Rigging "new" boat. What would you do?

[The Chemist]

I just bought a 2002 Sportfish 1850 and before I take possession I want to make sure it has what I need. The boat will be used as a family fishing boat and for walleye fishing.

I am having a helix 7 di/gps installed. 

It has a Minnkota 55 power drive on it. I would like to have a remote to run the trolling motor and possibly the ability to track a depth range.

 

Question is which Minnkota will get me those options and also is a 55lb too small for the boat?

 

Another question would you install one of the minnkota deckhands? If so front back or both?

 

I would appreciate any input.

 Thanks!

[papadarv]

I have the Sportfish 1750 1999 going on 4th season great boat, yours should also be awesome, welded no rivets to leak. Lockable rod locker OK for storing rods between outings, not easy to get rods in and out. I put a 6 rod vertical holder on the back when fishing. Fuel tank on bottom center is really nice. Handled 4' to 5' waves extremely well on Ottertail on two occasions. I have a 2 stroke 115 Merc.

Minnkota 55 power drive V2 does have the capability to add the I-piolet and should be compatible with your helix 7 di/gps to achieve the "follow the contour" and I would defiantly go for it, but it does need to be the V2 version. 

 I have the Minnkota 65# Auto Piolet but added the Co-piolet which gave me the multi button remote control. Not capable of I-Pilot "follow the contour", wish I had it.  It is very adequate in waves 2 feet or less. Anything more than that I wait for a better day.

I would not go with the minnkota deckhands unless you anchor a lot. The I-Pilot has an anchor feature that will hold the boat in a fixed position. Just need to figure out how often you need to pull the anchor up.

Since Minnkota was bought out by Johnson Outdoors along with Humminbird and Lake Master in 2012, I am not sure if they still support the Power Drive V2 with I-Piolet. Google "follow the contour" for latest details on what they are doing with I-Piolet.

 

 

 

[delcecchi]

8 hours ago, The Chemist said:

I just bought a 2002 Sportfish 1850 and before I take possession I want to make sure it has what I need. The boat will be used as a family fishing boat and for walleye fishing.

I am having a helix 7 di/gps installed. 

It has a Minnkota 55 power drive on it. I would like to have a remote to run the trolling motor and possibly the ability to track a depth range.

 

Question is which Minnkota will get me those options and also is a 55lb too small for the boat?

 

Another question would you install one of the minnkota deckhands? If so front back or both?

 

I would appreciate any input.

 Thanks!

55 probably marginal if you fish big water or wind.  

 

You need to decide your loyalty.... Lowrance/Motorguide or Minnkota/humminbird.  (although you can be a maverick like me and have minnkota and lowrance.   Look at xi5/pinpoint or terrova/ipilot/ipilot link)    I'm not sure that garmin has a trolling motor thing. 

 

[gunner55]

If you decide to change the electric troller & want to save a little $, you might look into a rebuilt 1. Someone here(DLD ?) just put together a rebuilt MK from Cabela's & a I pilot head for about $800. Just do a search for used trolling motors. Open Water Forum(?) . I wouldn't go with the deckhand either

[Tom Sawyer]

23 hours ago, The Chemist said:

I just bought a 2002 Sportfish 1850  

 is a 55lb too small for the boat?

Yes it is..........

[gunner55]

We have a pd 55 on our 02 FH 1750 & if there's much wind, it can be a struggle. We do a lot of slip drifting then generally but we also have a 24 volt 70# for the transom. Much better to have extra power & not need it than vice versa.

[Tom Sawyer]

On 4/17/2016 at 8:25 AM, The Chemist said:

I just bought a 2002 Sportfish 1850 and before I take possession I want to make sure it has what I need. 

 

I would appreciate any input.

 Thanks!

Is your boat set up as a 24 volt or 12 volt system? Does it have an on board charging system? 

[BartmanMN]

I have the same boat, but 2004.  Mine has a 65lb, 24v Power Drive2.  I think you could get buy with a 55lb if you want to try it before buying a new one, but it is undersized.  If you plan on fishing any big water with waves, then you would want even more power.

Nice choice of boat, your family will really enjoy it.

 

[The Chemist]

Thanks everyone for the input!

 So I was originally buying a helix 7 di/gps to be installed, but in checking compatibility with I pilot link it wasn't going to work. So I changed to the helix 9 si/gps kvd, and I am also having the terrova 80 w/60 in shaft installed. Now I just need to pick up the cards for the helix. 

I had both the helix and the terrova installed for $350. Fair price?

 

Tom Sawyer, I believe it was set for 12 but I wasn't able to check as it was already moved of the floor and back to service. It does have an onboard charger but it may only be a 2bank if the the trolling motor is 12v.

 

Can't wait to have it on the water in a week and be able to fish from a boat for the first time since July 2011.

[gunner55]

I don't think you'll regret going with bigger MK. Not sure about the installation price as we've always done our own. 

[delcecchi]

Who paid for the batteries for the trolling motor?  If going to a 24v from a 12, there were two batteries needed, or one for sure (matched set is better for several reasons).  I would have said 350 is a little high if no stuff like batteries and cables was included, but I don't really know what is involved and how hard routing the various wires and cables is on that boat. 

[Northlander]

I would go at least 70# 60" shaft on it. I have a 70# powerdrive with co pilot for sale if you want it. 60" shaft. Just had it looked at and fixed anything that looked like it may need it. Ill let it go for $350. In Duluth/Superior. I stepped up to a 80# Terrova with I pilot.

[busse3775]

Is the only difference between the powerdrive V2 with ipilot and the terrova with ipilot that the terrova has that universal sonar? Looking at buying a new trolling motor with Ipilot and would like to save a little money and just get the powerdrive V2 with ipilot, I also like the release system better on the powerdrive.

[Northlander]

I have a 70# Minnkota powerdrive with co pilot and 60" shaft that I will sell for $500 OBO. Just put a new Terrova on my boat. 24 volt system but it will go forever.  [email protected] or 218-3four8-55threetwo   Steve

[The Chemist]

Well i like the setup although i haven't had a chance to use the trolling motor yet. Been running raps so using the big motor.  

So now I'm trying to determine the best way to securethe trolling motor when on the lift. I have a master weather proof lock currently on there but what has anyone else done?