I bought a side mount for my trolling motor.  Has anyone tried on of these?  I thought it would balance everthing better because all the weight would not have to be in the stern.  I figure to mount the motor on the left and the battery on the right.  The motor with the sidesaddle bracket weighs about the same as a good marine battery.

Comments anyone?

We used one for a canoe we had yrs ago.  THe batt weighed more but we just put the batt in the middle of the canoe , slightly off center to balance motor.

THis should certaily help you get back on the water,...will be much easier on your body.  Good luck buddy.

I've never used one, or been around one avid but I have thought about getting one my self.  Please let us know what you think.  I have a feeling you'll like it just fine.  Good fishin' to ya.

The 'weight' of the trolling motor is irrelevent. Besides, you will end up sitting slightly closer to the opposite side of the canoe since you will be slightly turned so you can operate it. Stick the battery all the way up in the nose of the canoe and make some good lead extensions to reach the troller. I secured the wires up under the lip of the canoe to keep them off the floor.

Ok, moving forward.

I bought a Minn Kota Vector 3x 55lb thrust 12v motor.

I liked the features and the power will come in handy when the wind blows up.

My shoulders are starting to feel better.  After six weeks off the water, it's about time, but the last thing I want to do is rush it.

the motor weighs about 40 lbs.  I'll want a good maintence free battery.  I figure I'll put the battery accross from the motor and forward a little.  I am all thumbs when it comes to wiring so I wouldn't dream of trying skwerl's idea even though it sounds like an ideal method.

thanks alot for your support guys, I went into a "blue funk" for awhile, but I'm starting to come out of it.

Running the wires is extremely easy and a "must do" suggestion.  They sell all kinds of clips and cradles for wire managment, below is a link to just 1 of the many types.  You would screw these (I know you can use a screwdriver,lol) up under the lipof your canoe.  1 screw each, simple.  RUn zip tie thru it and sinch it up.  Probably only need 6-8 of these.  This allows you to put the weight of the battery up in the bow and still have no wires to trip on.  

Weight in the bow will be a huge advantage in wind also.  Bow will be much more managable with an extra 50 lbs up there.

Even if you are all thumbs LITERALLY, you could still do this, lol.  It's about twice as easy as spooling a real.

You make a very convincing case.

Now if you could post that link it would be a real bonus  :-*

He He,...can you smell the smoke?

LINK IS HERE