I never had a bow mount TM before so................I am debating on getting the quick release bracket. What is the difference between the quick release bracket and the MinnKota removable trolling motor mount? Are they worth having? Is it necessary to remove the TM for trailering? Ohh yeah, Aluminum or composite?

Thanks

I don't have one but at one point I was kind of shopping around to see what different types were available. I think the one I was kind of leaning toward was from Minn Kota. If I remember right it was a rectangular flat black piece that was made out of aluminum. At the time I remembered thinking this would be good for someone who was changing trolling motors and the new one had a different mounting hole pattern. This bracket would cover all the old holes and make for a tight looking install. In the end I determined that my boat is rarely parked in a place where I would worry about someone ripping off my tm. If I travelled overnight more and my boat was in sketchy hotel parking lots or something I'd probably break down and get one. They're pretty cheap.

I've owned one.  There have been a number of variations of the Quick release mount/bracket.  They all basically do the same thing. Mine was on an old power drive TM from the early 90's and it was one of the first models out.  It wasn't the greatest design, they've improved them a great deal over time.

I got one because the kids loved to jump off the front of the boat when we'd go family camping at the lake.  Being able to pull the motor off for the swimming/tubing/skiing thing was really nice.

It also allows you to get the motor off the deck over the winter.  Also lets you pull the TM off if you're parked in an area overnight that you're not 100% comfortable with as far as theft.

And yes, you can change TM's and not have to worry about bolt holes aligning up.

I welded one up from some 1" square tubing, it fits inside the motor base.  Now I can lock it in place when I leave it overnight on the water while I'm camped.  Kind of a fun project and a worthwhile addition to the boat.

One thing to think about is if you mount your fish finder transducer to the TM. You haveto take the transducer off or run the tire in a way that you can pull it away from the screen easily.