Hey guys, I was wondering if there is a lift assist devise out there made for a Minn Kota trolling motor ? I know they make one for the Motor Guide call the T-H Marine G Force. I need something like this because I can no longer lift my trolling motor up and down, I have degenerative spine with 11 disc herniation's but I don't want to give up my bass fishing just yet its all I have left I can do !!

 

If there is a DIY setup out there someone has done I would be willing to check that out also.

 

Thanks for your help !

Several of the Minn Kota models come with lift assist built into the mount.

 

 The Ulterra features Auto Stow & Deploy - sounds like one you may what to take a long look at.

 

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/Trolling-Motors/Freshwater-Bow-Mount/New-Ulterra/

 

A-Jay

Sounds like you want to retro fit lift assist.  I don't think such a kit exists.  You're probably looking at getting a new model with that feature.

10 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Sounds like you want to retro fit lift assist.  

Yes that's the plan !

It is extremely easy (and not expensive) to create and install your own lift assist using gas struts designed for holding up car hoods or hatchbacks.  You only need to buy the struts and bolts, drill four holes, and install.  I will attach a very short video of a completed project.   There are several write-ups available online if you Google it.  Unfortunately I cannot attach a link for you because the write-ups may or or may not be on websites that engage in similar activity as this forum.... 

 

 

 

The Ulterra comes with remote deploy and stow, it "anchors" onto a spot very effectively, and can be operated from anywhere in the boat. (or from shore!)  While it is  pricey, it is very effective and will allow you to fish longer than a retrokit that requires to you go to the bow.  Often I anchor mine in a position so I can hang from the wind and fish off the stern, not having to go to the bow to stow it or navigate to another position.  When stopping at a new spot, especially in rough water, it's nice to have it in the water and controlling the boat before I even leave the helm.

 

It is liberating.  People with physical problems, like you and I have, can make our fishing lives longer and much easier with this technology.  I would seriously consider it.  No retrokit can match it.  You only go around once.

Hey LoweStinger I own a Lowe Stinger 170 with a Minn Kota Maxxum  and about to change to a Terrova, actually a Rip Tide Terrova.  If you look at that trolling motor, you deploy it by stepping on a pedal with your foot.  I am going with that 80 pound model and adding I Pilot so I get the ability to steer it without standing on the foot pedal all the time.  

It is a very nice trolling motor, not as nice as the  Ulterra but not as costly either.  By the way which Lowe Stinger do you own? They were nice boats.

1 hour ago, BigAngus752 said:

It is extremely easy (and not expensive) to create and install your own lift assist using gas struts designed for holding up car hoods or hatchbacks.

That's a pretty cool DIY solution.

3 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Hey LoweStinger I own a Lowe Stinger 170 with a Minn Kota Maxxum  and about to change to a Terrova, actually a Rip Tide Terrova.  If you look at that trolling motor, you deploy it by stepping on a pedal with your foot.  I am going with that 80 pound model and adding I Pilot so I get the ability to steer it without standing on the foot pedal all the time.  

It is a very nice trolling motor, not as nice as the  Ulterra but not as costly either.  By the way which Lowe Stinger do you own? They were nice boats.

The newer Terrova and Riptide have lift assist, which has a spring on the shaft that assists in raising the motor but it does not deploy simply by stepping on a pedal. You push on a lever that releases the latch that holds the head on the base and turns on the power. You then push the head toward the water and let the motor down.

3 hours ago, J Francho said:

That's a pretty cool DIY solution.

I thought so too!  I wish I could take credit for it.  I hang around people smarter than me to get my answers, which is why I'm on bassresource.com 

Yes that DIY lift assist is just what I am looking for as there is zero budget for a 1000 $ trolling motor upgrade at this time ! Now just to figure out the best shock to use and if 2 is better ? Would love to here from people that have personally done this successfully. 

 

I guess if this route doesn't help then I will have no choice but to look into the trolling motors suggested.

 

Thanks guys !

What boat are you running?

I have a 2003 Lowe Stinger 170W

On ‎1‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 2:17 PM, MickD said:

The Ulterra comes with remote deploy and stow, it "anchors" onto a spot very effectively, and can be operated from anywhere in the boat. (or from shore!)  While it is  pricey, it is very effective and will allow you to fish longer than a retrokit that requires to you go to the bow.  Often I anchor mine in a position so I can hang from the wind and fish off the stern, not having to go to the bow to stow it or navigate to another position.  When stopping at a new spot, especially in rough water, it's nice to have it in the water and controlling the boat before I even leave the helm.

 

It is liberating.  People with physical problems, like you and I have, can make our fishing lives longer and much easier with this technology.  I would seriously consider it.  No retrokit can match it.  You only go around once.

The more I looked into that Ulterra trolling motor you suggested the more I'm realizing this is the only way to go in the end for me. I think you are right about it being " Liberating " !! This would allow me to go by myself with no need for help, and the ability to never have to touch anything but a single button anywhere on the boat and never fight the wind with my body all twisted sideways again with that lock position feature ! Wow the cost is ridiculous but it will actually solve every problem I would have with my disability, Yes that's Liberating ! Now I have to see if Bass Pro will have it on sale this upcoming spring classic event. I cant find it at a reduced cost anywhere...

The gas strut is a good design that I plan to look into for my Motor Glide TM. The only issue may be the locking mechanism needs snap down to lock.

Tom