I just graduated college and am moving back to Charleston. I got a 1999 Boston Whaler 14’ Dauntless with a 70 hp Yamaha from a family friend who did not use the boat anymore. Best graduation gift ever. I used to fish a bunch as a kid with my dad but as I got older he sold our boat because we were not using it. I am excited to have a boat to call my own and hopefully catch some fish on it this summer. The boat is prewired for a trolling motor (might need to be re-wired because it was never used and all the other electronics on the boat are shot??). I would like to get a trolling motor for the boat. Which one would you recommend? Keep in mind a low budget. Should I buy a cheaper one or save up my money and then buy a nicer one like a riptide with the ipilot? Is something like the ipilot necessary or simply a luxury item. Also, would like to get a gps unit or depth finder installed on the boat. Any recommendations for that? And one last question about the trailer…The trailer is shot. where is a place that does good trailer work? Sorry for the first post being tons of question. I will try to get some fishing reports up soon once I get the boat working. Thanks in advance.
I’ve heard from several sources that a fresh water TM will last a long time in salt if well cared for and that will save you some $$. I’d go for a simple tiller bow mount. The ipilot is great but definitely a frill. The late model hummingbird units are real nice.
Personally I suggest you get a freshwater version of Minn-Kota (I do NOT like Motorguide, they do not have a good reliability track record)---- just buy the zinc prop-nut/anode ($5 purchase) and plan on the mounting bolts rusting on you at some point.
However, regardless of what kind you buy, GET VARIABLE SPEED, not the 5-speed "speed coil).
I just bought this one and have used it about 5 times, it gets very, very good run time on the battery and I can compensate for any shift in the wind or current with just a twist, so long as I’m sitting close to it.
You are more than welcome to PM me, if you want to give it a shot on your boat, so long as I go with it. Mine is a transom mount. I mount it to the front of the boat since I have a standard aluminum soda can semi-V.
Moral judgment under girds the entire structure of laws and is necessary for the rational structure of any significant statute. The idea that our laws can stand independent of moral foundation is senseless.----- Albert Mohler.
Check the swap shop forum on this site and the classifieds on here as well. I have a Lowrance GPS/depthfinder listed and others have some listed as well. Sometimes you can find a good deal on stuff like that.
I have an older Motorguide III (3) 12 volt, foot controlled. I think it might need a variable speed switch, but works fine other than that. It’s not a salt water edition, but should work until you can afford a better unit. You can have it if you still need it? Greenville here, so I’ll have to figure out a way to get it to you. I also have a couple of Humminbird fish finders (no gps) that need a transducer or a power supply, if you’re interested. Let me know.
Congratulations on your graduation, and welcome aboard!!
…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!
Thanks for the advice. I will look into some freshwater trolling motors. Mixed Nutz I appreciate the offer. If I am up your way any time soon I will be sure to try and get in touch with you.
I have some money saved up. Would you spend more money on a fish finder/gps or a trolling motor? Also which one would you recommend I purchase first to assist in finding fish? Just to be clear for everyone, I have already purchased all safety equipment needed for trailering the boat as well as on the water. Now I am starting to buy the fun stuff to help me catch some fish
Hey redfish 1331, if you’re really ready to start catching some fish inshore, give Capt. Graham Hegamayer a call. www.SouthernTailCharters.com I learned more about finding/catching Reds with him, than I would’ve on my own in twenty trips! I think you’ll find a push pole is a better accessory than a trolling motor. And, if you’re fishing deeper than your rod tip will reach to the bottom, you’re way too deep. Anyway, good luck to ya’, and Keep me posted on the stuff I mentioned. I have a job in Columbia in a couple of weeks. Maybe we can work something out then, if not sooner.
…Politicians aren’t the “Oldest Profession”, but the results are still the same!!!
Agreed with Optiker and Mixed Nutz, sorta, if you combine what they said.
I’d get the trolling motor and push pole. Use the leftovers to get your fish finder. Decent Garmin dual-band fish finders are only $100 or so and will get you through until you can put the cash into something more costly. I use the GPS on my smartphone if I just need something to show me where I am in the waterway, where I’m going, and how fast I’m going. Google Maps works great as long as you pre-cache your spots.
Moral judgment under girds the entire structure of laws and is necessary for the rational structure of any significant statute. The idea that our laws can stand independent of moral foundation is senseless.----- Albert Mohler.
With that size trailer you should be able to buy all the parts you need from West Marine and make it a DIY project. I do all my own work on my trailer, just takes some time and they really not very hard to work on. Not much help on the trolling motor, as I am looking to purchase one in the future my self. I’ve had the Garmin 300c fish finder on my boat for a while and it works great. I didn’t need a GPS because I’ve been boating here my whole life, but went a head and purchased the Lowrance 3m gold gps from Marine Screens off the internet for running at night. It looks small, but it is great for what i use it for, and didn’t break the bank. I was skeptical at first, and then Hoofard said he has the same one and it works great for him also.
I would suggest checking out a local trailer shop, or someplace like Northern Tools before going to West Marine for parts. West Marine is kind of pricey on a lot of their stuff.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069
if you want a low cost trollingmotor for that boat, get a transom mount freshwater minnkota, turn the head around backwards, and get a 4"x4"x4" aluminum angle iron “bracket” for the bow
used one like that for years on my 13 whaler
worked great
Thank you all for the replies and help. I am about to get my hands on a trolling motor. Where are some good places that could install the motor for me? I want it done right, but not trying to pay a fortune for installation. The boat is pre-wired for a trolling motor - the connection points may be corroded.
I promise this will be my last question. The next time you hear from me will hopefully be a fishing report. As you can tell I am fairly new to this.
I should be getting my hands on a fairly new Minn Kota Riptide SE 12V 55lb thrust trolling motor. Would this be enough motor for my boat (14’ Boston Whaler Dauntless w/ 70hp Yamaha 2 stroke)? The boat hull weighs around 1000 lbs, plus 20 gallons of gas, gear, and motor.