Big boat Big trolling motor?

[Dahitman44]

Does anyone have a big boat?

We just got a trophy 185 and that is a change from the ol' 16 footer. How well will the 70 or 80 pound MnKota work? Haven't got the trolling motor yet -- just checking.

Also -- anyone use those mesh bags for bait. I don;t trust it with shiners -- think I will have a problem -- those shiners die so easily it is sick.

[Code-Man]

your going to get blown across the water. we have a 17.5 crestliner and our bow mount is the biggest you could go at the time without going 24 and We should have gone 24. Were so screwed when the wind catches us you'll want to go big or stay on small lakes.

[Paul]

Code Man,

Read my post reply to hitmans post about drift socks. I think you will like my idea.

Hitman,

I bought a 24 volt minkota last year with autopilot. I bought one with a rediculosly long shaft so I can see were it is pointing from the back of the boat. If you buy an autopilot make shure you spend a few extra bucks fora ram mount shaft holder to protect from bouncing up and down on the road. Autopilot dont like that much.

[BiffleFan]

Go as big as you can afford then go one size bigger.

[DEADhead]

hitman, talk to fisherdog, he's got an 80 in the front of 19 ft glass boat. it seems to work fine when I was along, but he'll give you a better idea of how it handles...

[fisherdog19]

I'm here, I'm here . The 80 AP w/ Univ. Sonar works just fine in my boat. One main difference with my boat (even though it is most likely heavier than yours) is that it sits deep in the water and my boat's sides don't stick so high out of the water. Even though I have more weight, which the 80 lb thrust moves around fine, the wind doesn't move me around at all. My previous big boat was an identical boat as yours, but a Lund 1800 Fisherman. I had a 65 lb thrust AP which moved the boat around fine, but the wind, like Code stated, was the big problem. With the tall sides, an lighter weight making the boat sit higher in the water, the wind will blow you around quite a bit; so if you're not trolling with or against the wind you will have a hard time staying on your mark. It doesn't matter how many pounds of thrust you get, the wind will still wreak havoc on your ability to stay on top of your spot. If you can put something on the back so that you can backtroll, you will have an easier time staying on structure. UNDER no circumstances get anything less than the longest shaft (no pun intended ) they offer. If you don't, and you are in a wind that bounces you up and down, your trolling motor will come out of the water all the time. Also, if you push the head of the motor all the way down you may run the risk of damaging the wires in the sheath as they are not meant to be bunched up if you can understand what I am saying. If you have any other questions, call me DUDE.

[Dahitman44]

Yeah, I think I might have some trouble in the wind. Anyone else have a big boats and has trouble in the wind?

[fishermatt]

There's an easy solution to your concerns about the wind and your big boat. It's called a "kicker"

[Dahitman44]

matt --

Yeah, I don't like the idea of a kicker -- may have to look at it if it doesn't work.

[Paul]

make sure you get a trolling motor with a LONG shaft.

[eyehunter]

Quote:

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make sure you get a trolling motor with a LONG shaft.

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It's nice to have a long shaft....at least that's what I've heard anyway, I don't have a boat.

[fishermatt]

What don't you like about a kicker? The extra power? The extra control? The security of knowing you have 2 motors in case your big motor breaks down? Just wondering. I have a bow mount auto pilot, but I only use it when the wind is light. I love my kicker, and would never have a big boat without one. I actually also have a transom mount electric, so there are 4 motors on my boat, 2 gas and 2 electric, and they all get used at some point.

[Dahitman44]

Sounds like you have a lot of motors ... Now I have motor envy.

My dad can beat up your dad.

I think I will consider that for the future -- might be nice.