Minnkota Vantage on a Pro-V

[computerboy]

Hey Guys,

I have a 2004 Pro V 1900 SE single console and I'd like to put on a Minnkota Vantage. I have a console controlled kicker on the port side so the Vantage would need to go on the starboard side.

Controlling the Vantage:

For those of you who have a starboard mounted Vantage on your Pro-V, do you control it from the aft livewell seat? Maybe a better question would be, can you even use the aft livewell seat with a Vantage on the starboard side? Assuming you can have a seat mounted on the livewell base, could you have a guy sitting in that seat fishing out the port side and a guy in the rear starboard seat controlling the Vantage? I guess I'm mainly curious as to how some of you other Pro-V owners operate your Vantage and what your typical seating configurations are with 3 or 4 guys in the boat.

Transducer:

The transducer is currently mounted on the starboard side on a plate. Am I going to have problems with the lower unit on the Vantage interfering with the transducer signal? I realize this is situational depending on where the transducer is located, but does the lower unit on the Vantage have enough clearance to not cause problems with the transducer?

I apologize in advance if this topic has already been covered but I couldn't find any previous threads.

Thanks,

CB

[PerchJerker]

I can't answer your question about seating, but it terms of transducer interference ....... you obviousely need the Vantage to clear the transducer (ie. not hit it), but as long you're still getting a clean flow of water over the face of the transdcuer you should be fine. You're more likely to have issues backtrolling as that will push water and air (cavitation) toward the transducer. You may end up wanting to relocate the transducer to the other side of the boat ...... but I'd try it in its current location first.

[goose89]

Can't answer your first question either, as I have a different boat than you. But, my transom is set up just like yours. I don't have any transducer issues (on starboard side along with Vantage), unless, as perchjerker mentioned, the stray big wave causes some cavitation, and that's usually a brief time.

[WaveWacker]

I have a tiller model Pro V and the vantage is probably the #1 thing that I couldn't do without. My father in-law has a 2010 Pro V with one also. From your description, I'm assuming that you're talking about having a seat up on the back "platform" instead of on the floor. This may work by tilting the handle way up but not as good as having a seat base on the floor back by the vantage. I would highly recommend installing one back there. You fish back there with your rod out the port side. One guy in the driver's seat, one opposite him and one up front. Works great

[computerboy]

Thanks WaveWacker, that is exactly what I was looking for. It's become painfully obvious that I need more control at the stern. It seems like the Vantage will fit the bill. I really like having the kicker for trolling cranks, but it's a real bear to try and jig/rig while backtrolling. Juggling my rod, throttle, and steering wheel gets exhausting during a full day on the water. While I've managed to become somewhat proficient at it, I think my life will get a whole lot easier with a Vantage. It seems like the Vantage will allow me to easily move the stern in any direction I want, which is something I really can't do with either the kicker or the PowerDrive I have on the bow.

If you don't mind me asking, I'm curious why you say it's the one thing you couldn't do without. Are there particular fishing situations where you feel the Vantage offers a significant advantage? How often do you find yourself using your Vantage?

[HNTNBUX]

I have a tiller with 75 Yamaha and I use my transom trolling motor for jigging and rigging 95% of the time, until I need the full power of the main motor. All the control to move the back of the boat in any direction or hover over a spot is nice. I also use it while drifting to slow and direct the line I'm drifting.

[WaveWacker]

Not a problem at all. I'll reiterate that YOU'LL LOVE THE VANTAGE if your looking to walleye fish in the back of the boat. I wouldn't part with mine as I'm 99.9% a walleye fisherman with my "bread and butter" being live bait rigs and some jigs where I am backtrolling/slip drifting 99.9% of the time. Hence I use my Vantage 99.9% of the time that I am on the water.

The advantages to me are twofold (well 2 1/2). #1 is the telescoping up and down. No having to slide up the trolling motor and then tilt it and then the motor being in the way if I'm not using it. #2 (and the biggest benefit in my eye) is the 4:1 steering on it. I don't have to lean out the back of the boat to get it to go left/right so to speak. The last thing is being able to flip the "lower unit" from backtrolling to front trolling. On occasion I'll pull cranks in the shallows and in calm water conditions, I'll use my vantage for pushing me forward. This is a little tricky to master as it'll want to push you left/right a bit more than a big motor but one gets use to it. Sounds like you have that handled with your kicker however.

You'll want splashgaurds for sure if you don't have them. If you do you're most likely looking at buying a new one for that side to accomodate the Vantage and I recommend hanging the vantage and then moving a new seat around (if you don't have a base on the floor back there) until everything feels comfortable.

You'll love it for what you are aspiring to accomplish!