Trolling Plates

[JoeGG]

My boat gets down to 1.6 on a good day. I have a trolling plate. Before I start punching screws into my motor’s  shaft, does anyone have any experience with these? Any idea how much I could get down to from 1.6 mph?

[Mac Attack]

Use a kicker
Trolling plates suk
Control stinks and you violate the lower unit warranty by drilling holes into it.
Also other pluses and minuses.

[TheCrittaC]

Troll a 5 gallon bucket

[JoeGG]

Yes, I know about the buckets and it’s only a 15hp Honda. Just curious if they’re any good. Thanks

[800stealth]

I'd get a different prop before strapping a trolling plate to the bottom end...

[ScotNH]

Have you looked into getting a prop with a flatter pitch?

[gamefisher]

You are going to get a wide variety of opinions on this but my ez steer trolling plate on a 90 hp works great, way better than bags.  For a 15hp I'd just use a couple of buckets, work fine and can make elcheapo.  Do a search, you'll find some pics on here.

[Jethro]

If you are down to 1.6, it doesn't seem like you have much work to do. A flatter pitch prop would do the job for sure.

[Roccus]

I'd get a different prop before strapping a trolling plate to the bottom end...

that's my solution ( different prop), I've used trolling plates, and meh, not the best answer,ive done buckets, again meh.. I have a sea anchor that is a great tool.... different prop works well, pop  in and out of gear on occasion, to vary speeds, it's better on the engine as well, a small kicker is the best solution, but honestly never had an issue with my 115 trolling for salmon,if  I need to a crawl I use the electric..

[Roccus]

If you are down to 1.6, it doesn't seem like you have much work to do. A flatter pitch prop would do the job for sure.

I agree, that's pretty slow

[800stealth]

that's my solution ( different prop), I've used trolling plates, and meh, not the best answer,ive done buckets, again meh.. I have a sea anchor that is a great tool.... different prop works well, pop  in and out of gear on occasion, to vary speeds, it's better on the engine as well, a small kicker is the best solution, but honestly never had an issue with my 115 trolling for salmon,if  I need to a crawl I use the electric..

Yup, 2 minutes to swap a prop (also a good time to make sure the lower unit isn't about to eat 20 yards of mono). I've got 3 for my bassboat, 1 is an all around performer and close to stock, 1 is for when i'm camping and need bottom end to get a way overloaded boat up on plane, and the last is for getting stupid with an empty boat.
Also I'm assuming that an aluminum prop for a 15hp is cheaper than a trolling plate... Wish that were the case with vented stainless stilettos lol

[PDubs/NH]

I have a spring loaded EZ troller on my 18ft Crestliner with a 70hp OB and love it. I got a tip (maybe here) and added a notch at 45deg and that helps retain boat control... but my opinion is that at <2mph how hard is it to control a boat in the first place... I did buckets/driftsock for a few years.. IMO trolling plate is far superior

[skinnywater]

Sea Anchors are great.  That is what I use.  If you want to do controlled drifts with live bait a must have.

[JoeGG]

Thanks guys.

[ScotNH]

I have a spring loaded EZ troller on my 18ft Crestliner with a 70hp OB and love it. I got a tip (maybe here) and added a notch at 45deg and that helps retain boat control... but my opinion is that at <2mph how hard is it to control a boat in the first place... I did buckets/driftsock for a few years.. IMO trolling plate is far superior

How slow does the EZ troller take you down to? Any special procedures for going in reverse?