Minn Kota 1854021 MKA-21 Composite Quick Release Bracket (Terrova and PD Motors)
Score By Feature
OveReview Final Score
Product Description
Questions & Answers
I have no idea. When used with a trolling motor, it performs admirably.
The bolted-to-the-deck piece is approximately 5"x8". You'll need enough extra room to accommodate the motor's base. My MK- is one of my favorites. 21, BTW. When the motor is removed from the boat, I bought another to use as a vertical storage mount - It prevents the item from falling to the ground.
The Terrova will fit it if the shaft is not 72 inches, according to the product description below. A MKA-53 is required for this one.
Yes, new holes will be required. The motor is connected to the outside (removable part) by an old bolt pattern. The inside part of the stationary part requires new holes to attach to the boat.
Selected User Reviews For Minn Kota 1854021 MKA-21 Composite Quick Release Bracket (Terrova and PD Motors)
With an 80-pound Terrova, it worked perfectly. The fit is snug and there isn't much movement. After mounting the motor, I used tape to mark the location on the bow, then used the template, which is actually printed on the inside of the box, to complete the installation. br>My only criticism is the lack of security provided by this mount. The pin provided can only hold a small padlock. But, I suppose, locks keep honest people honest. br>Overall, I'm glad I went this route rather than mounting directly to the boat.
EDIT: br>I encountered a problem. I hit a submerged tree branch with my trolling motor, which cracked the aluminum bow plate in four places because all the torque and forces on the motor mount are concentrated on that small block that is bolted to the boat instead of being spread across the entire motor. br>I'm not pointing the finger at Minn Kota; I just wanted to share what happened.
On 112 thrust motors, do not use. They aren't going to be able to withstand the test of time. I've already broken two. This mount was installed by the dealer with a 112 terova 60" shaft when I purchased a new boat in 2015. I'm sure they use it because it's less expensive than the MKA-32 (which I recommend). The first summer, the mounting block that is attached to the boat broke. Where the pin goes through, there is insufficient plastic. So, instead of drilling new holes in my new boat, I ordered the same mount. The second one broke in the same spot on the mounting block earlier this summer. Now I have the MKA-32 (which worked perfectly on my previous boat). If you have the higher thrust bow mounts, spend the extra money. When my bow mount is stowed, it has a stabilizer on it, so I know it won't break from bouncing down the lake. I don't tournament fish, so I'm not in a rush =) The mount simply can't handle the torque of the larger motors. br>br>I have two fishing buddies who have broken this mount as well. Both have a 112 thrust.
My only issue with the Terrova quick release is that I was upgrading from a Minn Kota All Terrain quick release, and the bolt holes and mounting plate to the deck are completely different shapes and sizes, making it impossible to use any of the holes I had previously drilled through the deck. It would be great if all of the plates used the same deck mounting plate so that you don't have to keep drilling new holes when upgrading. Having said that, it is extremely simple to install on both the motor and the deck, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick release for their motor.
On the bowfishing boat, it worked out perfectly. It's ideal for a terrova with an 80-pound thrust. It's fantastic that you can quickly remove it. I used quick disconnects for the wiring near the motor, and I also purchased a second puck for another boat I own, which I prewired and can swap the trolling motor between. It saves money by eliminating the need for each boat to have its own trolling motor. If it could be broken while I was on a bowfishing boat, I would. Trolling motors get a lot of abuse from me. It has a lot of substance.
Our 18-foot pontoon's bow was equipped with a 55-thrust trolling motor. The quick release is simple to use and doesn't take up much room. We have about 3 feet of bow space, and the MKA 21 is centered mounted, providing ample room to enter and exit the boat from the front, as well as fish from the bow. Our pontoon has an aluminum edging around the bow, so we had a small unanticipated issue. When we put the floor piece in place, it raised the front edge just enough that the top quick release wouldn't fit. We leveled everything out by placing washers from our parts bag underneath each rear corner. This was a one-of-a-kind solution for our boat that solved the problem perfectly. Because the edging is not present on all pontoons, it may not be applicable to all. If you want to save space or remove the trolling motor for storage, this is a must-have item.
This product makes installing and removing my MinnKota Terrova a breeze after some retrofitting. I like the product and would buy it again, but there are a few issues with it.
1. During a test fit in the winter, the fit between the center base piece and the motor-attached piece was perfect. The motor piece, however, would not fit completely into the base when I installed it in the spring. Before it fit well, I had to sand down the sides of the base quite a bit. This is a serious flaw in tolerance.
2. The locking bracket is held in place by a simple cotter pin, which I'm sure I'll lose at some point. A new design or tying the pin to the motor piece could solve this problem.
3. When the motor is mounted to the base, the locking bracket is so close to the base's bottom plane that removing it is difficult. I almost had to use a screwdriver to get it started because of the tight fit.
This is incredible! It was simple to set up and has provided me with no problems. Some users have reported that the pins did not fit through the block properly and that they had to drill them larger. I believe the manufacturing problem has been resolved because I had no problems. They're incredibly constrictive. In fact, I couldn't get the pins through a couple of times because the deck was covered in sand or seaweeds, but once I cleaned it off, it went together smoothly. It's a lot easier to mount the puck on the bow deck, especially if you're on the move. It's as simple as dropping it on the puck and sliding it into position. When in use, it is very sturdy, and the motor is simple to remove. The puck is so small that it doesn't get in the way of the boat cover, and it has no sharp edges.
You're missing out if you don't have one of these on your trolling motor. I was able to use this on an Ulterra, and then I upgraded to a Motorguide Xi5, which works flawlessly as well. I couldn't fit my cover over either of these motors before, but now that I can just take it off, it fits perfectly. I only gave it three stars because the bolts were too tight for the boat mount and I had to cut them off. To avoid this issue, the holes should be slightly larger.
Related Products For Minn Kota 1854021 MKA-21 Composite Quick Release Bracket (Terrova and PD Motors)
