How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

[MAXXIE]

I was going to post this in the Trolling motor section, but it's more of a general handling question (if in wrong section, sorry). Anyway, I want to add a trolling motor to my 17' bowrider w/O/B, I really would like to buy the small bolt to the motor type. I feel this would work best for my needs. Question is: How does this type of trolling motor effect the handling when running the O/B at higher speed? If you have one of these motor mounted trolling motors please let me know what you think. Thanks, MAXX

 

[4now04]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

They do work in many applications, but they do have their limitations. Cruise and top speed should be unaffected because the trolling motor and everything above the cavitation plate should be out of the water on plane. On the other hand, waves can cause the trolling motor to come out of the water as the bow of the boat pitches up and down. You control direction by turning the steering wheel which means that steering is somewhat limited as compared to a bow mount trolling motor. The trolling motor is mounted above the bottom of the boat which means that back trolling (trolling in reverse) will be limited by the trolling motor prop thrust being directed against the transom. This trolling motor will allow slower speeds, but less maneuverability or ability to hold a position than other trolling motors. Another consideration is that you might not be able to maintain directional control in a crosswind. I considered one for a while, but decided against it.

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

My main interest in this type is the intended use I have in mind. I want/plan on using this trolling motor when I enter a cove full of tied up boats that are just hanging out. I'll be able to just troll through at a very slow speed with out all the noise & smoke (at low throttle my o/b smokes heavy) without offending anyone, not that I've been told about it, it still bothers me. Wind & chop will not be much of a factor as well as the coves I'm referring to are well sheltered. I may use for fishing at times & fishing from the helm is not an issue because up to this point, that's what I've had to do anyway. This might seem quite a dumb reason to spend the $$ on this product, but I'd really get a lot of use out of it. In fact, I like a challenge & I'm considering fab'n up my own set up out of 2 older trolling motors I can pick up on the cheap. Might be a bust, but gives me a fun project to play with over the winter in the off season. I have done quite a bit of research here, the web & youtube on these motors & have picked up quite a bit of info. Next time I'll look it up first.. Just looking for someone who has been running one of these. Thanks, MAXX

 

[Watermann]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

Sounds like a fun project to build your own, I would just add to be sure the electric motor prop will clear the water when on a plane with the gas motor. Otherwise you'll spin the bearings out real quick at speed.

 

[4now04]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

Well, Maxxie. It sounds like you have an interesting project for the winter. It should work well in that situation and be at least reasonable for other uses. Best of luck on the project and let us know how it comes out.

In my case I did not have a good way to mount a bow or transom trolling motor, and clearance may have been an issue for mounting on the sterndrive. I gave several options on that boat a lot of thought over the 18 seasons I had it.

Happy Thanksgiving and best regards,

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

My main interest in this type is the intended use I have in mind. I want/plan on using this trolling motor when I enter a cove full of tied up boats that are just hanging out. I'll be able to just troll through at a very slow speed with out all the noise & smoke (at low throttle my o/b smokes heavy) without offending anyone, not that I've been told about it, it still bothers me.

Have you tried synthetic oil to reduce the smoke?

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

I have tried several different types of oil, "YamaLube" seemed to smoke the least, but it's also the speed, even at the lowest possible setting I'm still moving too quickly (for where I'm at with people, dogs & kids in the water) I would just feel safer with the trolling motor. I've been snooping on the manufacturer's web site's noting measurements & designs & feel I can do a pretty good job constructing my own. I've picked out some scrap stainless steel sheets at the shop I work at along with pipe clamps (to hold the trolling motor to the stainless brackets). I need to start looking in the local "paper shop" for a nice used 65# thrust motor to serve as donor for the project. Maybe I'll do a write up with pic's of the step by step build & post it up as a DIY project here on the forum if it comes out good.

Have you tried synthetic oil to reduce the smoke?

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: How will this affect the handling at higher speed?

It would be easier to install a Happy Troller...