Trolling Motor Recommendation?

brusk

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
May 4, 2010
Messages
80
17' 89 Ranger with 150HP outboard. It still has the original evinrude 12/24 on it and struggles. What is the recommendation on a new motor? I have a used Motorguide tour I was going to fix but realized they don't sell analog parts only the $350-400 to upgrade to digital and I have no idea what thrust it is just that it's 24v. I saw Motorguides and MinnKotas and the local Bass Pro Shop for not much more than that. I see all the BPS boats come new with Motorguides, are all the newer ones digital or would I have to worry about the same thing down the road of not being able to get parts.

I guess without rambling on too much I'm looking for reliability in the 400-600 dollar range and what the minimum thrust I should be looking at? I don't get to take the boat out much but I'm also thinking about resale if I ever do get rid of the boat.
 

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Trolling Motor Recommendation?

I have a Motorguide Wireless and absolutely love it! You can run the trolling motor from anywhere in the boat and you're not a slave to the front seat. The speed is variable with about 25 clicks instead of the 5 speed. The motor stays straight when you take your foot off of the pedal or lay the fob down to fight or land a fish.

I would go with a minimum of 55 lb. thrust, that's what I have on my 17' Tracker Deep V. I upgraded from the 46 lb. that came on my boat and couldn't believe the difference.

The 55 lb. is a 12 volt motor, but with the variable speed I can troll for crappie for 2 days on a single charge while a buddy of mine that has a 16' Tracker bass boat and a 46 lb. 5 speed motor has to take 3 batteries with him for a single day.

All the guys on the water and at the ramp that have the cabled foot control motors that see me operating my motor from the console or back of the boat say I'm cheating.:D
 

stevtech

Cadet
Joined
Aug 22, 2010
Messages
20
Re: Trolling Motor Recommendation?

Motor guide with foot pedal came with my FM165. I hated it but then I got the hand control and now I like it. I could never get the control I wanted with the foot pedal.
 

Star

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
481
Re: Trolling Motor Recommendation?

Only one vote for Minn Kota AP55 with wireless co pilot modual? Have it on a 14' Starcraft for 6 years.
DO NOT get anything without a compass or gps in it!!!! I know that it is expensive but the advantages are tremendous! Hock your wedding ring or something. The cost amertized over 5 or 6 years is nothing.
Very good company that supports there products.
 

Socal Pat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 1, 2009
Messages
137
Re: Trolling Motor Recommendation?

I just installed the Terrova with I-Pilot on my 17' Tracker. This thing is the Shiznit! Like the Motorguide mentioned above it also has a hand control which I love, but the GPS controlled unit has some great features. The best is 'spot-lock". I never have to use an anchor again! Just hit one button and you are held in place by the troller. You can then fish in other places and if you want to return to that great spot just hit the recall button and the boat will take you back to that spot all by itself (within 3/4 mile). You can also troll a shoreline and record your route, then repeat. Now, have a snack and sit back while the boat steers itself over that route. Pretty cooooooool!!
 

Beeched

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 22, 2002
Messages
110
Re: Trolling Motor Recommendation?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Minn...at_Parts_Accessories_Gear&hash=item2eb615cb07

Try this link. It is a 50PD 50lb thrust at a very good price. You can also get a copilot or i-pilot for it for remote control (other than the foot pedal). It does have a long corded control that you can move all around the boat. If you get an i-pilot for it at about $350 to $400 you can have the same functions listed below. I just ordered on of these to replace my burned up 55PD

Good boating and fishing to you
 
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