Anybody do anything to the handle mount to make it a little smoother operating. If I don't tighten the bolts it drops down and rubs on my cover and I don't want a hole in that and too tight and it is hard to position? I was thinking maybe some nylon washers on the surfaces that rub and some rubber ones or springs to keep even tension on the bolts so it moves nice and smooth, but also stays in place. Anybody use that center hole as a pivot and just let one slide or both slide?

Another deal is some steering friction. I use it for bass fishing in the summer and I need the skeg in the water so the boat tracks when I run my trolling motor. The mud motor will turn and that steers the boat and I have a cluster. I rigged up some bungee cords to keep it straight, but that wrecks the back deck for casting. Thanks

I wrap a rubber bungy cord around the handle, near the area it bolts to the motor and then put both hooks into the silver colored loop on or near the head. I think it's suppose to be a spot to hook onto for lifting the motor. This keeps the handle lifted up when trailering, etc. I leave it hooked up even when hunting. You can adjust the tension by using a shorter/longer bungy and/or wrapping it around the handle an extra time or two.

I wrap a rubber bungy cord around the handle just in front of where the handle bolts onto the frame. I put the hooks in the metal loop on the head. I think the loop is used if you pull the motor off the frame. This keeps the handle in an up position, but still easy to move down for operating when seated. Can't help with the friction for turning, but I know what you mean. It would be nice to tight it up a little.