Bow mount trolling motor - 20 ft SC MA.

[fishstu]

I am looking to install a GPS bow mount trolling motor on my 20 ft SC MA.

Looking for recommendations and experiences on - brand, shaft length, power etc

Thanks

[strick]

I have a minn kota riptide 80 on my 20 sceptre...cant remember the shaft length I'd have to measure... plenty of power...anchor lock is a must have in my opinion... I think 24v is enough for the 20 seacraft and plan on doing something similar for my 20 ma.

strick

[esoxesox]

I run a '73 20 CC with a 24V 60" shaft, 80lb thrust Riptide. I upgraded to the head with I-Pilot to include the spot lock. With a pair of Interstate Group 27s (I think 27s), I can troll for a few hours at 2.2 MPH in calm conditions and it will run days if I am just at 0.2 MPH casting a break or whatever. 60" shaft length is plenty for me. I have fished in some pretty gnarly waves and it really never becomes an issue of the TM not working, just me getting tired of getting knocked around.

I agree the anchor lock or spot lock is a sweet deal. Mine is sketchy in very light breeze. It searches around for where it's supposed to be. If there is any steady breeze at all and even a decent wind, the thing holds tight to a spot. I was a skeptic until I took my kids out to fish crappies (yeah, I am in Minnesota) over a reed point on the windward side of the lake. I locked the spot down and the motor held the bow in the whitecaps and allowed us to flip jigs 15' behind the boat and not worry about anything.

Also, I added an on board charger right away when I got the TM. It was only a two bank charger. Nice but didn't hit the starting battery. I have since gone to the "smart" Minn Kota three bank charger so it keeps both TM batteries and the starting battery topped up all the time. Good for when I forget to switch off the damned Lowrance GPS antenna.


Scot

[fishstu]

Thanks for the reply's.
Sounds like 24v is plenty - was aiming for the minn kota ulterra - auto stow and deploy sounds nice - but after seeing how easy the new latest "assisted" terrova deploys on my friends boat, rethinking that the terrova might be the way to go. One less thing to go wrong - I have read that the latest gen ulterra are more reliable but all stuff breaks sooner or later.

[HatTrick]

Esoxesox - where did you place the batteries and how did you anchor them?

[fishstu]

I trying to find out how long Lithium battery's will power trolling motors from owners who have them.
Lithium battery's save a lot of weight and if a single 24v or 36 v Lithium battery has enough drain-down power it is a game changer.
36v Lithium 33lbs vs 3 lead 150lb plus, 24v Lithium 24lbs vs 2 lead 100lbs plus - in-addition one battery could be put under the console.
Its only money ..........

[DonV]

"Its only money .........."

Some bad news, my wife has figured this saying out!! SeaCraft projects = less money

[loon]

I run a 70# thrust. Usually it's fine, but I wish it was an 80.

[Rybones]

I have been widow shopping (stalking) the Rhodan GPS Anchor/ Trolling Motor. 24v, 60" 80# thrust. I want it to hold me over hard bottom in the Gulf and from what I've read it does that very well and is very well made.

[fishstu]

Defiantly decided on 24V 60" shaft, 80lb thrust TM with Lithium Battery(s).

I like the Rhodan GPS Anchor/ Trolling Motor. 24v, 60" 80# thrust which now can connect to Simrad FF/GPS units, which I have - nice feature but not essential.

I have been out on my freinds 23 JB with a Minn Kota ulterra - the ulterra is new and the auto deploy worked fine. The TM changed a .3 mph too slow drift ( tide against wind) into a 1.1 mph - made the difference between catching and not catching fluke.

But I would prefer not have the extra complication of the auto deploy function if possible and I like what I heard about the Rhodan TM.

But I am not sure the practicality of manually deploying and retrieving a TM mounted on my front upper deck/gunnel area. If the TM is mounted at the front I assume I would have to get up on the front upper deck area - if the TM is mounted to one side it would possible to lean over to get to the TM. The point of the bow is 40 inches from the back of the front upper deck area which is a 24 inch step up from the main deck.

In flat conditions no problem but I fish choppy LI sound spots with currents swirling around. I would like to hear from guys that have a similar situation and other advice.