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posted to rec.boats
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Bow-Mount Trolling Motor Recommendations
wrote:
Ray Bates wrote:
I'm in process of rigging a new fishing boat (18', wgt approx 1400 lbs incl.
boat, motor gas and equipment) and want to put a bow-mounted trolling motor
on it. Any recommendations? Are the ones which are wireless controlled a
good buy? Minn-kota vs Motor Guide? 12v vs. 24v (I'm a casual fisherman
not out there everyday).
I've owned Minn-Kota transom mounted motors before and liked them, but have
no experience with bow-mounted motors.
Anything I should be particularly cautious of?
Thanks,
Ray
Seem like you only need a 12-volt trolling motor. According to
Minn-Kota tech support:
I am sorry but we do not have a listing that shows
what size motor works on which boat. There are
just so many different styles of boats out there that
it is not possible to maintain that sort of database.
I can tell you that each of our motors are designed
to push around a certain amount of weight.
Our 30 lbs. thrust motors will handle a total boat
weight up to around 1500 lbs.
Our 40 lbs. thrust motors up to around 2000 lbs.
Our 55 lbs. thrust motors up to around 2700 lbs.
Our 70 lbs. thrust motors up to around 3500 lbs
Our 80 lbs. thrust motors up to around 4000 lbs.
The 12 volt systems are up to 55 lbs. thrust.
The 24 volt systems would be 70 or 80 lbs. thrust.
Seem like your 18-ft boat is very light. The total weight (1400-lb)
plus two adults (360-lb), one extra battery (55-lb) for the trolling
motor, and the trolling motor itself (...) will be only around 1900-lb
to 2000-lb. According to the spec shown above, you will only need a
trolling motor that can provide 40-lb thrust. If you want a bit more
room for calculation error, you will go for a 55-lb thrust model, and
that still only needs a 12-volt system.
I am under the impression that we can use the trolling motor to bring
us back home in case the outboard motor dies as long as we are not that
far away from the shore and the current is not strong. This means this
is a good idea to get a heavy long run-time deep cycle battery. This
costs more; but you only need one for the 12-volt trolling motor
anyway.
My 18-ft Sea Ray center console is 2260-lb with motor, gas, equipments.
Because I start with much heavier weight than yours, I will have to
get a 24-volt trolling motor after adding 4 adults, trolling motor and
extra batteries. This means I need _two_ 12-volt deep cycle batteries
... ~$$~
No, I haven't got a trolling motor for my boat yet (too cold for
working on the boat). Therefore, I cannot give you any personal
experience.
Jay Chan
I would go with the 24 volt, and I really like the auto pilot/powerdrive
feature, or the wireless.
I have a minnkota and it is fine. I have the 65 pound one on a lund 18
foot fishing boat. I might get the 70 or 80 next time, although I
haven't needed more so far. Also make sure the shaft is long enough for
your boat.
--
Del Cecchi
"This post is my own and doesn’t necessarily represent IBM’s positions,
strategies or opinions.”
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