Mounting and securing your electric motor is important, as these highly desirable items are often an easy target for thieves. There are two methods of mounting your electric motor—whether it’s a Minn Kota or similar brand—the options remain the same: directly bolting the motor to the mounting pad on the boat, or using a quick release base that is itself mounted to the pad.
If your electric motor is mounted directly to the pad, the likelihood of theft is reduced, as it takes more time to unbolt—time a thief likely isn’t willing to spend. However, the disadvantage is that you can’t access underneath the motor to wash off salt and dirt that accumulates during use, which can lead to paint or aluminium damage over time.
The most common method of mounting an electric motor is with the manufacturer’s quick release base. This allows you to remove or refit the motor easily—for cleaning, safe storage, fitting a travel cover, or simply because the motor might not be needed every outing. The downside of the quick release system is that it also allows for quicker theft.
The good news is that Minn Kota’s quick release mounting system supports a locking device, and the company Kovix has designed a lock specifically for this bracket. The Kovix lock is made from stainless steel for strength and durability, features a weatherproof plastic cap to protect the key barrel from dust and water, and includes a solid 5.5mm locking pin enclosed within the device for added security. It’s far stronger than a standard padlock and designed to resist tampering.
The Kovix electric motor lock (model KOMS) retails for $34.95 and is available at Stones Corner Marine in Brisbane. For more information, please call the dealership on 07 3397 9766.