I wasn't sure where to place this topic, but since I've gotten great info here before I'll give it a shot.
I have a Ranger 621 deep v, and I learned the hard way that you MUST have a trolling motor stabilizer(like a RAM) if you are going to fish Erie. It took 5 years, but the Minn Kota mount "finally" broke in half- taking a nice half dollar sized gouge out of my gunwale and totaling the trolling motor.
So, my dilemma is: the largest RAM trolling motor stabilizer isn't long enough. I've searched their website and have tried calling and emailing RAM, but haven't had any success. Does anybody have any knowledge of ball or arm extensions or anything like that made by RAM for this purpose?
Thanks for any help.
Randy P.
Check out:
http://products.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-201U-D (http://products.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-201U-D)
Triton,
I appreciate the help, but the arm I have(108-U) is longer than that one already (11" vs 8"). I need to find something like a base or something that will build my current arm up- do you know what I mean? It seems to me that they should have a base plate that is an inch or two high that my arm attaches to. I just can't seem to find one. I guess I may have to get creative and rig something up.
Thanks again.
Buckeye,
I've got an '04 620 and the RAM mount made for the Minkota Maxxum works very well. I did customize it a bit but here's what I have:
RAM 108-D (http://products.ram-mount.com/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAM-108-D) - this is the long arm stabilizer
I also purchased a separate mounting base and tapped the core at the back of the base. I then ran a SS machine screw (backed with a washer) through the single hole in the Maxxum mount nearest the trolling motor head directly into the back of the mount.
The mounting base is flat on the deck, but with this setup, you could as easily mount it on the port gunwale.
With that setup, there's plenty of length to lock things down. The stabilizer doesn't need to prevent upward thrust as much as it needs to prevent the head from acting as a lever on the TM mounting bracket. so as long as you can press down on the TM head when it's locked on the RAM mount without any movement, you will be in good shape.
HTH,
Jon
Update: I ran out an snapped a couple of pics w/ my phone camera. I forgot to mention that I also placed a large rubber gasket between the mounting ball and the TM bracket to give a little extra shock absorbtion.
Slipkey,
That looks like a real nice set-up! Thanks for the suggestion and taking the time to reply and snap the photos. This forum's members are an unbelievable wealth of information and ingenuity.
Thanks again!
Buckeyenut313
Forget the ram mount the newest and greatest is out there now go to rmcboatworks.com and see the troll loc They specialy make a model for the walleye rigs I just gave mine to Russ Lane to try but Chad Pipkens and Ryan Said both have one on there rigs if you have any questions you can contact me at 734-260-2999
I think I should have one to show at the TBF Divisionals next week
This item just won awrads at ICAST and can also be seen in the last two FLW magazines