Trolling Motor??

[Guest]

Muddywaters;

I'm getting ready to do just what you are going to do.

I plan on using a transom mount trolling motor. I have a 52lb thrust Motorguide.

Bass Pro Shops has a front trolling motor bracket specifically designed for this purpose. Since there isn't a lot of room up there, I wanted something I could quick remove, without have the normal big plate. This way, I can quick take it off and let the kids go jumping off the front deck (I made it a full deck up there) for swimming. I'm also connecting a trolling motor plug quick disconnect for ease of removing the trolling motor.

Lastly, I picked up a trolling motor extension handle that has a "u-joint", so I can sit up there and move the trolling motor without having to stoop over all the time to change the steering.

ALSO, at Walmart, they have a foot push button switch to wire into your trolling motor battery cable. This buttom allows you to push momentary, so if your working a breakline / weedline, you just step on the button for the length of time you want to motor. To operate continuously, you flip a lever over the button. It works great, keeping you again, from stooping over to adjust the on/off power on the handle.

The advantage again for me, was not having a big clumsy cable, bow mount trolling motor bolted to the front.

As far as power, for short trips you will be fine. If you plan on running all day, get the biggest battery you can get your hands on.........

Good luck!

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[muddywaters]

I would like to add that I`m looking at a bow mount motor.

[muddywaters]

BigG A lot of good ideas in your post I`m going to use.Thanks!! I reposted questions under Equip.Exp.Info.

[muddywaters]

I have a 17ft. fiberglass runabout, walkthru windshield,with convertible canvas top and a 115 hp motor.I want to buy a trolling motor.I`m thinking of getting a 54lb thrust,50`shaft motor.Will it have enough power and is shaft long enough to keep motor in water in waves?? Bein new to this,do I tilt up gas motor when trolling with electric? Thanks! This is a great HSOforum.

[STEP & 1/2]

Muddywater, I have a 17.5 ft. Alumacraft with a 115 hp. I have a Minnkota bow mount 65lb. 54 inch shaft and I went for a 24V system on the trolling motor. There is a big differents over the 12V system that I had on the old boat.
In rough water with the longer shaft I have know problem with the motor coming out of the water.

[Esoxmn]

Go with the longest shaft you can. It usually does not make a big price difference. Keep the big motor down when you use the bow mount,this will keep the back of the boat from swaying.