A mounting assembly for improved latching of a watercraft trolling motor that includes a shaft assembly. The mounting assembly includes a pivot joint configured to be fixed relative to the watercraft. The mounting assembly further includes a swinging bracket assembly having: (a) a swinging bracket having a first end, a second end and a length, the first end being configured for attachment to the shaft assembly and the second end being rotatably attached to the pivot joint; and (b) a latch pin assembly including an elastic element and a latch pin mounted to the swinging bracket. The mounting assembly still further includes a stationary bracket configured to be fixed relative to the watercraft and having a protuberance and a sloped surface receiving the latch pin. Inadvertent removal of the latch pin from a sliding, latched relationship with the sloped surface is obstructed by the protuberance.