My MAX II (pix) - Mounted Minn-Kota Electric Motor

[SumpCommander]

Heres some images, the transom bracket of the minn kota actually conformed to the back plastic lip of the trunk area of the MAX quite nicely.. Of course it needed stabilization so i bolted in a thick board & put the transom bolts right through it.. It is so secure you can barely rattle the motor, very solidly mounted.. Got an 500gph auto bilge installed & kayak screw-in plugs, everything marine 5000 siliconed.. Hoping this will give the MAX ability to travel in the river by me which can have a current during tidal interfaces.. I am guess between the 55lb thrust minn kotta & the tires, i can make about 5mph.. As long as the motor is running, the battery will be charged.. I am hoping the stock battery in the MAX will suffice.. Any problems i always have the "pull start" option..

Can anyone aswer me this: While waterproofing this MAX i notice that where the exhaust pipe exits the plastic chassis of the MAX motor box, I see daylight!, there is a clearance around this pipe that will allow water into the hull.. I am sure all MAXes are like this, but water can easily get in there?? Is there any way of sealing this?? taking into account the high temp of the muffler & the non-adhesive properties of the MAX plastic body.. Can this be a problem? or does the MAX sit high above this in water??

Havent tested her in water yet, but hope to in a week or so when i get a trailer.. speaking of trailers.. a 5x8 ATV trailer will work for a MAX correct??


~ Sumpcommander




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[bierbower37]

I use a 5x10 trailer for my max II and its plently long just a little tight on the sides. Only a few inches to spare with that. And around the muffler my heat shield is tight with the exhaust around there. I dont know why yours has a gap unless someone else changed it at some point.

[Eldon]

I can't comment on the exit of your exhaust pipe as mine is a 23 hp. and I am to understand they did that one differently than the older briggs models but the exhaust can't be hermetically sealed exiting the body so I would assume you are sitting above the water with it.In order to keep your trolling motor from cavitating in the water it will have to be set down very low and even with your long shaft at full down it will be questionable.with mine I had to put a mount on the back in which the motor fastens lower than it can on the body itself.There is the challenge and the pain in that when floating you have to crawl back to get the motor set in place and the Max would rather you sit pretty well in one place when floating though it is more spooky rather than in danger of capsizing.

[SumpCommander]

Ok i am assuming the stability of the MAX is a little precarious when floating?

I will have to see how the motor sits when floating, but if the MAX does sit high in the water, then cavitation is a likelyhood..

As for the slight exhaust gap (its about 1/16 of an inch but definitely enough for water to get in).. If i used the high temp red silicon would that work? or any suggestions on a high temp sealant??

Thanks

[Eldon]

Well the Max is,when at rest in the water quite tippy feeling but to get it to capsize you would have to really go some.When moving it is quite stable,sort of like a canoe in that regard.It bobs like a cork when at rest.With your trolling motor if on dry ground you slide the motor down until it rests on the ground,it will still cavitate a little because of some rocking action from front to back.To totally eliminate cavitation the prop will have to be a bit lower than when it is resting on the ground.