Yet another Trolling Motor decision to make.

[JamesCoste]

I think I've settled on either the Minn Kota RT55/SC Bow Mount Hand Control Motor ( link $440) or the Minn Kota Riptide 55/B/H/ 3X-Steering Bow-Mount Motor - Latch & Door ( link $550) or the MotorGuide® Saltwater-Series Bow Mount Motor - 54HB 50" ( link $440) <br /><br />I have a "boatload" of questions.<br />1) For this type of boat, Glastron t-162,<br />

<br /><br />picture of bow on this page , should I expect any problems mounting the motor?<br /><br />Do I need a 52" or 42" shaft length?<br /><br />Anybody have any input into what is the best of those three motors?<br /><br />If you need more info in order to offer any advice, let me know.<br /><br />I finally told my wife I was buying a trolling motor whether she likes it or not (translation: she finally agreed after much begging on my part ).<br /><br />Once I buy a trolling motor, I get to decide on which depth/fish finder I want...

 

[SubSailor1]

Re: Yet another Trolling Motor decision to make.

Hi James,<br /> I just went thru that dilema also. If you go to the Minn Kota website it will show you how to measure what length of shaft you will need. I went with the Minn Kota Rip Tide with the 3X steering and I have to say I love it! Works great and also, right now Minn Kota has quite a few free give aways if you but one of their trolling motors. If you buy the Riptide with the 3x steering you get a free Boga grip, retail value $120. I'm glad I went with the riptide. <br /><br />From the picture you supplied it looks like you should be able to mount the Riptide. I mounted mine on a Sea Pro SV1900 and if you go to www.seaproboats.com and look you will seee that our bows look similar. Good luck and I hope this helps you.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Yet another Trolling Motor decision to make.

SubSailor1,<br />I'll check out their site to see how to measure the shaft length for my boat.<br /><br />I do like the Minn Kota Riptides. I like that boat of yours! Very nice. I agree, the bows are similar as far as how to install them. I'll do some measuring and see how it will install.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Yet another Trolling Motor decision to make.

I measured the distance between my bow and the water while in the river. It was about 14". The chart says I could get by with the 42". I want the 52" because I will be standing a bunch while fishing from the bow.<br /><br />The problem is that the 52" shaft for ( link $440) is sold out. They won't restock until Spring according to Cabela's.<br /><br />I can't find this particular trolling motor anywhere else on the web or I would buy it.<br /><br />If I can't find it, I'll shell out the extra $110 for the nicer one (linked in first post) that has the easier steering and better mount system.<br /><br />If anybody is bored and just happens to want to help me find it, that would be great! It is the Minn Kota RT55/SC Bow Mount Hand Control Motor (52") shaft.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: Yet another Trolling Motor decision to make.

Nevermind. I just got the Minn Kota Riptide 55/B/H/ 3X-Steering Bow-Mount Motor - Latch & Door. I was able to get the motor that is originally priced at $589.99 for $529.99. I'll also get my coupon for the free Boga Grip 130 (a $119.99 value). <br /><br />I'm just a little excited. It should arrive on November 23rd. That's Thanksgiving week and, trust me, I'll be thankful to have it. I'll be off that week and plan to break it in immediately.