I am trying to figure out what is the best option for mounting a trolling motor on the front of my new excel 1544. Does anyone have any pics or feedback if i need a trolling motor bracket to have one that folds up or can I mount it on the front deck without the bow getting in the way? Or, would it be best to weld a plate on the front and get a cheap screw on trolling motor for easy removing when I don't need it during duck season?

Get a good permanent mounted one. It's nice to be able to ease around and pick up decoys or even get ducks if you don't have a dog. I have a clamp on now but will be going with a bow mount before summer is here.

Weld a permanant plate and buy a quick release mount so you can take it off whenever you want. This is the one I have and it works great. Half the price of the big name brands and basically the same thing.http://mobile.walmart.com/ip/Watersnake ... n/13228528