Well we finally made a move on the Bulls Bay 151. First boat we’ve had that we need to rig a trolling motor on. A couple reference site/articles suggested a 35 lb thrust motor as a minimum. We typically fish 2 with minimal gear and we are considering a 55 lb motor. Is this overkill? How long can we anticipate the battery lasting (12v)?
We are looking at the riptide motor. Any thoughts/suggestions?
Thanks!
I think a 55 would not be overkill. Actually the extra oomph would be nice if you have to move against a strong tide. On a 16’ skiff 55 will hold you in strong current but not make any headway.
I run group 31 batteries and I can do all day on 1 battery off and on use. I like to poll when making little movements on a school, so I might not have the best comparison for you.
The riptide is an excellent choice in any variety.
2000 McKee Scoundrel 160, Honda 75hp
rip tide 55 is the perfect motor for that boat
you willl get many hours of fishing time, because you wont have to run wide open just to move
Great, thanks for the replies! Lookin forward to fishing this boat…if you were at the boat show, it was the Bulls Bay 151 with the poling platform that Barrier Island Marine had on display. Should have it back in a week or so with everything rigged up.
Congrats!!! That is a SWEET looking boat!!!
Greg, Sweet ride…congrats!
I have a riptide 55 on my Whaler 13 and I wouldn’t go any less. Bought mine from Chris V
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.sswaonline.com
Recently added a riptide 55 to my little 144 Stinger. Trolling motor has already brought me several miles back to the ramp after thermostat failure. You should be able to run riptide on max speed continuous for four or five hours on a fully charged battery. Careful though, it has enough power to throw you over the side if you are standing on the front deck and riptide is turned perpendicular to the boat.I just about went in the drink yesterday.
Thanks guys, I’m excited about this one and I can’t wait for it to be ready.
I have a 151 too, Greg. You will love it. Rides great and is very dry for a boat that size.
I have a Minnkota Riptide 55 and it is all that boat needs.
I have a 55 on my 17 Wailer some times I wish I had an 80! wind and tide some times makes it strugle!Be sure to buy good batterys and a good charger!
Awesome LCBoy, I can’t wait…i’m on pins and needles.
Boatpoor - getting the onboard charger installed, already got it covered
You could save yourself a lot of money by using the fresh water minn kota. I am on year 7 and it still runs great. I use a 40pd on my 17 foot 2005 Trophy which is a lot heavier boat. I typically use it for positioning the boat not to go anywhere. I typically drift the tide. The seals on the motor do not know if it is fresh water or salt water. My paint has chipped a little from the oysters, but so did my riptide. I did special order a lead propellor screw to prevent corrosion. I do keep it in my garage and am religious about washing it after every trip so that has helped too.
17 Trophy-Merc 90