be alot easier for me to just install the T.M. without a release bracket. what are the pros and cons????    thank you

Why would you ever take the trolling motor off?  If you would for some reason, definately install one.  If you can't see yourself removing it, why would you need one?  Good luck.  And welcome to this forum.  You came to the right place for a lot of good information.

If you are going to be leaving your boat at motels or other public places overnight, it would be wise to have a removeable mount. Your t/m can leave the front of your boat in a matter of minutes if someone has a power drill and a 7/16 in wrench. It is not a good feeling to wake up expecting to fish a t/x and have to shopping for a new trolling motor instead.

Zam, I've been looking that them as well. What I liked about them was the adapter that they sell seperately. It would allow me to use the pre existing holes from my Motorguide to mount the adapter plate and the quick release. That would keep me from having to drill any new holes when I swap motors between the two boats. With a new boat like yours I guess I would weigh whether or not you will be wanting to remove the trolling motor. I'm thinking I'd like to be able to take mine off for winter storage or if my boat was parked in a suspect area while travelling or camping. It would be slick to be able to quickly unplug it and lock it up in a vehicle. The only thing is I'd like to actually see one in person before I order one just to check out the size and construction of the thing.

Thanks for all the great replies!!! Im starting to lean more for the quick release for security reasons, but if I didn,t constantly remove it, it could actually be less secure, it would only take a few seconds to cut the lock with a bolt cutter. sometimes I think I think to much. I wish I could be like some people and just put it on and walk away  ;D I cant wait to get it on though, I never had a trolling motor before, it will be a whole new way of fishing for me