Look at this product I found on google.com Minn Kota Quick Release Bracket MKA-21

I had this one, it worked well. If I knew I wasn't going to be using the trolling motor I wouldn't take it or if the boat was going to the shop I would remove it. Way cheaper than both options your looking at.

 

^^^^^^^This is the one you want, leaves a small footprint when trolling motor removed.

 

I had the one above and it broke. I replaced it with the heavy duty one and its much more secure. Have this on three boats.

Minn Kota Quick Release Motor Bracket

 

After taking my old TM for multiple repair attempts, I got one of these but sure dont recall paying that much for them, quick amazon seach shows one I got for $38:

1854021 Composite Quick Release & Installer Bracket for Minn Kota Trolling Motors – Also Referred to MKA-21,

 

Same here, broke the trolling motor 6 times running through stuff my Illusion should have never been through but no problems after buying the support bracket for the neck. Never any trouble with the actual puck.

 

I don’t have any of the brackets mentioned above. Mine is all aluminum and slides apart
Front to back
Bought maybe in 2017 ? Minn Kota I think
But….150% get one
I have even taken the trolling motor into the hotel room

 

I've got either the $90 or $38 model. Don't remember which. I run through a lot of chop back and forth to the end of the jetty. No problems with the mount in a couple of years of service.

 

Thanks y'all! I looked into the 21 but Minn Kota says it is not for 112lb 72" TM but looks like the one Grem posted is so I'll grab one.

 

I have what Grem has. Works great. The only thing to be aware of is the hole that key goes through isn't big enough to put much of a lock through. The lock would need to be so small you could tear it off easily. I just remove my TM when I think it is in a spot that might be high risk. I've probably only had it off 2-3 times in the last 7 years.

 

Had a buddy keep messing up his TM running thru chop in a skinny water boat. He put two Quick Mounts on the boat, one in the front in the "normal" position, one in the back. When the TM was not in use or he expected heavy chop, he would remove the TM from the front of the boat and move it to the back. It was sorta out of the way in the back, and his TM quit breaking so often.

Just a thought.

 

I always get whatever one Chris's Marine puts on there for me. I have never had a problem with them. Easy to pull the TM off the boat to take it to the shop for repairs. Other than that mine stays on the bow of the boat all the time. The only thing I'll tell you, those trolling motors are heavy. So while they come off easily they aren't a whole lot of fun to move around, carry to the truck, etc. And I have a roller cart to carry it in, still not fun.