Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

[sebago_kid]

OK, guys... I just bought a 21.5 foot wellcraft with a 260HP Alpha one in/out. I want to do some trolling, but have no clue on what would be most effective/cost efficient. I've looked at the MinKota engine mount trolling motors, but they're a bit pricey, at about 600-800 bucks. I was wondering if the trolling plates were a good idea. How can I tame that 5.7L beast to give me a nice slow troll?
I want to be at about 1-2 MPH.
Any help would be appreciated!

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

OK, guys... I just bought a 21.5 foot wellcraft with a 260HP Alpha one in/out. I want to do some trolling.....
I want to be at about 1-2 MPH......

A heavy trolling plate would work, but I would suggest that in combination with one of these.

That engine isn't really set up to troll but the above should help.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

The down and dirty method is to drag a 5 gallon bucket or a drift sock behind you

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

Ayuh,....

I usually just put my trim tabs full down,...
Other times,..
Hanging Big drift socks off the Bow cleats works real good...

 

[dodgeramsst2003]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

I trolled my old 24ft sea ray with a 351 down to 1-2mph no problem with a trolling plate by itself. Either get a couple of drift socks, or the trolling plate. No need for both really. Personally the trolling plate is less of a hassle when trying to land a fish unless you have some midship cleats to tie the socks to. Just don't forget to lift the troll plate up before heading back in..... don't ask how I know.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

Just don't forget to lift the troll plate up before heading back in..... don't ask how I know.

Ayuh,... That's what I've got against those things....

Adding midship cleats is much less work,+ won't cause near the Damage...

 

[sebago_kid]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

Ayuh,....

I usually just put my trim tabs full down,...
Other times,..
Hanging Big drift socks off the Bow cleats works real good...

I am getting a set of trim tabs installed at some point... I looked at the smart tabs trolling tabs, but they don't come in the horsepower/length configuration that I need
I'm thinking I might be better off to get a 3 to 5 HP outboard and a mounting plate, and linking it to the stern drive. probably would drink a lot less fuel, too!

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

Seabago;

You can use the ProTroller kit and although I may be prejudice, they are your best bet.

The trolling plates not only resitrict the prop but they restrict the steering as well. The bags or buckets are just plain cumbersome.

If you can use the ProTroller series It would eliminate the wansdering at slow speeds, reduce the trolling speed, and not interupt steering response.

http://www.nauticusinc.com/nauticus_pro_troller.html

You may need to use 80 Lb Actuators with this boat so I suggest you call us at 800-233-0194You can use the ProTroller kit and although I may be prejudice, they are your best bet.

The trolling plates not only restrict the prop but they restrict the steering as well. The bags or buckets are just plain cumbersome.

If you can use the ProTroller series It would eliminate the wandering at slow speeds, reduce the trolling speed, and not interrupt steering response.

http://www.nauticusinc.com/nauticus_pro_troller.html

You may need to use 80 Lb Actuators with this boat so I suggest you call us at 800-233-0194

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

...3 to 5 HP outboard and a mounting plate, and linking it to the stern drive. probably would drink a lot less fuel, too!...

That would be a good choice and backup power can be a handy thing. Before I got a newer more reliable engine I could have used an electric troller or something :redface: a couple times

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

That would be a good choice and backup power can be a handy thing. Before I got a newer more reliable engine I could have used an electric troller or something :redface: a couple times

I agree a kicker is a better answer than any of the above. Just try to get a 4 stroke. Nothing worse than trolling all day surrounded by 2 stroke fog.

I've got an old (mid 80's) 10hp Honda that trolls for days on the small tank of gas.

 

[MarkySparky]

Re: Trolling plate, or drive-mount electric????

One of my Navy buddies made his own mount for his electric trolling motor to piggyback the outboard engine on his boat. I'm going to do the same with mine, though mine is a Mercruiser I/O drive. Its adjusted so the electric's prop is out of water while on plane and in the water while slow. It is firmly attached to the outdrive so it steers along with the outdrive- no linkages needed!