Engine Mount Trolling Motors... good or bad?

[jennis9]

Anyone using an engine mounted trolling motor?

Seems like a great idea, but would like to get some feedback before we dive in and buy. Here's our setup: we have a 20' bowrider I/O with a 9.9 merc ouboard as our troller - with an easy steer. we would like to mount this on the 9.9. the only problem may be clearance - but we'll investigate that before we buy.

Would love to hear pros and cons before sinking another $500 into another toy!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Engine Mount Trolling Motors... good or bad?

I'm confused -- why do you need the electric when you have a 9.9 for trolling. By adding this motor you now need another deep cycle battery which adds even more weight. That motor in 12V form will have 55# of thrust maximum. For a 20 foot boat that's marginal at best, especially in the wind. If you go 24V you now are placing additional stress (weight) on the motor plus you now need two additional deep cycles.

I think those motors are intended to be mounted on much larger engines. The AV plate on the 9.9 may not be stout enough or large enough to handle the weight or abuse the motor will put on the motor. If this is a trailered boat I would be very concerned about the weight on the little motor.

 

[rndn]

Re: Engine Mount Trolling Motors... good or bad?

I agree with Silvertip and also will add you will get much more control with a bow mounted trolling electric motor than you will by adding one to your kicker.

 

[JB]

Re: Engine Mount Trolling Motors... good or bad?

I would never even consider it on a boat on which a conventional troller/positioner could be mounted elsewhere.

As far as a boat that big that already has a kicker for trolling I would wonder what in the world you would use it for. A conventional motor could be used for positioning, but that thing seems serious and expensive overkill for trolling.

 

[jennis9]

Re: Engine Mount Trolling Motors... good or bad?

you guys were right - we tested a 55lb thrust last night. took off the 9.9 and mounted it to the motor mount. it sucked.

while we liked the idea of trolling silently and would like to go to electric lakes - this is not an option for our setup - not worth it.

the electric motor goes back to the cousin - today. thanks for the advice.