Bow mounted trolling motors

779 Views 12 Replies 10 Participants Last post by MadWags, Apr 8, 2004

J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · Apr 6, 2004

I would like some feedback from the guys who spend a lot of time running their electric trolling motors while bass or walleye fishing if I can get it. I have a 19' Starcraft and have a 10 year old bow mounted Minn*kota trolling motor that runs just fine but I would like to upgrade it before fishing this spring. I know that I want a 24 volt Minn*kota system but I am not sure if I need the 74# thrust or if the 65# thrust would be just fine. I am sure the 74# is required for some of the heavier fiberglass bass boats you guys have but I question the need for that much power on an aluminum hulled boat.

I love to bass fish but my real love is walleye fishing on the great rivers we have here above and below LSC. Any suggestions based on the vast amount of experience resident on this board would be appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Jim

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h2o

· #2 · Apr 6, 2004

A good choice would be the 74# like you said you like to fish the rivers and it's a 7 mph current there. You don't always have to turn it on full power so don't think it's to much. And when you want warp speed it's there. 24 volts the way to go. That's a big boat you have and you won't be disapointed with the 74#.

h2o<---says that's what i think.

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No More Mini

· #3 · Apr 7, 2004

As h2o siad, go with the 74, you can always turn it down.

Mini

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djkimmel

· #4 · Apr 7, 2004

I've rarely met a guy (or gal)... well actually I don't know if I've ever met anyone who said I should have bought less horsepower (or foot lbs thrust).

You can't really have too much. But you can sure have to little...

More power ho ho ho

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Czar

· #5 · Apr 7, 2004

Get the longest shaft available too, and by all means get the auto pilot with a co-pilot setup. I purchased a co-pilot over the winter and am anxious to use it. Wish this weather would co-operate.

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MadWags

· #6 · Apr 7, 2004

Weight may not be a factor on your boat, but wind definitely is. With the higher sides you are more succeptable to wind effects.
More thrust means more control when needed.
My next motor will be 74lb.

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StratMan

· #7 · Apr 7, 2004

Go with as much as you can afford, I'm confident you'll never say, "Man, I wish I didn't have so much power!"

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555

· #8 · Apr 7, 2004

When purchasing an item such as a trolling motor you must consider the trade-offs. In this example it seems as though everybody has recommended the highest power motor available but consider the following.

1. Is cost an issue?
2. Is space an issue? (Including batteries and the motor) If you go with a 24 volt system do you have enough real estate inside your boat to house the batteries and mount the large power motor?

I am sure there are other areas of concern but those are just a couple of things to judge when deciding to purchase a trolling motor. If you do not have enough space for the entire motor periphery (the batteries) of a 24 volt system than a motor that requires that much real estate is a non-starter. Or if the cost is beyond your expectations and limitations you will need to examine lower cost smaller power motors. I guess I am just trying to say that the biggest, most powerful and best may not always be the only solution and sometimes you must make trade-offs to get the best motor for your particular application.

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Crestliner18

· #9 · Apr 7, 2004

While you guys are talking bow mounted trolling motors, is there a trolling motor out there that could be used on both transom and bow mount by just switching brackets?

Or is a transom mounted trolling motor easy for the regular guy to switch the propellor unit???

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Alex

· #10 · Apr 7, 2004

You should be good with the 24v, but like the others I would recommend getting the most power you can.

I have a 109lb/36v and if they made a 200lb thrust motor I would probably upgrade

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J.C.C.

Discussion Starter · #11 · Apr 8, 2004

I want to thank everyone for the feedback to my question. It looks like the consensus would be to go with the 74# thrust motor. That is what I will do at BPS tomorrow.

One related question, they offer a universal sonar transducer built into the motor. I currently have an Eagle 320 mounted in front of the boat with the transducer clamped to the electric motor. Should I just stick with current arrangement or get the built in one. One thing I don't like about my current set up is the cable hanging out. I have the cable threaded thru the coiled cable and then clamped at the top and bottom of the motor shaft. Not the neatest but functional. Any thoughts?

Again, thanks for all the great suggestions,

Jim

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No More Mini

· #12 · Apr 8, 2004

I havent used the universal transducer myself, but I have heard good things about it. Make sure you get the right adapter for the plug before you leave the store, or look at other boats to see how the cable is run. With a little thought you can get that cable to hug the motor and you will never notice it. Well placed tie wraps and proper drilling go a long way.

Mini

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MadWags

· #13 · Apr 8, 2004

I have universal sonar on mine. Prior to that I had the transducer strapped on. One difference.
The universal does not have temperature capability.

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