On Feb 22, 1:25 pm, wrote:
My first question is if anyone has used these type of trolling motors
and would they recommend them?? I'm thinking of using the RT80EM
mounted to a tiller attached to my Bank Dory.

2. Would there be a problem if I attached the unit upsidedown so as to
limit the amount of draft needed to get the motor in the water. The
manual says the cavitation plate needs to be 13" under the water for
the engine to work. I'm thinking of attaching it to a wooden
cavitation plate built into the tiller but attach it on the bottom of
the plate so as to lessen the draft required to get the props in the
water. The comapny sent me an email reply saying they only recommend
instalation as per the instructions. Anyone see a problem with what
I'm thinking of doing???????

When you say "mounted to a tiller" do you mean mounted to a tiller
steered outboard? My experience fishing very shallow water for
redfish with trolling motors is that there is minimum distance
underwater that the motor has to sit, it probably is close to 13" to
the cavitation plate, maybe a little less, otherwise the motor will
make a lot of noise by sucking air into the prop and scare the fish.
You need about 18" of water to use a trolling motor; less than that
get out the pushpole. An engine mounted trolling motor would not be
my first choice for shallow water fishing, due to the stealth and
finesse required. I've had the most luck with a 30# Minnkota Endura,
transom mounted, that sits next to my tiller steered outboard. I get
100 yrds or so from my quarry, kill the outboard, drop down the
Minnkota, and slide on in silently.

Ed.