Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

[philtheskipper]

I'm thinking about buying a used navigator electric trolling motor(30lb.thrust) that would mount to my outdrive cativation plate. Does this type of trolling motor work well? Does it affect the performance of the main motor? I have a 17' boat with 120 mercruiser. The merc. pushes the boat to fast at idle to do well with trolling.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

anybody?

 

[JB]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

It looks like a great idea, Phil, but I have no experience with it. If the price is right, go for it.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[12Footer]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

I don't think they were meant to remain on the outdrive, but are suposed to be mounted when needed with the provided pins.<br />But I could be totally off base here. Even if they did claim to be a perminent addition, I am sure it will increase drag at the least.<br />I take my TM off the small boat when I take the bigger one (for emergency propulsion), but am wanting to make a cav plate mounted TM out of an old shaft-type TM.

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

It mounts on the top of the cativation plate with bolts. It would be above the water when in planning mode but was worried if it would affect take off. What do you think?

 

[12Footer]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

As long as it's out of the water,I guess.<br />I'll be folowing this post as well,Phil.

 

[norman158]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

im sure it would cause some extra drag at take off are you sure 30lbs of thrust will be enough to push your boat im using a 40 on my 16 footer (its what minkota recomended) the faster these motors run the more drain on the battery

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Outdrive Mounted Electric Trolling Motor. Good or Bad?

You're probally right about the 30 lbs of thrust not being enough. My boat is a 1979 Steury which is famous for being a heavy boat. I'll have to look around for a better idea, I guess. Just liked the concept of not having a trolling motor taking up space that I don't have. It would of saved some money compared to a gas motor. I should know by now that it is impossible to save money when it comes to a boat! Well, maybe the old 5 gallon buckets pulled by a rope can help me out. What do you guys think? Thanks for the replies.