Electric trolling motor

[alanb]

I have a '96 Lund 1950 Tyee I/O and am thinking about buying a bow-mounted electric trolling motor, a Minnkota Genesis. Would this work as a primary trolling motor or would I need a kicker motor too? Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.

 

[JB]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Howdy, Pulldog. I would think that the 74lb, 24v version would do the trick if your batteries last as long as you want to troll.<br /><br />It depends on your usage. If you want to troll for hours get a kicker.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[alanb]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Thanks for your reply JB. <br /><br />I was wondering about approximate, continous troll time with a 24v set-up.

 

[JB]

Re: Electric trolling motor

A lot of variables there, Pulldog. Speed and the capacity of your batteries are the most important.<br /><br />Let's say you have a pair of 100amp/hour deep cycle batteries and you set your troll speed so that the motor is drawing 10 amps. It will use 10 amp/hours per hour until the battery voltage starts to drop, probably after about 8hr.<br /><br />So: The slower you troll and the bigger your batteries, the longer you can troll. If you crank the motor up to top speed, of course, you will use your batteries up much quicker.<br /><br />Good, 100 AH batteries should cost you $80 to $100 each, and the 74lb Genesis with Auto Pilot about $1200. Figure about $200 more for a good, on board dual bank charger.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[alanb]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Thanks again JB, for the info. <br /><br />What batteries and charger do you recommend? Brands?

 

[singerjr]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Pulldog,<br /><br />I was just trolling through the older posts. That setup JB mentioned is a dream setup. I've looked at those trolling motors, I want one but the $$$ right now aren't there.<br /><br />If you go that way (or if you did) let us know your thoughts and how you like it.<br /><br /><br />

 

[fritchey]

Re: Electric trolling motor

Pulldog<br /><br />I have a similar sized boat with a several year old Minnkota autopilot 65lb (12 volt). I use two 100amp/hr marine batteries wired in parallel to each other (matched set only ever use them in this fashion). Boat will troll on a calm day at a max. speed of 2.7 mph. Will troll at 1.5 to 2.0 mph for 5-6hrs before batteries die. This set-up works but is marginal on a winding day. I am personally thinking about a kicker motor. <br /><br />The 24V models should be more efficient as well as 74 lbs thrust should give you a little additional power. <br /><br />If you plan to troll faster or for longer periods of time a kicker may be well advised.