I want to install a trolling motor on my 1996 225 Explorer.

I DON'T want to cut my bow rail.

Has anyone done this?

Do you have pictures?

Thanks

Freshened up the bow eye.
Took a stainless backing plate and curved it to make a nice contoured plate for the bow. Then I took 1/2” aluminum to make a bomber backing plate. It is partially pitted because it was the original backing plate for the outboard bracket when it was on the prior boat. Overkill but I use what I have. Sealed it all with 5200.
The eye ring nut is to tie the end of the anchor line to. Don’t want to see 600” of anchor line slip out the locker by accident. I like to wreck fish in 70-100’ of water so you need a 6:1 for the anchor to set right.  I will eventually sand off all the black bottom paint as she will never sit in a marina ever.

1/4” Aluminum…. But I like how you’re thinking! Stainless would be cool but it is no fun to work with. My Dad was an aerospace machinist so he had all types of strange materials lying around. I believe this to be a higher grade aluminum thats why it looks a little strange. Also I’ve had it for about 20 years.  A little tougher than the Home Depot stuff. It will do just fine. The rear cleats will have to put in some work pulling up stuck anchors as I like to wreck fish for tautog.

Made some backing plates for the cleats.
Still have to wet sand the hull but getting ready to replace all the hardware for the purpose of filling in any hole that leads to core material. I want to prevent any water intrusion. Right now everything is dry under the tarps and I want to keep it that way.

Yeah, the thought of making an error