Help with Trolling Motor Selections and Electical

[OnEdge]

Hi all,

I have a 17' 6" Open bow Sea Ray runabout type boat. I do a lot of fishing here on the lake I live on, not really anywhere else though. Don't really fish much in rough weather either. I want to get a trolling motor, and I'm not sure which one to get, and exactly how to hook it up. I guess I've made my mind up on a Minn Kota bow mount, but I'm not sure how strong a trolling motor I need. It's usually just me and a buddy or two in the boat while fishing. Will a 55# do it or should I get a 65# or what? Also, I have a 12 volt system now, it's the big 4cyl Merc with an alternator. Seems a lot of the TM's over 55# are 24 volt. I stumbled across this little goodie while surfing the net (http://www.yandina.com/acrobats/Trollbridge.pdf). Is it just as easy as adding another 12 volt battery and hooking up one of these devices to be able to use and a 24v trolling motor, and charge it with my alternator?

Any help would be much appreciated!

Please go easy on me, I'm not really a boat guy per se and I know absolutely nothing about electrical ;-)

Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help with Trolling Motor Selections and Electical

i have always hate foot control motors, the cable and control always in the way, trip over, etc. This summer i bought the motor guide W45 wireless remote, it came with the wireless foot control, but i order the option key fob control. the foot control is in the storage locker, used once. i love the key fob, as you can control from any place in the boat. nothing to trip over.

 

[OnEdge]

Re: Help with Trolling Motor Selections and Electical

Yeah, the keyfob think sounds sweet - I'm sold!

Now, will a 55# be enough thrust? I see Cabelas has a Minn Kota 12v powerDrive 55# system with the CoPilot for $590. That's in my price range, but will it be enough thrust?

Also, I measured 31.5" from the top of the bow to the waterline. The chart said to go with a shaft length of 54" to 62". Would I be better off with something in the shorter range (54) or the higher side of that recommendation?

Thanks!
Jeff

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Help with Trolling Motor Selections and Electical

54 should be fine, if you are 31 to the top of the bow, plus 4 for mount you have 15 inches which is recommended. if in doubt go 62 and just adjust the depth stop. on a rough day, you may need the extra depth to keep from caviatating. i have a 45 on mine, 55 should be good on yours. you don't want to ski with it.

i've been in rough conditions with mine as was fine. as yu can see i have a lot of free board for the wind to catch

 

[OnEdge]

Re: Help with Trolling Motor Selections and Electical

Tashasdaddy.

Thanks for the reply and the pictures!

Got enough rod holders on that baby?

Jeff