Bow-Mount Electric Trolling Motor

[bripow]

Looking for a local place who has competetive prices on purchasing and installing an electric bow-mount trolling motor on my 17' Lund.

Thanks.
BP

[Leakypipe56]

I would give Dave @ http://lockemans.com/ a call. Fair and honest place for all your needs.:) Thats my opinion

[ESOX]

They are really a piece of cake to install, even for the mechanically declined.
There are just a few things to keep in mind.
1) Buy a MinnKota.
2) Don't buy a Motorguide.
3) Buy a MinnKota.
4) Buy more thrust and a longer shaft than you think you could ever possibly need. Then your motor will only be deficient once in a while, like when the fish are going nuts in the 3' waves on a wind beaten shore..
5) It might seem like an expensive option, but I swear by the autopilot.
6) Did I fail to mention that I have never had any luck with Motorguides, but love Minn Kotas?

[jpollman]

I agree with ESOX completely !
(although, I'm not entirely SURE about the absolute NEED for autopilot ;))

I'm currently in the market for a new bow mount and will be getting one very soon. I've found that if you go to Cabela's online, you can pick up Minn-Kota factory refurbished units at a greatly reduced price. This is probably the route that I'm going to take.

I see that you're in Troy. I'm in Rochester which is just a stones throw away. If you find one that you want to buy I'd be more than willing to give you a hand installing it if you'd like. Heck, if you don't even want to do it at all I'll do it for you cheap. :)

Let me know.

John

[ESOX]

I agree with ESOX completely !
(although, I'm not entirely SURE about the absolute NEED for autopilot ;))



I'll catch fish, you concentrate on boat control. ;)

[jpollman]

I'll catch fish, you concentrate on boat control. ;)
LOL
I just KNEW that would draw a response ! :lol:

[bripow]

thanks for the info guys....one quick question, i assume you have to buy batteries seperate, any other accesories that do not come with the motor that i will need?

[scottyhoover]

mainly river fishing in current = cable drive

mainly trolling, cruising straight shoreline = power drive w/AP

[kbkrause]

mainly river fishing in current = cable drive

mainly trolling, cruising straight shoreline = power drive w/AP

Why? Responsiveness?

[scottyhoover]

Yes, responsiveness. General concensus amongst the walleye guys I know.

[jpollman]

I believe that's the reason Kevin.

I was chatting with someone the other day and he's got a Minn Kota 65 Power Drive and he says that he hates it. He wants to go back to a cable steer. I had a cable steer and I hated it and want the electric steer. I think it is the response time. I'm sure that the cable steer respond faster to control inputs but I don't generally fish the river and am almost always in a lake so I'm going for the electric steer.

John

[bripow]

yeah i already have a trolling motor on back for the lake, will use the electric strictly for the river, so i guess i should go with the cable drive.

[ozzgood2001]

not just walleye guys! look at any and all proffesional bass fisherman working crazy shorelines for bass can be much better for a cable drive. the pedal itself on a cable drive is much more user friendly. unless working open water a cable drive is the way to go. i wish i had stayed with the cable drive....im the minn kota 65 ap guy jpollman speaks of anybody wanna trade a cable drive 24v 60 lb thrust or better for a minnkota autopilot!! dont get me wrong the powerdrive is a great motor but only for the person that will use where it shines

[bripow]

just checked out cabelas....they have a 52" shaft w/ 55lbs thrust, 12v...will this suffice for my 17' Lund?

[jpollman]

That will be perfect for your Lund.

As I said before, if you don't feel comfortable mounting it just drop me a line. I'd be glad to give you a hand or do it for you.

John

[bripow]

i appreciate that JPollman...i will see what it looks like when it arrives and i just might drop you a line !


That will be perfect for your Lund.

As I said before, if you don't feel comfortable mounting it just drop me a line. I'd be glad to give you a hand or do it for you.

John

[bentrod]

just checked out cabelas....they have a 52" shaft w/ 55lbs thrust, 12v...will this suffice for my 17' Lund?

NO, I have a 17 Lund, Mr Pike with a Minn-Kota 65 Auto Pilot, w/co pilot, it does just fine. I used to use a 12v 50 and ran out of battery almost every time out.

If I were to get another it would be the biggest 24v AP, W/co-pilot they make. I say 24v because of the battery set-up in my 17 Lund, otherwise it would be 36v. Get a long shaft, you can always shorten it up, but making it longer is very difficult.

The Auto Pilot works very well in conjunction with the kicker on the back for trolling. Set the AP up front and the kicker will follow. This will also work with co-pilot, do all your stearing from the front.

If you troll a lot use the MK AP, if mostly bass fishing use the PD.

bentrod