Trolling with 90 HP?

[lindy rig]

Hi all,

Got a new boat last year. It's a smokercraft with a 90hp, steering wheel console. Don't have the money to put a kicker on now. Just curious for advice with this. It's not bad for the motor to troll, is it? I'm thinking maybe till it up a ways?

[Wavey Davey]

Try it first to see how slow it will troll down. If needed, you could get a drift anchor
or a trolling plate.

[Esoxmn]

I have a Honda 90hp, and i have to back troll with the motor trimed up a ways and have a drift sock out the front.

[lindy rig]

Thanks guys. Is it hard to back troll with the steering wheel?

[Wavey Davey]

Not as easy to control as a tiller but can be done, just not as quick response. You may find that a 90-hp is a little big for trolling other than a speed troll. Even my 65-hp seems too big, I use an electric trolling motor if it's not too windy.

[Mykal]

I agree. I have a 90 on a Lund 1650 Angler SS. and it trolls a bit too fast for the fall bite. It will be fine during the summmer months. Put a set of Wave Wackers on your boat for back trolling, buy a drift sock or two and also get the biggest electric bow mount you can afford. I use the electric to troll most of the time.
Finally, use the wind to your advantage. You will find on windy days you can troll into the wind to slow you down.

[Fish Head]

I'm surprised no one has asked if it is a 4 stroke. I don't have one, but doesn't a 4 stroke troll down better than a 2cycle?

[lindy rig]

It's a 2 cycle. I wish it was a four-stroke!

[Esoxmn]

It is harder to control with a steering wheel. I prefer to drift or use the bow mount

[Bobcat45]

Fish Head, My experience from going from a 2 stroke to a 4 with the same horse my boat did not slow down at all. I think horse power is horse power. The 4 idles down very nice and is very quiet but I still neede a drift sock. Maybe someone else has had a different experience.