Noticed a vibration coming from the Trolling motor this past weekend and realized one of the arms that connects it to the mount was cracked at the base of the plastic causing it to stick out and rub when operating. It's pretty firm to the touch and does not want to sit back in the original place now that it's broken. Is there anything I can do to fix this other than just replacing it? 

 

Of course, the damage was done by a Wakeboat. I keep my boat secured at the dock but on busy weekends we can expect 3-4 wakeboats all doing circles in the cove throwing 3-4 foot rollers right into the dock. What can I do to prevent this in the future, the obvious answer is to get a lift/pull boat out each week so please other suggestions. I tied it so that the front of the boat is further from the actual dock and seems to be better but what do I do, invest in a camera, lol? I mean seriously, other than buying my own no-ski sign and putting it in the middle of the cove what are my options? 

Maybe you could post a photo for us @Big One.  Its kinda hard to imagine the crack or problem just from your description.

 

I'm with you on the wake boats.  The damage they cause is immense.  Not just to other boats, but the shoreline erosion alone from massive waves is catastrophic over time.  And most of them don't seem to care either.

 

This is the best I can do until Wednesday, but the crack is located on the bottom of the plastic piece indicated by the arrow. When the boat came down after a big wave it caught on the dock and caused it to crack. Now that piece is flared outwards causing more vibration since it's in contact with the other plastic to the left. 

 

I don't really mind the wakeboarders/skiiers, it's the surfers that cause all this damage. $300 for a no-ski sign online, but people would definitely be like wth when did this happen. Just been taking notes on the type/color for those early morning dock sessions 😏

I would contact Minn Kota and ask them if there is a replacement part.  It looks like part the bracket that is sitting on the bow of the boat.  Unfortunate outcome.

Is it just the side cover, or the piece that moves when you deploy/stow the motor?   Trolling motor parts (.com) has side covers, and probably most any other part you need.  

 

If you can use something like this a little space between the boat and dock might prevent any future problems.  Dock Defenders    

 

 

Wake boats are a menace.  A friend of mine who lives on the lake had the cleats ripped out of his dock, and his pontoon float away due to the huge waves.  He put in a boat lift.   

 

Just the side cover, thanks for the info. Not sure dock defenders would help in my situation, I'm keeping the boat in a slip and still have about 2-3 ft on either side give or take. 

 

Agreed, it's crazy.. I'm using some 3/8 ropes to secure it right now given the low-profile cleats on the boat and even those are starting to fray at the cleat because it is non-stop on the weekends. Looks like a lift is in my future lol. 

Correction, it's the piece that's connected to the side plate, not sure what that would be called 

 

believe it's this 

I back my boat into the slip to preclude that from happening.  

Whips might help , like they use in the ocean 

 

Get a picture of the boat making the waves , then take them to small claims court.  A boater is responsible for any damage his wake causes !  Just need pics to prove it, had it happen to.me, called DNR and showed them the video, they arrested the guy and took his boat until he paid for damages and his fine...might depend on state laws so check it out.

You can back the boat into the slip and tie down using 4 ropes bow and stern with large bumpers fastened to the slip sides. The tie downs need enough slack to prevent ripping the cleats out yet prevent hitting the slip sides. 3-4’ waves makes this very difficult. 3/8 rope is too small use 1/2” or 3/4”, if a tie breaks you screwed.

Calling your lake patrol is the best bet!

Good luck getting rid of the lake lice.

Tom

 

The theory of wake responsibility is nice until you live on a pleasure boater lake.  From 1000A until 800P, the lake I live on is a steady procession of skiers, wavers, tubers, pontoons, you name it.  The lake on the weekends, or after work, is a continuous maelstrom of waves.  Any, and/or all, are beating the snot out of everything.  Everyone knows that.  That's why most of them moved here.  There is about 100' of no wake area from the bank, but once a bunch of boats get going, it's meaningless.

 

You have to learn to protect your stuff from the action. 

 

If your dock will allow, docking bow out is much preferred.

Probably why so many all sport lakes have boat lifts to get it up and out of the water!!