I just recieved the foot brace or support for my Drift boat. Willie forgot to install, they would have done this but the drive to and from medford was more than I wanted to do. My question is what is the best way to install this and the location that it needs to go. Is it at legs extended all the way or partialy, how far from the row seat?Was thinking of calling Siglers and seeing what they would charge to install it. Taht would probably offset the drive. I don't have any problem with the actuall install just not real sure on placement and would rather not drill more than one set of holes in my new boat. Thanks. Firedog

[ 07-04-2001: Message edited by: Firedog ]

Firedog, I have a Willie guide model and if I remember correctly they told me they are all installed in the same position. If you need assistance, call Jim at Willie Boats in Central Point. He is very helpful. I can also look at mine if you still want to know. As far as having it installed I think there is a Willie dealer down by you. They do some custom drift boats and could probably help. I don't think it is any tough install, but I like to get it right the first time also. I know how you feel about the drive to Oregon-did it 3 times to get mine right. Take care and let me know what you find out.

Riverdog, Thanks for the reply. After looking into this thing it is a pretty easy install.
My main concern was using screws to hold it down but this seems to be the norm.
My other question was which way it should face, in my opinion the slanted portion of
the uprights on the brace should be towards the front of the boat giving the brace
more support from the person pushing on it. Unfortunately the Willie Dealer here in
town has gone under so everything is now going through Willie direct, like you found
out that isn't a short drive. Take it easy and thanks again. Firedog

The placement is up to you. I had mine installed when I plcked up the boat. Leg just bent a little when I need it to push on it. You should also be able to get your toes under it to hold your self from rolling over backwards when you need it. I used some small lag bolts to install mine. Two per side and it holds real well.

I have 3 different places for mine depending on the load and were I want the weight! Just depends on if Im carring 1, 2, or 3 people! They just use short 1/4" wood screws screwed thru the angle and into the wood floor.


Bob D

On the boat I have now, I had jim leave the foot brace off so I could install it myself. I installed this one so I could hook a foot under it if I started to go backwards, comes in handy on the Deschutes and other nasty rivers just my .02

I grabbed my tape and went nd measured where my brace is mounted in my 16x54 Willie. With my rowers seat on the middle peg the back edge of the foot of the brace is 20 inchesfrom the front edge of the rowers seat. The brace is set back about 1/2 inche from where it was when I got the boat. I actually broke 2 of the mounting bolts that hold in the brace and had to remount it. The angled art of the brace mount goes towards the rear of the boat.
Use stainless steel lag style bolt when bolting in the brace. Snug them down tight, But not too tight. If you tighten them too much the heads can shear off. Believe me I know.