Desicions Descicions

[GBPackerNut]

Heres the deal, have new boat.

New boat is:

16'8" Long, about 74" wide

Aluminum, weight with me, motor, gas, batteries, gear and such is between 1500 and 1800 pounds (depending if I have a passenger with)

That weight is with 3 batteries, one for start, and two for 24V trolling system.

Do I need to run 24V 80# thrust trolling motors? or do you think I am better off, pulling the Vector3x off the rear and removing a battery. essentially shaving 100pounds off the boat and sticking with a 55# powerdrive on the front.

The big debate for me, is to shave weight and go back to 12V trolling system, or upgrade the bowmount to a 24V motor and have more thrust, at the expense of more weight...

[PerchJerker]

A 55lb would work on your boat, a 24 volt 70lb or 80lb would be better. It really depends on the conditions you'll be using the motor in, and for how long you'll be using it before recharging. A 12 volt 55lb with 1 battery will have less than half the run time of a 70lb or 80lb 24 volt motor. If you're not going to be fighting wind and waves for 4+ hours you should be okay with the 55lb and 1 battery. But if you're out fishing and run out of juice for your trolling motor ..... it gets frustrating to say the least.

[Charley]

Don't do it stay with 24 volt system.

[GBPackerNut]

Thats kinda what I was thinking, now to convince the wife to let me get that 80# Terrova w/AP and US2...

[wplatehunter]

I had a 17' boat with a 55# 12 volt and it really had to work and it would over heat in rough water. I then put a 24 volt 70# on it and that was more than enough power.

[snoozebutton]

I'd agree with the 24v 80#. Being your from North Dakota, you're probably fishing lakes where you're battling some pretty good wind and waves so you'd likely need the extra power.

BTW, like your user name.

[Northlander]

24 all the way. I have a 70 lb on my 17' Explorer and its just right. If its too windy to use it I usually dont want to be out.

[Trollin226]

Another vote for the 24v, I have a 80 lb terrova on my 165 dominator and am glad I do. Great run time on the battery and plenty of power for the windy days. When I baught it I remembered AL Linder at a seminar when he was asked about trolling motors his answer was simple. "the biggest one that fits"