School me on trolling Motors

[v8psp]

Im hoping you guys can help me out with my current dilemma. I have a 16ft bass boat with a 115hp Merc on it, I tell you this to give an idea for the weight of the boat. It has an older trolling motor on the front. I dont know much about it, Im just wondering if it is supposed to be quite as slow as it is. My questions are as follows.

1. What would you recomend as far as thrust. Can you get to much? I plan on using the trolling motor 99% of the time while fishing and I would like to stay on 12 volt instead of going 24.

2. The one on it is a foot controlled. Is it a bad idea to have a hand controlled on the front(I think I would prefer the hand controlled but have never used one on the front.

Any other hints or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advanc

 

[5150abf]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I recently got a Motorguide W55 wireless and it is awesome, you can run it from anywhere in the boat.

I got the key fob controller too, you clip it to your belt loop and you run the boat from where ever you want, way better than being tied to a pedal.

Constant on and infinite variable speed so you turn it on and reach down to your belt once and a while to correct coarse.

55lbs is about it without going to 24 volts and that should be more than enough, I catfish and use mine to move between holes instead of starting the motor.

I have an aluminum 16' that is heavy and even with the river being really high it will hold any current I have come across.

Minn Kota makes a similar one that is called copilot, I think it cna be added to most of there normal trollers.

 

[JonBoatJoe]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I didn't know they made a hand remote wireless trolling motor...thanks for that info!

 

[John_S]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

Determine the model and thrust of what you currently have before choosing new. If you already have a 55lb thrust you are better off biting the bullet and going to 24V, given you plan to use it allot.

- Hand Control is fine if you are standing at the bow fishing most of the time.

- Most bass fishermen like the foot pedel cable control, because they don't have to look at the head to see which direction it is pointed.

- Wireless is great for moving around the boat and for when the guy in front is fighting a good one, the guy in the back can control the boat. I have a MG W45 and happy with it.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

Yes, 55# is as big as you'll find in 12V. That should be plenty for your boat though. Don't forget to get/multiple batteries. A 55# will almost draw 50%+ more juce than the (36#) motor your currently running. I also prefer hand control myself. You see allot of them on salt water/flats boats. I like the simplicity and intuitiveness of the hand control . I also like that both my feet stay on the floor and that it doesn't tangle fly lines.

 

[idrownworms]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

For those of with less than stellar balance, what is the range of the remote? Would it be enough if say I fell out of the boat and it started drifting away?
inquiring minds want to know

 

[5150abf]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

They say it has a 25' range but I doubled that easy and it still worked, I have heard of guys using them to maneuver there boat around the dock while standing on the dock but I don't know that I would trust it that much.

Mine has a wireless foot pedal too so you can put that wherever you want, it is pretty sweet after being tied to a really old style cabled pedal.

With my old one you had to have your foot on it the whole time or it wouldn't run so the always on button is really nice too.

 

[idrownworms]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I knew it was a long shot but I figured I'd ask.
That is one of my biggest concerns is falling out of the boat and having it drift off before I can get back to it

 

[v8psp]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I think the Remotes would be outta my price range. The one I have now squeaks like no other. and the arrow doesnt work, plus I think the prop needs replacing. Is there a way I could fix the direction pointer?

So I guess im gonna be on the lookout for a 55lb after I find out what I have.

I forgot to mention I am running 2 batteries one for engine and on for trolling motor.

Also since the one I have on now is foot controlled is there anyway to make a hand controlled collapsible?

 

[v8psp]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

This is the one I am looking at, unless I find a good used one.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...1_98208_225001000_225000000_225001000_225-1-0

 

[5150abf]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

have you poked around on Ebay yet, they have a ton of them on there and if you put in the time you should be able to get a foot remote one for what you want to spend.

 

[John_S]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

This is the one I am looking at, unless I find a good used one.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...1_98208_225001000_225000000_225001000_225-1-0

For a bass boat I wouldn't try to run a transom mount on the bow. It can be problematic on small boats, and a genuine pain for a bass boat. I assumed you were talking about a hand control bow mount.

 

[v8psp]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

Yea I dont want to use that mount but could I make my current mount instead?

 

[ksubigbuck]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I used a hand control on the bow of my bass boat for quite a while. It worked, but was less than ideal. I just bought a MinnKota Maxxum 65 lb thrust. I think I'm going to like it! With the old motor, it would work itself off of the mount. And, eventually the plastic mount on the motor itself cracked. They just aren't made to be used up there on the front.

 

[ebry710]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I have a 55# Minnkota bow mount with foot peddle. Runs all day on second battery pulling my 18'/120hp. I like it but I think I will be getting the co-pilot remote next year. If I were you I'd look into it. In previous forums many people have them and would never be without them.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

This is the one I am looking at, unless I find a good used one.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...1_98208_225001000_225000000_225001000_225-1-0

Also, this is a 5 speed model. Never liked that and prefer the variable speed models. You can get to the right speed. Had a 36lb on a 12' tin boat and needed to toss a bucket out to get the boat trolling slow enough. Replaced it with a 48Lb Motorguide and can go much slower (and faster, but that's a different issue).

 

[v8psp]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

Well I found out it is an evinrude scout this is all that is on it
evinrude scout 3870258407597042963684518362

I cant find anywhere to look it up. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Whoopbass]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

They don't make those trolling motors anymore.

If your bass fishing and use the trolling motor alot I wouldn't mess around with underpowered trolling motors or any type of motor you plan on "rigging" to get to work.

Find a good used Minn Kota Maxxum 55lb thrust or higher 24 volt variable speed foot controlled trolling motor.
Variable speed has the maximizer feature that extends battery life up to 5X (so they claim). You will run out of juice with a 5 speed 12 volt motor if used all day.

Check Craigslist, ebay, trolling motor repair shops, or the classifieds in a local bass fishing forum for used trolling motors.

 

[up-a-creek-W/O-a-paddle]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I know its late but if I may. Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide Motorguide I have a 55 on my 18' bass boat but you could prob get by with a 46 to save a little green. I love mine love it have a great boating wednesday

 

[v8psp]

Re: School me on trolling Motors

I carry an extra battery with me. So Im leaning toward, the 200 dollar one, because i simply cant afford a variable speed. However I am only window shopping and hopefully I will come accross a legit name brand, Here is a pic of my boat. Tell me 2 things from it. 1. What size do you think that trolling motor is. 2. Would a 44lb be strong enough to move this beast?