Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

[bjpc]

Our old Minn Kota Neptune 48 lb thrust trolling outboard motor died on our 18 ft pontoon boat. Admittedly, we were a little underpowered before.

We live on a very small lake and would like a very quiet electric motor with at least 70+ lbs thrust to replace our dead motor.

We want to control the trolling motor with our steering wheel. Seems there is a huge jump in price if you want to control a trolling motor with a steering wheel i.e. the difference is a few hundred vs a few thousand dollars.

Can someone suggest alternatives? We are not tied to Minn Kota. We are willing to change to a new motor if that is more cost effective. We just haven't found a good solution yet.

 

[JB]

Re: Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

Seems to me that a Co-Pilot (wireless remote) equipped troller makes a lot more sense than a wheel steered motor, bjpc. If you tie it to the wheel you give up the maneuverability that a troller offers. The bigger the boat the more valuable that maneuverability gets.

If you really think you need 70# of thrust you will have to go to 24 or 36 volts. I would be more inclined to go with the Minn Kota PD or AP 55 12V motor with Co-Pilot. A lot more useful IMO than a AV plate mounted motor and a lot cheaper, too.

Check out the options in the iboats MegaMall.

Good luck.

 

[Splat]

Re: Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

Do you have a outboard on the boat?

If so minnkota makes a trolling motor that mounts directly on your lower end.
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/motors/detail.asp?pg=fem

Bill

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

i have been using a Motor Guide wireless motor for 3 years, never a problem. yes they are expensive, but with the key fob control, you can be any where in the boat, and control what it is doing.

 

[bjpc]

Re: Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

Our 18 ft pontoon boat used to have a 24 Volt transom mount motor before it died. The boat is mainly used to cruise guests (up to 7) so we don't want to put the new motor in the bow. 48 lbs of thrust before was very underpowered on a windy day.

The motor sits behind seats and is below the boat deck. Not sure if we could attach the propellers or if the wireless remote would work well since the line of sight would be obscured.

What do you all think?

 

[JB]

Re: Steering Wheel Control of an Electric Trolling Motor

Sounds like a transom mount that you can't get at would be a royal pain. The footprint of an AP or PD with Co-Pilot is quite small and a bow mount is truly the most maneuverable option. I still recommend it.

If you already have 24V a 70# motor would be a good fit.