easy troll plate

[fishin fanatic]

o.k.- now i am looking at a trolling plate--anybody ever use one of these?are they bad for your motor?has anyone ever put one on a large motor (200hp)?any info would help

[RJF]

It releases with a cable, right? I don't like the spring loaded ones. The spring holds the plate in the down position at slow speeds, and you lose a lot of control. Operating in reverse is almost impossible. I was in a river with current once and it was a bad experience trying to keep control of the boat. The ones that release, and lock in the up position do not have a bad effect on slow speed manuverability. In the middle of the lake it's not an issue. Alone side a dock or other boats, it can be.

That's my $.02.

[DRHUNTER]

o.k.- now i am looking at a trolling plate--anybody ever use one of these?are they bad for your motor?has anyone ever put one on a large motor (200hp)?any info would help

FYI I have two original Happy Troller trolling plates if your interested. They are like new and are rope release design. Had one on a 125 merc and the other was on 150 merc. Send me a PM if interested.

[SalmonBum]

Is this an OB? If you go with the Happy Troller, cut a 4" hole in the center. This will help with steering. Oh yeah, buy an extra plate. They don't last too long.

[Barfly]

I have a Troll-a-matic on a 70 hp Evinrude and it trolls down to 1.4 mph. It is the spring loaded plate and using reverse is a little tricky as stated, but it's worth it.
Tight lines.

[SalmonBum]

You many wanna look into re-propin'. Lower pitch will slow you down.

[pikeman1]

If you have a big motor you are better off going with trolling bags to slow your boat down.