Trolling motor confusion

[DECK SWABBER 58]

I'm about to buy my first trolling motor for my 16' jon.
Primary propulsion is a gas outboard.

I have researched here and on minnkota/motorguide
sites, they s**k. (them not us)

I hope this is not a redundant thread but I have not found my answer.

I know what thrust and shaft length I need.

Wal-mart has a basic transom mount for cheap.
But.....I know a bow mount is better.

Iboats has a motorguide foot cont. with a 63"
cable that is both a transom mount and a bow
mount. Does anyone use this setup?

Does it easily switch from bow to transom?

If it's on the bow I would like to be able to either
run it from the bow seat or the transom seat. If it's
on the transom I would like to run it from the transom
seat or the bow seat. Obviously the "bulldog" cable is
too short to do this.

Can I easily do this without going "wireless" and spending
big $$$$?


MAN, THESE THING'S ARE COMPLICATED.

I'm really close to just buying the "basic" transom mount
but if I'm by myself in the pedestal bow seat I won't be
able to run the trolling motor.
HELP

 

[JB]

Re: Trolling motor confusion

The more features you want the more bux they want.

If you want the most bang for your buck get a plain bow mount. Either MK or MG. . . they are both good products.

 

[SoonerD]

Re: Trolling motor confusion

I have a jon boat and bought the Motorguide VariMax motor because you can switch it from the bow position to the transom position very easy. All you do is use a allen wrench and there is a toggle switch inside the head. I have to say that I love the motor and seems to use a lot less battery than my previous motor. It's very quiet and what I especially like about it is that it has a push pull feature for reverse/forward and you don't have to change speeds on the motor. Mine of course is a hand controlled....

http://motorguide.com/store/product/freshwater-use/varimax/

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor confusion

There is a simple solution. Buy a bow mount (cable, hand, electric, or wireless) whichever suits your fancy. Then on the cheap, buy a transom mount. Use which ever one is at the end of the boat you are on. You can also buy two hand control units between 200 - 250 bucks. Build your own bow mount for the hand control unit. Then you end up with a push-me-pull me rig.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Trolling motor confusion

Wal-mart has a basic transom mount for cheap.
But.....I know a bow mount is better.

says who?

 

[pops]

Re: Trolling motor confusion

Says the guy who thought, "it's easier to pull a rope than to push it", and put the troll motor on the front of his boat.

There is no comparison for boat control from the front vs. the back.