Does anyone have experience with Minn Kota’s engine mounted trolling motors? Or other brands? How do the effect the outboard perfomance, etc? I am looking at a 101 lb thrust Minn Kota for my 19’ center console and would love to here some opinions!
Brent
Don’t know anything about them but have read some stuff about them. Looks to me that they mount above the cavitation plate so they are out of the water when you power up on the big motor.
Ya- the website makes them sound great, but I would like to hear what some real users think. Your right about the cavitation plate- according to their website it will only work with a 13"+ clearance from the cavitation plate to the water. I just dont know anyone who has tried one of these…
[quote]Originally posted by StriperKiller
Ya- the website makes them sound great, but I would like to hear what some real users think
and there probably are none of those in our parts.
i dont believe its a better mouse trap
It is a lot easier to maneuver a boat at low speeds from the bow then from the stern.
outboard mounted trolling motors = poor control + restrict shallow water access by needing the outboard trimmed down.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
as hairball and local dude said. bow mount for all the right reasons. unless you are just gonna use it for slow trolling in the deep water as a kicker type engine.
jan
Thanks for the opinions everybody- I really like the idea because it would de-clutter the bow (I already have a bow mount). I also like the idea of being able to steer w/ the wheel (not the tiller handle). But I have read some of the same concerns posted here, so I am still unsure. Also, I wonder if it would cause drag when the boat is underway?
Brent
Don’t do it. My experience echoes all that has been said. Hard to control in the wind. Can’t go any shallower than the big motor will take you. If you are not convinced that you should not do this, I have one that I took off of my 19’8" whaler that I will sell you. I wasted the better part of a grand. I could have bought several Stratics with that cash. Better option look at Birdsail Marines deck mounting system for the bow. Small footprint. Buy a transom mount motor and turn the head around. Bow rail may still be a problem however. Possibily rotate into storgae position and then elevate the shaft. (If you have ever had a transom mount MinnKota you will know what I am describing). There is an engineering opportunity here.
I believe I remember seeing some on Marsh Grass on Coburg Creek. I think Capt. Marsha Hass posts to the offshore forums every now and again. You might send her a PM.
17’ Henry O Hornet
w/ Johnson 88spl
get one and let us know how it pans out.
Check out the navigator brand before you buy they are half the cost and more motor than Minn Kota! they do have good and bad points but if used for what they were designed for the are great I use them to slow troll and to chase bait with out spooking them just be sure not to under power! make sure you have enough to fight wind and current any thing over 16 feet go with a 24 volt system with a varible speed control!
Raggedy Azz 17ft Boat With A Blowed Up Motor But Still Wining Money!!!
The slick setup is the Lenco Troll’N Tabs …
http://www.lencomarine.com/trollntabs.html
T-Topless@RNR-Marine.com ______________________
Wow- that is one hell of a set-up! It looks like it would turn my boat into a video game! I wonder what it costs (I dont see a price on the website)?
the ones posted above are $2400 at west marine i do like the concept
libra
quote:
Originally posted by jaybirdthe ones posted above are $2400 at west marine i do like the concept
$2400 and dont forget installation costs
you will have almost 3 grand in a set of electric motors that have been proven to suck
congratz
Hoppy’s right!