Trolling motor on deck boat?

[7lazy77]

Was wondering if anybody had one on a deck boat? I just purchased a 25' Chaparral & would still like to have an electric trolling motor for my fishing & as a "backup" if I have motor problems. I know it is a bit of a stretch with that size of boat & it won't pull it around too good, but very rarely do I ever continuously use it for over 10 minutes. Typically, I just use it to change course while drifting or to get in coves to avoid having to star the MerCruiser for short distances. Any suggestions on size? I found a good deal on a 70# 54" shaft MinnKota. Any help is appreciated.

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

110 views & no response!??

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

110 views & no response!??

The vast majority of boaters don't own either one (25' deck boat, or a trolling motor), so they don't leave a response.

An 80lb thrust motor will move it, but not well, 101 will do a better job and may do what you want. 80's are 24 volts (2 batteries) and the 101's are 36 volts (3 batteries).

The Minn Kota web site will help with shaft length, measure from the mounting point to the water line and go by their recommendations.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

I'm with ondarvr but for a backup I would consider a small kicker motor.

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

Thanks fellers, just was trying to get some general information.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

I hear that. I took my bass boat out a while back, across a small bay. With the outboard running at WOT it took about 10 minutes to cross but then the motor died. Fortunately I had a troller on the bow. Two hours later we arrived back at the dock. Better than a tow or having to sit there until whenever.

 

[cjjjdeck]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

I have a boat near your size (23' vs. 24') and have a bow mounted Minn Kota Terrova 24V 80lb thrust with a 60" shaft. Conditions permitting, I can get 2.5 to 3 mph out of it on full throttle. I don't really use it for trolling, more for maneuvering into and around fishing spots or work my way down a shoreline or dropoff. I also have a Mercruiser and like the idea of having the ability to maneuver under power if the main engine should have a problem. The 80lb is at the maximum thrust level for 24V, i could have gone to the 101lb thrust at 36V (I believe that the maximum thrust Minn Kota offers), but I really didn't want to have to go to 4 batteries on the boat. I use AGM batteries and three of them were heavy enough! I also needed the 60" shaft as the 54" didn't allow the motor to be deep enough to compensate for wave activity.

 

[7lazy77]

Re: Trolling motor on deck boat?

cjjjdeck....THANKS for your post! This helps clear up some of my questions. Thanks again!