MyFishFinder Forum

MFF US Northeast => New York => Topic started by: saltr on Jun 05, 2017, 06:11 PM

Title: Trolling Motor
Post by: saltr on Jun 05, 2017, 06:11 PM
Getting ready to pull the trigger on a new basic bow mount 45lb. electric trolling motor for my 16' Lund Laker. On the fence between Minn Kota and Motorguide. Open for opinions. Thanks-saltr.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Bluegillonafly on Jun 06, 2017, 05:33 AM
I also have a 16' boat.  Love my minn kota with i pilot.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Doubles Shooter on Jun 06, 2017, 05:54 AM
Another vote for Minn Kota and I-Pilot. you won't regret it.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 06, 2017, 06:08 AM
If you are not looking to spend the money on ipilot then you could go for a minnkota 55lb with copilot for 600 roughly. 
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: fishinjohn on Jun 06, 2017, 07:01 AM
In my book there is not a question which is better!
Minn kota with pilot hands down.. I'd will never buy another motorguide... spend the extra and go a 55lb thrust with a 24volt system.. more money for motor and for batteries, but will last you an entire day with no problems in the harshest conditions..
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 06, 2017, 07:41 AM
I had a 55# minn transom , on my 16' and no regrets , now on the bigger boat I have a  minn (terova)with lots of hours
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Rugburn on Jun 06, 2017, 08:00 AM
 My boat came with a basic bow mount 12v Motorguide, have only played with it a few times. So far I'm not a big fan of the cable controlled steering with no resistance setting. The cable is tough to get out of the way when not in use, and I think the foot control needs to be screwed to the deck to work properly. Probably won't keep it, so I'm reluctant to screw it down. However I figured I've spent enough for one year, and will give it a fair shake. Most of the Minnkotas have a motor that does the turning, not a cable. Just some things to take into consideration. Might let that Motorguide go for cheap!
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: FrankM on Jun 06, 2017, 08:36 AM
I just ordered a Minn Kota with ipilot.  Hopefully get to try it Father's Day weekend.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 06, 2017, 08:42 AM
Hey frank Let us know what you think
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Dug1898 on Jun 06, 2017, 08:44 AM
Ski Doo wrote the book on snowmobiles, Jeep wrote the book on 4 wheel drive and Minn Kota wrote the book on trolling motors...just my opinion. 8)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: arcadeangler on Jun 06, 2017, 08:53 AM
Ski Doo wrote the book on snowmobiles, Jeep wrote the book on 4 wheel drive and Minn Kota wrote the book on trolling motors...just my opinion. 8)
I gotta agree 100%
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 06, 2017, 09:07 AM
I have a 55lb riptide with ipilot that Ive been struggling to find the time to install.  Weekend comes around and my desite to fish trumps my desire to install...doh!
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: THEOZON on Jun 06, 2017, 09:31 AM
Put this on my Lund 17.5 . Maybe I'll get to use it this weekend. This weather SUCKS.


MINN KOTA ULTERRA 80/US2 24V 80LB 60" W/ I-PILOT
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 06, 2017, 09:49 AM
I have a 55lb riptide with ipilot that Ive been struggling to find the time to install.  Weekend comes around and my desite to fish trumps my desire to install...doh!
I think you need a sick day😷
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 06, 2017, 11:14 AM
I fished for many years with a bow mount Motorguide with no issues. I have a Minnkota iPilot now and it works great too. You cannot beat the anchor lock.

I actually miss the foot control sometimes. I used to do a lot of bass fishing and the foot control makes it nice to work a shoreline handsfree. Even working a dropoff jigging for eyes seemed easier with the foot control.

Just my .02
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Rugburn on Jun 06, 2017, 01:19 PM
I fished for many years with a bow mount Motorguide with no issues. I have a Minnkota iPilot now and it works great too. You cannot beat the anchor lock.

I actually miss the foot control sometimes. I used to do a lot of bass fishing and the foot control makes it nice to work a shoreline handsfree. Even working a dropoff jigging for eyes seemed easier with the foot control.

Just my .02


 For the right application the motor I have would work great as you stated. It's meant to be a positioning unit, not an unmanned trolling unit like the terrovas. Depends on what you want to do, style of fishing. FW-FB 46# 12V half price! Low hours!
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 06, 2017, 02:28 PM
In my book there is not a question which is better!
Minn kota with pilot hands down.. I'd will never buy another motorguide... spend the extra and go a 55lb thrust with a 24volt system.. more money for motor and for batteries, but will last you an entire day with no problems in the harshest conditions..


I agree with all of this, especially the 24VDC higher thrust setup.

I have the Terrova 80# w/ipilot on my Lund 1650 Rebel XL.
Love it.
Even added a second set of batteries for 2X the life while out.

One more tip - you can never have too much thrust.
Get the most you can afford and turn it down to a lower setting.
The batteries will last longer and you will then have enough to fight wind, current and waves.

Good luck.
Mac
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Rugburn on Jun 06, 2017, 03:19 PM
What length shaft for that Rebel Mac?
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 06, 2017, 03:34 PM
What length shaft for that Rebel Mac?


60"

My pal has a 1850 Polar Kraft Kodiak and the 60" on his is a little bit too short IMHO.
It pops out in waves over 2-3' occasionally.

Mine stays in the water all the time.  Of course I have 4 large deep cycle batteries up there too.

 ;D
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 06, 2017, 04:47 PM

60"

My pal has a 1850 Polar Kraft Kodiak and the 60" on his is a little bit too short IMHO.
It pops out in waves over 2-3' occasionally.

Mine stays in the water all the time.  Of course I have 4 large deep cycle batteries up there too.

 ;D


Mac you ought to check out some of the deep cycle agms out there for solar storage.  I am quite certain you could go to 2 batteries with equal amp hours to your 4 and save some weight.  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0087FBT3M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496785719&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=trolling+motor+battery+vmax&dpPl=1&dpID=51b4eD2DU%2BL&ref=plSrch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0087FBT3M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496785719&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=trolling+motor+battery+vmax&dpPl=1&dpID=51b4eD2DU%2BL&ref=plSrch)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 06, 2017, 05:39 PM
I am going to have to get one for the new boat. Just want to fish out of it some before I decide on bow or transom. But it will be a Minn Kota. Never used the electric on my old boat. Had 8hp 4s kicker on my old boat..h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 06, 2017, 06:38 PM
Always easier to pull than push with an outboard on a boat.  And control on a bow mount is 1000X better than a transom mount.

FYI
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 06, 2017, 06:45 PM
Mac you ought to check out some of the deep cycle agms out there for solar storage.  I am quite certain you could go to 2 batteries with equal amp hours to your 4 and save some weight.  

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0087FBT3M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496785719&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=trolling+motor+battery+vmax&dpPl=1&dpID=51b4eD2DU%2BL&ref=plSrch (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0087FBT3M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496785719&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=trolling+motor+battery+vmax&dpPl=1&dpID=51b4eD2DU%2BL&ref=plSrch)

I really appreciate your help on this
I'm going to sell the Lund in 3-4 yrs but will then be buying a couple pontoons.
So this info will be helpful

Again, thanks

Mac
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 06, 2017, 06:59 PM
I really appreciate your help on this
I'm going to sell the Lund in 3-4 yrs but will then be buying a couple pontoons.
So this info will be helpful

Again, thanks

Mac

The pontoon will probably perform better than a rig with 4 banks in the bow!   :D

Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 06, 2017, 07:16 PM
The pontoon will probably perform better than a rig with 4 banks in the bow!   :D



smarta$$   :D

Especially since it won't be used on the great lakes.

Lot calmer water.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 06, 2017, 07:33 PM
Have to have a sense of humor.  Some of those pontoons have outboards I lust after!  

Im installing the riptide tomorrow sans battery.  Ill get the quick release bolted on and install and wire the plug.  For what its worth Mac that same company makes some agms much larger than 27's. Also curious about what your total reserve and or amp hours is with the 4 you run?    

Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: saltr on Jun 07, 2017, 06:48 AM
Lots of great info guys. I really do appreciate the comments. Keep them coming. Thanks-saltr.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 07, 2017, 07:06 AM
Right now I am leaning toward bow mount, something with I-Pilot, follow the contour, spot-lock, etc.....I spend very little time fishing from the front of the boat. Backtroll a lot, drift a lot. I think I forward trolled about 2 hours all last season....h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 07, 2017, 07:50 AM
H2L , they are great units , Mine is a much older model , I also run group 31 batteries
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: bshirtd on Jun 07, 2017, 08:27 AM
I just upgraded from a minn kota 45lb to a 55lb on my 16 ft smokercraft just a thought better to have to much than not enough (strong winds would really make it struggle because it sits so high in the water. That being said with all the research on trolling motors I did I went with a minn kota powerdrive so I could upgrade to Ipilot when I could afford it. If it was me watch craigslist like a hawk and you will find one at a great price (paid $150 for mine).
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 07, 2017, 09:14 AM
H2L , they are great units , Mine is a much older model , I also run group 31 batteries

Nice those are sizeable!  I have 2 27's in back.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: paulyum1616 on Jun 07, 2017, 11:07 AM
minn kota, pending funds you wont be disappointed if you get more pound thrusts.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 07, 2017, 03:10 PM
Have to have a sense of humor.  Some of those pontoons have outboards I lust after!  

Im installing the riptide tomorrow sans battery.  Ill get the quick release bolted on and install and wire the plug.  For what its worth Mac that same company makes some agms much larger than 27's. Also curious about what your total reserve and or amp hours is with the 4 you run?    



All 4 are interstate.
Two 29's and two 31's.

The 29's have about 85 ah each
The 31's have about 100 ah each
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 07, 2017, 03:12 PM
Excellent thank you.  Mines a 12v 55lb so I hope 2 100ah in parallel will last all day.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: trapper2000 on Jun 07, 2017, 04:02 PM
I just point it the  direction I wanna  go  and  make  one of the grandkids or the  woman row
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Stonecat on Jun 07, 2017, 04:53 PM
I just point it the  direction I wanna  go  and  make  one of the grandkids or the  woman row
;D ;D
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ben+hur+rowing+scenes&&view=detail&mid=4B4FC2DCD3E06A7D2B864B4FC2DCD3E06A7D2B86&FORM=VRDGAR (http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=ben+hur+rowing+scenes&&view=detail&mid=4B4FC2DCD3E06A7D2B864B4FC2DCD3E06A7D2B86&FORM=VRDGAR)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Stonecat on Jun 07, 2017, 04:57 PM
Some good info here.https://www.trollingmotors.net/pages/technical-resources (https://www.trollingmotors.net/pages/technical-resources)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 07, 2017, 08:43 PM
Finally stopped procrastinating (fishing) and got it done.

 (https://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi758.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fxx225%2Fjon006%2F20170607_205024.jpg&hash=42055c6a6b465acdbdfad653af8e27b4) (http://s758.photobucket.com/user/jon006/media/20170607_205024.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 07, 2017, 08:56 PM
Very nice! It looks good in white.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: saltr on Jun 08, 2017, 06:40 AM
Nice Looking Install!
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 08, 2017, 07:26 AM
Thanks guys.  Now I just need a kicker and Ill be ready for King season! Saltz if you do your own install Id suggest the minn kota plug.  It had good clamps for the wires and is a twist lock so it wont pop out once plugged in.  The previous owner had the pin style plug and I've found those to be unreliable on my buddys boat.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: filetandrelease on Jun 08, 2017, 07:50 AM

Looks great , im sure your going to be happy with that unit
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 08, 2017, 08:56 AM
Looks great , im sure your going to be happy with that unit

Im looking forward to not having to fire up the looper to move 30 feet...that thing is loud. 
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 09, 2017, 07:29 AM
I am OLD so give me a break. I know nothing about computers or electronics. I don't own a cell phone, yet.
What I need to know,  Does the Minn Kota bow mount with the transducer built in and does spot lock, follow the track, follow the contour, etc, Does it have to have a fish finder hooked to it? Thanks,,,h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: reeleyz on Jun 09, 2017, 08:12 AM
I am OLD so give me a break. I know nothing about computers or electronics. I don't own a cell phone, yet.
What I need to know,  Does the Minn Kota bow mount with the transducer built in and does spot lock, follow the track, follow the contour, etc, Does it have to have a fish finder hooked to it? Thanks,,,h2l

I believe that the follow the contour features work with some hummingbird units. So to follow the contour you would need a certain fish finder. The spot lock feature does not require a fish finder though.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 09, 2017, 09:15 AM
H2L - go to these 2 links.

This link will explain i-pilot -

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/ipilot/ (https://www.minnkotamotors.com/ipilot/)


This link will explain i-pilot link -

https://www.minnkotamotors.com/ipilotlink/ (https://www.minnkotamotors.com/ipilotlink/)


There is a video on each of those 2 links that illustrate what each will do.
I have i-pilot on my Terrova.
I do not have i-pilot link.

The i-pilot allows you to run a course with the trolling motor, record that course, and then it can automatically take you back over the same course, front to back, or back to front.
You do not need to have a fishfinder/gps hooked up to it.

The i-pilot link does allow you to hook it up to a fishfinder/gps and will work to follow contours, etc.
Far more sophisticated system and more capabilities.

But watch each video on the 2 links above to get a better grasp on things.

Good luck.
Mac
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 09, 2017, 10:05 AM
Thanks Mac. I like all the features that I-Pilot provides and didn't want to have to hook up to the FF at the back of the boat. My Helix doesn't have Link and I don't think my accountant (wife) will approve a new one...lol....h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 09, 2017, 11:55 AM
The I-pilot is sweet and worth every penny
I use the autopilot feature to steer the boat while trolling
My honda kicker on the stern does 70-80% of the work while the bow mount pulls a little and steers the boat.
And we fish Erie for perch
That typically means deep
Hauling an anchor up in 70+ FOW gets old real fast.
So the spot lock anchor feature on the I-pilot is awesome.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 09, 2017, 04:20 PM
The kicker on the old boat made it very easy to troll and to hold in place but it was a real pain to always be reaching over to control it. If only Minn Kota would put I-Pilot on the Vantage it would be a perfect world....h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: saltr on Jun 18, 2017, 02:48 PM
Thanks Guys for all of your help and suggestions. I decided on a minn kota power drive 12V 50lb. thrust. Cabelas had a fathers day sale I took advantage of. I made a temporary stabilizer for the head unit until I see something better. Saltr. Probably an old question, but how do you post pics? Thanks
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 18, 2017, 02:52 PM

Probably an old question, but how do you post pics? Thanks




http://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/index.php?topic=769.0 (http://www.myfishfinder.com/fishing_forum/index.php?topic=769.0)
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 19, 2017, 07:56 AM
So I "tested" my riptide on the mowhawk yesterday when my main wouldn't start....8 or so miles back to the launch with 2 200ah deep cycles..it took a while!
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: FrankM on Jun 19, 2017, 08:38 AM
I got to test my Minn Kota Powerdrive with I Pilot on Lake Erie Saturday. I can't believe how long you can troll without hardly putting a dent in the battery. You would think it would suck up a ton of juice with all the steering it was doing. I love how you can set a bearing and just let the thing drive itself.  No noise, no smelly exhaust fumes, totally hands free. The cruise control is great too.  Could not find the walleyes this time. Couldn't even catch a sheepie. Can't wait to try the spot lock on perch.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: nitro09 on Jun 19, 2017, 09:23 AM
I fished for many years with a bow mount Motorguide with no issues. I have a Minnkota iPilot now and it works great too. You cannot beat the anchor lock.

I actually miss the foot control sometimes. I used to do a lot of bass fishing and the foot control makes it nice to work a shoreline handsfree. Even working a dropoff jigging for eyes seemed easier with the foot control.

Just my .02

I couldn't agree more. I bought my Lund a few years ago after owning bass boats for over 10 years. It came with a motorguide wireless and I have missed the cable steer since. I just bought a cable steer  motorguide and quick release mount. Now I can switch them out quick and easy. But If had to choose one it would be a cable steer.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 19, 2017, 09:42 AM
I got to test my Minn Kota Powerdrive with I Pilot on Lake Erie Saturday. I can't believe how long you can troll without hardly putting a dent in the battery. You would think it would suck up a ton of juice with all the steering it was doing. I love how you can set a bearing and just let the thing drive itself.  No noise, no smelly exhaust fumes, totally hands free. The cruise control is great too.  Could not find the walleyes this time. Couldn't even catch a sheepie. Can't wait to try the spot lock on perch.


You will love the spot lock.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 19, 2017, 09:49 AM
FrankM...just wondering what pound thrust, volts and on what boat....Thanks....h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: FrankM on Jun 19, 2017, 11:14 AM
I have a 1985 Grumman 16 foot side console.  With boat, motor and 3 fat passengers the total rig weighs 1875 lb. I got the 12 volt, 55 lb thrust, 54" shaft unit.  It seems to be plenty powerful enough. If the wind is too stiff to troll against I would just drift with the wind and use the electric motor just to steer anyway.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: hunts2long on Jun 19, 2017, 02:08 PM
Thanks Frank.....h2l
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: rondog on Jun 19, 2017, 05:38 PM
Doug
I'm running the IPilot 85 lb.thrust 24v auto deploy/stow ,it's a dream,I can run a full 8 hrs and have a lot left.The anchor lock holds great when I want to jig without using an anchor.The auto pilot and cruse control is amazing.You mentioned a unit that will follow contour, That's the Motor Guide and it will only work with a Humminturd FF,the snag is the only card it will read is the lake master and it doesn't cover any water in NYS.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: lowaccord66 on Jun 19, 2017, 07:19 PM
I went 8 miles yesterday with 55# riptide with ipilot running 2 200 amp hour deep cycles. Happy it got us back.  Doug even at the end of that miserable troll back I was doing 1.5 into 15-20 mph.  Without the wind 2.5-2.5mph seems to be the max with full battery.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Chowdaire on Jun 19, 2017, 08:59 PM
My terrova has ipilot and a foot pedal. Both are hooked up at all times and I can jump between the pedal and the remote. It's not cable steer but it's pretty nice.

The new ultrex is a power cable steer with spot and steering lock.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 20, 2017, 07:51 AM
My terrova has ipilot and a foot pedal. Both are hooked up at all times and I can jump between the pedal and the remote. It's not cable steer but it's pretty nice.

The new ultrex is a power cable steer with spot and steering lock.



Used the foot pedal only once in 4 yrs.
Because I left the remote control in the shed.
Since then I keep the remote on the boat and tossed the foot pedal into the shed.

Only use the remote.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Chowdaire on Jun 20, 2017, 08:47 AM


Used the foot pedal only once in 4 yrs.
Because I left the remote control in the shed.
Since then I keep the remote on the boat and tossed the foot pedal into the shed.

Only use the remote.

That's great. I cast from the front of the boat a lot so I use the foot pedal quite a bit. Tough to handle the remote when you're casting and reeling. But I do love the remote for spot locking, trolling, etc. Depends on how you fish.
Title: Re: Trolling Motor
Post by: Mac Attack on Jun 20, 2017, 09:07 AM
That's great. I cast from the front of the boat a lot so I use the foot pedal quite a bit. Tough to handle the remote when you're casting and reeling. But I do love the remote for spot locking, trolling, etc. Depends on how you fish.


Yea, fish Lake Erie for eyes and perch mostly.
I have thought that I might try SMB on the shoals and if I do will take the foot pedal.
Also, next year when I go back up to Canada I will take the pedal.
Up there we largely drift and jig for eyes.
Slow back trolling, etc.
The pedal will probably work better.
Not sure though as I have not used it much and not used to it.
Will still take the remote and keep it on the lanyard around my neck.
Just in case.

 ;D


When in Rome.............