[TheChad]

Hey all,I am in the process of purchasing a 2006 Lowe FS175.I have decided not to go with their "Fishing Package" Because it is FAR too expensive ($1200), which included a 65lb Minnkota, and a NavMan 4430 Fish Finder.The dealership said they could give me a Hummingbird PiranhaMax 20, and a Motor Guide 71lb 24v tolling motor for $844.The dealer offers Motor Guide & Minnkota Trolling motors, and Hummingbird & Lowrance Fish Finders.The dealer suggested the Hummingbird PiranhaMax 20 as a good unit for the price.So I wanted to find out from you guys, between Lowrance and Hummingbird, is the PiranhaMax 20 the best buy for >$250 range? 90% of my fishing will all be smaller lakes, I will do some fishing in the Chicago side of the great lakes, but probably be out too far, So i'll say >200' debth max..As for the Trolling motor, is a 71lb Motor Guide a good motor? I have heard of them, but never had any experiance with Motor guide. Power wise, how do you know how much thrust to get? This is a 17' Deep V boat, with an 92" beem.I assume 24v Trolling motors are better than 12v!?Thanks,-TheChad

[Bassmatt]

I would say that would be an excellent buy because if you baught the fish finder and trolling motor separet, it would cost you more then what he is offering the package to you. a 71lb Motor Guide brand new will cost you atleast $499 to $599 and the fish finder would cost you around $300. so basicly, your getting the boat for free. The trolling motor is more the likely a 24 volt system which is what you want to get the most out of it. (More power)

[Dave Abrahamson]

BassMatt, I think he means the combo trolling motor and FF is $844 ADDED ON to the cost of the new boat. (there would be a helluva line down the street for a new 2006 Lowe FS175 and trolling motor and FF for $844.00.) (1)

[TheChad]

We were also condisering upgreading to the Hummingbird 141c, or the Hummingbird 565What you guy's input on those models?Does anyone know of the Motor Guide 71lb Digital version is worth $100 more? Its Variable speed instead of 5 speed, and says it gets better battery life...Thanks,-TheChad

[MrBigStuff]

It's not just a matter of battery life. With discrete speed positions, you often find one too slow, the next too fast. Being able to "infinitely" adjust the motor speed is a very nice feature. I can build a maximizer for around $20 but it's not quite as nice as one that's built into the product.

[roscoe]

55lb to 70lb is plenty trolling motor, just my opinion.24 volt is gonna require two batteries, but will give you more hours of use.I would prefer the Minn Kota, with Maximizer (extends battery life), and get the CoPilot remote (corded or wireless from anywhere in the boat).I believe all Minn Kota PowerDrive models have continuous variable speed control. http://www.minnkotamotors.com/produc...powerdrive.asp

[TheChad]

*** Update ***The Dealer Origionally quoted me for a Hummingbird PiranhaMax 20, I did a little research and decided to upgrade to the Hummingbird 565, the dealer offered to upgrade me for no extra charge.They called me today and said none of their suppliers had the Hummingbird 565 In stock, so they had a Hummingbird 727 instock and upgreaded me again for free..So I started with a $100 Fish Finder, and Ended up with a $300 Fish finder.I went with the 71lb Digital Motor Guide.Thanks for the help guys,-TheChad