Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

[nodima]

I am strongly considering upgrading from a transom mount to a bow mount trolling motor. The boat is a 16.5 foot aluminum V hull. Currently it has a 55lb thrust Minn Kota Endura, which provides plenty of power. Is there a real world difference in pushing vs pulling via an electric? Do I need to stick with the 55, or will I notice a huge drop in performance if I drop to a 40 on the bow? Also, how does one determine what the best shaft length is for a bow mounted motor? I can calculate the drop from the deck to the water, how far below the water is ideal? Is it necessary to have the prop at or below the maximum hull depth? <br /><br />How much nicer is having the foot control vs hand control on the bow? Well worth the extra money?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Kirk

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

If you were happy with the 55 on the back, you should stick with the 55 on the front. I have a 55 on the same size boat and would not go smaller. The big advantage of the bow mount is boat control. Its more efficient to pull the front end around. For shaft length measure the distance from the top of the bow to the water line. Add about a foot. If you regularly fish in rough water, the motor should be even deeper to keep the prop from surfacing. Go to MinnKota or MotorGuide web sites for more detailed information.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

Foot control is my choice since you already have a rod in one hand and an adult beverage in the other.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

If you have a seat on the front deck and usually sit down to fish, you definately want foot control. If you have a buttpad or nothing and usually stand, the long-handled hand control is probably better, with one or more bigfoot on-off switches. Although you can get pretty good at standing on one foot & running the T/M with the other, it'll tire you out.

 

[nodima]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

Thanks for the input--it is a standing situation on the bow, and balance is not my strong suit. I had emailed the query to minn kota, but had not received an answer. <br /><br />Kirk

 

[nimmor]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

I had a foot controled on my boat when I bought it. After using it one season I sold it and bought a hand controled bow mount. I do do a lot of standing and had a hard time keeping the motor going right. This of course is my opinion. Before buying this boat I always wanted a foot controled. If possible the best thing to do would find a friend that has a foot controled and see if they will let you try it out and see how you like it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

Cable operated foot controls do tend to require more foot action. MinnKota Power Drives don't wander and will stay where you set them so only an occassional tap from the foot is necessary to keep on course. I've owned all three and currently use a MinnKota. It too is not perfect but the benfits far outweigh the negatives.

 

[nodima]

Re: Trolling motor questions (bow Mount)

Funny follow up. Went out fishing this AM with a friend. As we finished up, there was another person pulling in front of us. Talking to him, somehow it came up that he had an Minn Kota AT 40 hand control slightly used. Asked what he wanted for it, and he gave me what I thought was a good price, so I bought it! <br /><br />Even though I caught no fish this AM, there was a reason I was on the water. <br /><br />It seems to be in better condition than my transom mount from last year. <br /><br />kirk