Trolling motor quick-stowage device

A device for releasably locking a trolling motor in a desired position, comprising:

• means for supporting a trolling motor, wherein the trolling motor may be selectively moved in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis at or between a first end position and a second end position, such that in the first end position, the trolling motor propeller is in the water and in the second end position, the trolling motor propeller is out of the water;
• and
• means for selectively securing the trolling motor to said means for support;
• wherein said means for selectively securing the trolling motor comprises a cam which is mounted to a frame for selectively locking the trolling motor to said frame;
• wherein said cam is pivotally mounted to said frame such that the weight of a trolling motor when in contact with said cam biases the cam into a wedging action with the trolling motor for its support;
• and
• wherein said means for securing the trolling motor also comprises a means of applying force to said cam to force the cam into contact with the trolling motor shaft.

A method of securing a trolling motor vertically, comprising the steps of:

• providing a support for the trolling motor;
• allowing the trolling motor to be substantially longitudinally moved to and between a first end position and a second end position, such that in the first end position, the trolling motor propeller is in the water and in the second end position, the trolling motor propeller is out of the water;
• releasably securing the trolling motor at or between said first or second end positions;
• positioning the trolling motor with the trolling motor shaft inserted between the closed end of a collar and a cam;
• and
• rotating the cam so that the pressure applied to the trolling motor shaft by the closed end of the collar and by the cam secures the trolling motor shaft against longitudinal movement.

A method of securing a trolling motor vertically comprising the steps of:

• supporting a trolling motor;
• allowing the trolling motor to be substantially longitudinally moved to and between a first end position and a second end position, such that in the first end position, the trolling motor propeller is in the water and in the second end position, the trolling motor propeller is out of the water;
• releasably securing the trolling motor at or between said first or second end positions;
• positioning the trolling motor with the trolling motor shaft inserted between the closed end of a collar and a cam such that the cam is in frictional contact with the trolling motor shaft;
• moving the trolling motor vertically until the trolling motor is in the desired position;
• releasing the trolling motor;
• and
• using the trolling motor weight to urge the cam to retain the trolling motor shaft to said collar.

A trolling motor support apparatus for a boat for selectively retaining a trolling motor by its shaft, comprising:

• a support bracket mounted to the boat and guiding the shaft of the trolling motor for selective longitudinal movement;
• a clamp circumscribing, at least in part, said shaft;
• said clamp further comprising a lock mechanism selectively operable for engagement with the shaft in a first position, whereupon the weight of said shaft is transferred to said clamp which in turn is supported by said bracket, and a second position where said shaft is substantially longitudinally movable through said clamp for repositioning said shaft;
• said clamp selectively rests on said bracket for support of said shaft but is not rigidly secured thereto;
• and
• said lock mechanism further comprises a cam operated by a lever for selectively securing the shaft to said clamp.

A trolling motor support apparatus for a boat for selectively retaining a trolling motor by its shaft comprising:

• a support bracket mounted to the boat and guiding the shaft of the trolling motor for selective substantially longitudinal movement;
• a clamp circumscribing, at least in part, said shaft;
• said clamp further comprising a lock mechanism selectively operable for engagement with the shaft in a first position whereupon the weight of said shaft is transferred to said clamp which in turn is supported by said bracket, and a second position where said shaft is substantially longitudinally movable through said clamp for repositioning said shaft;
• said clamp selectively rests on said bracket for support of said shaft but is not rigidly secured thereto;
• said lock mechanism further comprises a cam operated by a lever for selectively securing the shaft to said clamp;
• and
• said cam is pivotally mounted in said clamp in such a position as to readily permit lifting the shaft out of the water but to facilitate wedging against the shaft if not deliberately swung back when the lifting force on the shaft is removed.