Electric motor size and brand help needed

Post by **dh99** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:33 pm

My birthday is coming up and my wife said she would pay for an electric motor for my 16.5 foot lund Explorer.

I am looking for a bowmount electric motor, mostly fish for walleye and would like the electric to allow me to slow troll harness or to keep my over a spot while jigging.

My biggest question is do I go with a 55lb thrust ( 1 battery) or a 70lb thrust ( 2 batteries)? If I go with a 24 V systeme that means 3 batteries in the boat (2- elect. motor and 1 for my anc equ. and my maint motor), a lot of extra weight for my 50 HP.

What features should I consider, People mentionned the Minn kota Autopilot and the co-pilot. Le baron has the wireless Motorguides reasonable price, I think or should I stick with the minn Kota. The new terrova is nice but out of my price range.

Any opinions would be great.

Thanks

DH

Post by **toobinator** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:29 pm

Denis: I would definatley stick with the Minn Kota. If you are going into weeds at all, the MK will by far out perform the Motor Guide. As well, the service for the Minn kota is better than the Motor Guide. I have sold both in the past but now just carry Minn Kota

As to power, go with as much as you can afford. The 70 lb 24 volt system will operate much longer between charges than the 55 lb 12 volt. Let me know if you need more information or pricing.

Ed

Post by **dh99** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:05 pm

Thanks Ed

I appreciate the honest answer,I did some research and I heard the same thing about motorguide.

I am still undecide about the 12 or 24 V unit. I currently have 1 battery that is used to start my motor and run my electronics on, it is charged by main motor when it is in use.

If I go with a 24 volt system, can I use the 1 battery I already have and add an extra battery if so I am guessing the batteries should be side by side. I am trying to figure out where I can put all these baterries....

I better off using 2 seperate batteries for the trolling motor if I go with a 24 V unit.

Once I decide what I want to buy, I will send you a message about pricing.

DH

Post by **Scumking** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 9:33 pm

Denis, The 24 volt is definitely better in the weeds as well.I have the 12 volt MK 55lb power drive on my 16 ft legend and when you're in the real thick weeds its adequate at best

. The only thing I like is that on calmer lake waters with the long cable I can sit back it the driver's seat and quietly troll for Walleye

.

Have you been out on the Memphre ice yet?

Ron

Post by **beachburger** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:11 pm

If I go with a 24 volt system, can I use the 1 battery I already have and add an extra battery if so I am guessing the batteries should be side by side.

In theory you can use your starter battery but you should use 2 separate batteries for a 24V system. You will get better performance and longer life using two batteries of the same size that are charged and discharged at the same rate. Also, you will always need to disconnect everything but the trolling motor from the battery that powers your electronics and starts your engine when recharging both the batteries. I would also recommend getting a dual bank onboard charger to keep the TM batteries charged up. I've been using MinnKota charger for 3 years now and it's worked fine. I think the charger was around $100.

Doug