36 Volt Engine Mount on a ~ 9000lb boat?

[sloch24]

Has anyone ever used one of the newer engine mounted 36v trolling motors on the back of a larger heavier boat for trolling (.5 to 2 mph)?

I have a 27' Wellcraft coastal 270 that I want to slow down enough to troll for walleye on Lake Erie.

I saw a boat at a show with an engine mounted Minnkota motor on the back, and wondered if it would push a boat like mine.

I would be mounting it on the back of a Volvo DP drive.

Here's a pic of my boat:

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 36 Volt Engine Mount on a ~ 9000lb boat?

Do you have room for three more very large capacity and heavy deep cycle batteries. Weight probably is not an issue since you gross 9000# already. You also then need a three bank on board charger of about 10 amps/output. There are a number of these configurations including separate 36 volt single motor units as well as single, dual and triple motor engine mounted units. I'm guessing the three motor engine mounted unit is what you need. For big water trolling you have a couple of better options: 1) a trolling plate or 2) a 10 - 15 HP gas kicker. Both would allow much longer range than any electric. The trolling plate is a fraction of the cost of any other scheme and the kicker would allow unlimited range and virtually any trolling speed. It can also be linked to the outdrive so it could be controlled from the helm. If you don't know what a trolling plate is they look like a hydrofoil that would be attached to the AV plate on the lower unit. In normal operation the plate is horizontal to the water and can actually help get on plane. When you want to troll you trip it to the down position and sits vertical in back of the prop thus limiting the thrust from the prop. When you get ready to go you flip it back up again.

 

[fishrdan]

Re: 36 Volt Engine Mount on a ~ 9000lb boat?

9000#,,, no way is that working with a 100# 36V EM troller. It might move the boat, but it's not going to work well. Boat will blow around, will be hard to correct course, etc, etc.

I'm with ST on the kicker engine being a better solution.

If the main won't slow down enough to troll, there are options. Trolling plate, drag a couple 5 gallon buckets or drift socks.

(BTW, I have a 70# transom mount TM on my 2500# boat for trolling,,, it's marginal.)

 

[sloch24]

Re: 36 Volt Engine Mount on a ~ 9000lb boat?

Thanks for the advice.

I'm not sure if they make a trolling plate for a Volvo DuoProp. I've heard that they have too much torque even at idle. I'm going to look into them though.

I would consider a kicker, but I don't see a decent way to mount it on my boat (see transom picture in first post).

I bought a couple of trolling bags (48" Amish Outfitters HD Bags), we'll see how that works when I get the boat in the water, it just seems like they're going to be a pain to use.

I have plenty of room for the batteries, but as Commander pointed out, will one of these be able to keep my boat on course? That's my question. I have a autopilot that I would like to use for trolling, and if I get blown around too much for the little motor to compensate, it won't work out.

Thanks again!