I am in the market for a new trolling motor. With my current used motor, I spend more time trying to control the boat then I do fishing.
1. Will a 12 volt motor be enough for a 14 ft. bay boat?
2. What would be the easiest way to control the motor. Do the remote controls work, and are they worth it?
3. The stern mount motors are much cheaper. Do they work for inshore fishing, or do I need a bow mount to pull the boat?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Stinger-144, 50 Yamaha 2 str
Good luck with your search. I have a 12 V system with my 17’ bay boat and it is plenty. 24 would always be better but I just didn’t have the room for the extra battery. I fished about 6 hours the other day and still had half a battery left. I have the Minn Kota SP model with remote control, and absolutely love it. I also just bought the cordless foot pedal and it works great too. The nice thing is that you can use them both at the same time. I use the remote when I am sight fishing and use the foot pedal when I have a fish on. I do wish I had the Auto Pilot feature where you set the direction and the motor accounts for wind, current, and keeps you straight. It was just a little out of my range at the time. I would go with the bow mount motor. Always heard that it is easier/beter to pull the boat rather than push it with a stern mount. Hope that helps.
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
you do not want a stern mount, unless you have a 12’ jon boat in a pond
12volts and 55 pound thrust will be plenty
I’m now at www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
Thanks for your inputs. That is what I was hoping for. I currently have a 24 Volt motor and I could stay with 24 volts but on such a small boat, I would like to get rid of one of the batteries. Three batteries is a crowd.
Stinger-144, 50 Yamaha 2 str