Affordable Trolling Motor

[RyeWilkes]

Hey,

I want to get a trolling motor for my boat. I need 36lbs thrust and a 36-48" shaft and i want a bow mounted motor. But im not sure which make/model is both affordable and runs really well.

What do you have? How does it run?

Cheers,
Ryan

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

You basically have two choices. 1) MotorGuide or 2) Minnkota. Both offer bow mounts. Both offer electric steer, tiller steer and cable steer versions. Tiller steer is the least expensive. Cable steer is next, and electric steer (corded or remote) are the most expensive. These motors however offer far more capability than the basic tiller or cable steer versions. Since cost seems to be your main priority, tiller steer is probably what you want. Electric motors either run or they don't so any issues with reliability will likely be with electronics rather than the motor itself. Therefore, the simpler the better when money becomes the issue. Both Minkota and MotorGuide have web sites where you can research motors. Cabelas and Bass Pro as well as most sporting goods stores that sell fishing stuff will have them as well. Visit the store and check out each. Otherwise your question is like what's better -- Chevy or Ford.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

Keep your eye on Craigslist. I got mine for a steal (and it was barely used) from a guy who had bought a fish/ski boat and wasn't real interested in the fish part

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

I upgraded from an MG tiller to an MK elec steer. No issues with either one!...Both good motors IMO. Like posted above, thats pretty much your choice, and I wouldn't think one company would let the other pass them up in quality, etc. Side note: I know that Tracker Marine used to put MG's on their boats, I've now seen them installing MK's......

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

"affordable" is a loaded question when we are discusting trolling motors. So somewhere in between $80 to $2000 depending on your budget. im willing to go with a used foot pedal type as there lots on craiglist and most are dirt cheap as they have been sunburnt (florida's sun can make a plastic toy look antique and faded in less than a year and you carnt have that on a shinny bass boat). i have to except that it will not be as efficent as the new models but im paying 1-10th the price or less and its with in my affordable budget.
Put a ball park number to affordable and the experts will give you a better idea of what type/model would be recommended

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

I got lucky and got mine at the Cabela's Bargain Cave at the store in PA. The iPilot wasn't working properly but one call to Minn Kota and a new iPilot module fixed the problem and I've been ecstatic ever since. I really appreciated their customer support.

Both manufacturers have good tried-n-true products (I had MotorGuide on my previous boat with good service). Minn Kota does seem to have an edge on advanced technology and you'll pay for it. Some of us think it's worth it.

 

[tahoejag]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

I got lucky and got mine at the Cabela's Bargain Cave at the store in PA. The iPilot wasn't working properly but one call to Minn Kota and a new iPilot module fixed the problem and I've been ecstatic ever since. I really appreciated their customer support.

Both manufacturers have good tried-n-true products (I had MotorGuide on my previous boat with good service). Minn Kota does seem to have an edge on advanced technology and you'll pay for it. Some of us think it's worth it.

I'll second that!......MK Terrova 80# I-pilot/US2/60" $1400 here on I.boats (included shipping) pricey?....yes....Worth it? Definately!

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

I'll second that!......MK Terrova 80# I-pilot/US2/60" $1400 here on I.boats (included shipping) pricey?....yes....Worth it? Definately!

I love that model too! The good news is that the model he would want will be even lower in price. I think the Terrova and the PowerDrive V2 both have the option for the iPilot technology.

To be clear on the advanced technology's main advantage is that it gives you more time "FISHING" rather than constant "maneuvering" to compensate for forces you have no control over (like wind and wave activity). Being able to set a course to follow the shoreline and have the technology compensate along the way blew me away the first time I used it. The other VERY helpful feature is "Spot Lock". This feature electronically anchors the boat. Great for when you hit a hotspot, get snagged, fightin' a big one (fish that is!) or if you need to simply stop the boat to do something while close to shore and not have to throw an anchor out. I use this more frequently than I ever though I would. Also having the ability to control the motor anywhere you are on the boat, using the remote, is also a huge advantage. This is just a short list of things that I'm sure others can add on to. Yeah, I'm hooked!

I haven't taken advantage of the Universal Sonar (US2) yet because I've just started looking at a fishfinder for the bow since I have two fishing seats up there. I had dual fishfinders on my previous boat and appreciated the convenience.

So here's hoping you can come up with the money to somehow swing getting one of these very useful trolling motors!

 

[RyeWilkes]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

I love that model too! The good news is that the model he would want will be even lower in price. I think the Terrova and the PowerDrive V2 both have the option for the iPilot technology.

To be clear on the advanced technology's main advantage is that it gives you more time "FISHING" rather than constant "maneuvering" to compensate for forces you have no control over (like wind and wave activity). Being able to set a course to follow the shoreline and have the technology compensate along the way blew me away the first time I used it. The other VERY helpful feature is "Spot Lock". This feature electronically anchors the boat. Great for when you hit a hotspot, get snagged, fightin' a big one (fish that is!) or if you need to simply stop the boat to do something while close to shore and not have to throw an anchor out. I use this more frequently than I ever though I would. Also having the ability to control the motor anywhere you are on the boat, using the remote, is also a huge advantage. This is just a short list of things that I'm sure others can add on to. Yeah, I'm hooked!

I haven't taken advantage of the Universal Sonar (US2) yet because I've just started looking at a fishfinder for the bow since I have two fishing seats up there. I had dual fishfinders on my previous boat and appreciated the convenience.

So here's hoping you can come up with the money to somehow swing getting one of these very useful trolling motors!

Can i get a cheaper minn kota model with iPilot? I live in canada and i dont know if iboats ships there and if they do how much it would cost to ship a trolling motor. I only need about 36lbs of thrust for my boat and i want to get a trolling motor with 45lbs of thrust. I need a 45" shaft and would love to be able to have the ipilot. Which model would be best... ive been looking at the minn kota edge 45.
Cheers,
Ryan

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Affordable Trolling Motor

From what I can tell on Minn Kota's website, there are two models (fresh water) that are available that can be had/or added with the iPilot technology. The Terrova and the PowerDrive V2. Of the two models, the PowerDrive V2 is the lesser priced of the two but it looks like you'll have to bump up to the 55 lb thrust model to get iPilot. The shaft length is at 48" which will work. I don't see the 45 lb thrust model listed with the iPilot.

Here's the link to Minn Kota's PowerDrive V2 model listing, it also has list prices (US$) shown. Just click on the "Models" tab to see the list:

PowerDrive V2 | Freshwater Bow-Mount |Trolling Motors | Products | Minn Kota Motors

That should help you to shop around.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya!