have you used a trolling plate???--?

[roscoe]

I've been considering a trolling plate to slow my boat down a little. I've read the promo literature but would like to hear from someone that has used one. <br /><br />Would like to know how it affects handling/docking procedures, especially in reverse. What about backtrolling?

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

I had a 'Happy Troller" plate on a 150 HP Evinrude for years...works great as long as you don't take off with it down. There is another brand that is spring loaded that will go up when you get over a certain speed. No problem with boat handling at all. Have you considered trolling bags over the side? Their like mini sea anchors. Now, backtrolling is another story, haven't tried it.

 

[roscoe]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

Yes, have used the drift socks? a few times, and they worked ok as long as I was in open water. But most of my fishing is in smaller bays with stumps and shallow water.<br /><br />I probably shouldn't even consider a plate, as I drive a carbon prone Force. Seven years and not a single repair needed, just maintenance-including a few impellers.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

I don't need one, but my brother attempted to slow down his 15 hp Nissan on his 16' Alaskan with one. Did so well he can't run it at all, and, of course, they won't work at all in reverse. He's in the process of slowly cutting away parts; may end up drilling holes in it to get it working for him.<br />I told him he should have considered an electric motor on the bow. But, know-it-all little brothers....

 

[93evinrude]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

I know of people who had used the happy troller and were pleased with the results but you MUST remember to raise it before taking off.I wouldn't use it for backtrolling unless the manufacturer recommends it;I would suggest a drift sock for that application.<br />I would not recommend the spring loaded style as I used one and it effected control in reverse.The happy troller would be in the up position for reverse so no effect. <br />You will also be able to run a slightly higher rpm for trolling in some cases and that will help reduce the carbon build-up.

 

[roscoe]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

Thanks for your insights guys. I have the sewing machine on the front, which I use on day trips. <br /><br /> But I'm trying to get a better set up for my 2 annual trips to Canada. The resort runs on generators and does not allow battery chargers. I don't want to haul or listen to my portable generator. I will be hooking up a charging system to charge from the truck, but don't really want the truck running all night either. I have considered a small kicker, but don't really want to sit in the splash well all day to run it.<br /><br />Ideally I would buy one of those tele-kinetically propelled boats, but can't seem to find one.<br /><br />Thanks again, this will give me something to think about all winter.

 

[trollhole]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

Okay as an owner of a spring loaded trolling plate with a 96 90hp force I have to say it works great forward or reverse. I don't know where these other guys got there information but I have never had a control issue with backing. And I really have never had an issue with it backing up with some speed. By the way how fast do you need to go in reverse? As far as carbon Buildup I decarb my force about every 5th use. It's not hard and I just do it at the lake on the landing while I'm running the carbs out of gas. I can usually run the engine all day at idle speed with no problems. (which is about eight hours) <br />My problem with happy trolling plates are that I forgot all the time to put the plate up and would take off and snap the pin. And I hated running out of pins or having to replace one on a cold day out on the water and hated screwing around with that cable.<br />Just my point of view. As far a the guy who couldn't revese with one maybe he had it to close to the prop this would surely cause a problem.

 

[roscoe]

Re: have you used a trolling plate???--?

I figured they had to work for somebody, or they wouldn't still be selling them. They're cheap enough so maybe I'll just try one.<br /><br />If I don't like it, I can use it as a rain cap on my tractor exhaust.