Bow mount trolling motor install questions

[IncredibleHook]

I bought a Minn Kota AT bow mount trolling motor and realized that I have a rail on the front of my boat thats in the way. The boat is an older Starcraft 16ft. Alum

My question is: Does the bow rail have a purpose or is it mainly cosmetic and can I just take it off and mount the trolling motor, or is there a way to mount one without taking the rail off?

Thanks for any help

Chuck

[wally-eye]

Had a friend with same problem. He cut the front part of the bow rail off at the first support on each side. Found some nice stainless caps that went over the end of the rail at the support...................looked pretty darn good as you really didn't even notice it missing with the trolling motor setting up there.............

Just a tip and my .02

[ironmachineus]

My friend has the same issue. He didn't have to cut it off - just drill out the rivets on either side at the first supports (the bar is not one piece - it's in several pieces). It will slide out. It's just cosmetic - not structural. Make sure to put some plywood under the aluminum on the bow where you mount it - the aluminum really can't take the stress of the torque without help.