when trolling keep motor up or no?

[mrpike1973]

hi new to the bow mount trolling motor. when trolling should i have my 15 hp up or down just wondering thanks

[paceman]

Lots of guys keep the big motor down. Apparently it helps with boat control?

[solbes]

I tilt my big motor up while using my bow mount. Almost out of the water if its calm coniditions (less drag). I tilt it up to 3/4 to full trim when in windy conditions as the skeg helps keep the boat on course.

[CaptainMusky]

I never touch mine as in I leave mine down. Sometimes I will turn the motor to one side or the other to help fight cross winds, but most times its pointed straight ahead.

[jentz]

I leave the Power motor down.I use it as a rudder.It works so well I can set the bowmount straight ahead and use the tiller to make turns,If I want sharp turns I can use both.

[JosMN]

I leave the Power motor down.I use it as a rudder.It works so well I can set the bowmount straight ahead and use the tiller to make turns,If I want sharp turns I can use both.

Being a tiler guy this is exactly what I do also. All My electronics are in the back, so it makes it easier.

[h8go4s]

I leave the Power motor down.I use it as a rudder.It works so well I can set the bowmount straight ahead and use the tiller to make turns,If I want sharp turns I can use both.

+1

[FshBloodRiverMud]

I leave mine down. I have enough power in my trolling motor that i can still go 3.5mph with my motor down. Suppose i could probably hit 4mph with my motor up.

Never get on my bad side and stand up in the bow of the boat...That jackrabbit button can really send a guy flying quick

[Down Deep]

Flat calm - Up

Wind - Down

[B-man715]

Usually I don't bother raising it. But if I plan on pulling cranks with the electric a lot in a given day I will tilt up, regardless of wind.

It does save on the batteries. With the big motor down, my electric TM will need to run at a half step to a step higher to maintain the same speed as with it up (ex. 5.5 to hit 2 mph w/motor down, and 4.5-5 with the motor up).

With a light tin boat you will likely track a lot better by having it down all of the time. Keep the motor in neutral for less drag (the prop will free wheel).

[Cheers]

up so it wont interfere with the person in the bow and get his line wrapped

[otterman91105]

Keeping it down gives you the better boat control. What really sucks is when your line get wrapped in it.

[Raider4ever]

I was told that if you keep the big motor down and straight, it acts like a rudder when using the bow-mount. As for resistance, I'm pushing a tin boat with a 115. I am assuming my "drag coefficient" is negligible.

[CaptainMusky]

I always put the big motor in gear. That way if the line does get into the motor, it doesnt get completely wound up into it. It just catches on the skeg or the blade of the prop, but not all around it due to the prop spinning if left in neutral.

[solbes]

As for resistance, I'm pushing a tin boat with a 115. I am assuming my "drag coefficient" is negligible.

If you haven't already, get a GPS speed with your TM with your main motor down. Then raise it up so most of it is out of the water and look at your speed again. I don't think the drag is neglible.

I would guess you could get another 10-20% out of a TM battery charge with the motor up. Which only matters if you are using most of your battery capacity I guess.

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I always leave my big motor down. A little tip though, Put the big motor in gear while trolling, that way the prop will not spin and tangle your line if you or other passengers get to close to it with your lines!

Cliff

[gunner55]

Mine is down & in gear especially if someone is fishing out of the bow.

[Igor Drackenwolf]

I always leave my big motor down. A little tip though, Put the big motor in gear while trolling, that way the prop will not spin and tangle your line if you or other passengers get to close to it with your lines!

Cliff

+1. Don't ask me how I know.