zildjian Posted July 25, 2012 Posted July 25, 2012 Hey Guys, I'm thinking about adding a Power Pole to my Bass Tracker 190TX Having a hard time deciding which one to buy. You guys recommend any model or size? Also would I have to add a battery or does it run off the current two that came with the boat? Thanks, -Zildjian Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted July 25, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted July 25, 2012 Get the Sportsman model. You won't need an extra battery for it. It will run off one of your existing batteries without any problems. Have fun! Quote
zildjian Posted August 1, 2012 Author Posted August 1, 2012 What about the Minn Kota Talon vs power pole? Quote
Chris W Posted August 4, 2012 Posted August 4, 2012 The power pole is better than the Talon. In my opinion I have a talon on my aluminum boat and wish I would have gotten a power pole. How much room in your back storage compartment is the biggest deciding factor in which one you will buy. Also you do not need 2 of either of them I only have one on each boat. But if it is windy you will have some sway in the front of the boat with only one. You do not realize how nice they are to have until you have one. Quote
zildjian Posted August 7, 2012 Author Posted August 7, 2012 i don't have much room back there... do all the power poles series use the pump? Quote
zildjian Posted August 8, 2012 Author Posted August 8, 2012 this is all the room i got, which is in the very back section directly underneath the motor. think this will be enough room for a PP Pump? Quote
Nice_Bass Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 I would say learn to use a drift sock and save money. Quote
jeremyt Posted August 10, 2012 Posted August 10, 2012 My buddy just installed a talon on his boat, I'm not saying this to start a pp vs. talon war. The talon was just an easier fit for his boat and less costly. He paid around 1500 for the talon and the mount. The mount is the hardest thing to get. He couldn't get one for his port side (which is what they recommend) ,but he was installed and working in less than 30 min. I am thinking of going with the talon just to keep from having to install pp, pump, hydraulic fluids, bleed lines, wiring. Well I am sure you get the rest. Either way you decide, good luck and please post pics. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted August 10, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted August 10, 2012 Zildjian, you have plenty of room for a pump, and it looks like an easy-to-access area too. You shouldn't have any problem. Jeremy - you're making it sound a lot harder than it seems. You can install a PP in as little as an hour if you're handy. You have the pole, pump, wires, and lines. That's all there is to it. The hydraulic fluid is made of soy, so if you accidentally spill it, it won't cause you any problems nor is it hard to clean up. I like the Bluetooth app myself. You can easily customize the install via your smartphone without having to reach into tight spaces or mess with the equipment. Heck, you don't even have to be in the boat to do it! Quote
jeremyt Posted August 11, 2012 Posted August 11, 2012 Jeremy - you're making it sound a lot harder than it seems. You can install a PP in as little as an hour if you're handy. You have the pole, pump, wires, and lines. That's all there is to it. The hydraulic fluid is made of soy, so if you accidentally spill it, it won't cause you any problems nor is it hard to clean up. Glenn, You are probably absolutely right as I have no personal experience with either. I was just going off of information from a friend who may have been misinformed. I was in no way trying to bash or say in anyway that talon was a superior product to a power pole. I am actually in the market myself and have yet to decide on what I want but was actually leaning towards a Talon due to my friends dealings with the instailation. I will continue to research and see what best suits me. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted August 11, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted August 11, 2012 Never got the feeling you were bashing. I'm just letting you know. Every install is different, regardless of which you go with. Just in the differences in boat designs makes each install unique. For example, PP says you need to drill a hole for the hydraulic lines, but I was able to run them through the existing hole for the engine lines. So...no holes. Quote
zildjian Posted August 28, 2012 Author Posted August 28, 2012 if i were to pick up a new power pole, which i'm considering the Pro Series Model in 8ft, but then again, i have no room for a third battery at all! is a third battery a must for this? or can i run it off one of my two batteries? Also, i don't want the power pole mounted directly to the boat, but i would like to buy the adapter plate they offer, but I'm not sure which one i need to buy for the perfect fit for my boat and power pole model or how one is better fit over the others. i want to have it on the starboard side of my boat. anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? thanks guys! Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted August 28, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted August 28, 2012 You don't need another battery to run it. It doesn't need it. I run them off one of my trolling motor batteries. For the mounting brackets you want, I'd give Power-Pole a call or email them if I were you. There's a lot of different bracket possibilities based off motor brand and year as well as the boat (and jackplate if you have one). It's a bit confusing, but they'll help you out. You might want to check out this video: http://www.bassresou...lation.html it might answer some of your questions and help you out. Quote
zildjian Posted August 28, 2012 Author Posted August 28, 2012 Thanks Glenn! but video seems to be gone? Quote
zildjian Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 Ok I'm finally cracking down and buying a powerpole. Now I was reading a thread about the power pole being added to someone's boat, but they couldn't get the one they originally wanted because it was to big for the bass boat. How do you know if a model is to big to fit your bass boat? My boat is 18'7". Does that mean I can't put a 8ft power pole on it? Or a 10ft? It's between the sportsman 2 model in 8ft or Pro Series model in 6ft or 8ft. Plus i need to buy the jackplate for it. How do you know if a model is too big for your boat? The height or weight vs your boat? Any ideas?? Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted October 14, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted October 14, 2012 They probably got the wrong size mounting brackets. There aren't any size restrictions. Quote
zildjian Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 Ohhh, so any power pole will fit my tracker, no matter which model I choose. Glenn, if I go with the 8ft Pro Series 2 model, is there anything else that I need to get this thing up and running out of the box? I'm going to buy the jackplate for it, and I guess I'll have my local marine shop install it for me. But I just wanted to make sure I don't need anything else. Especially another battery, because I can't fit a third in my compartment. Also, do you recommend any model or size? Or have any pros and cons I should know about on size or model before I make my purchase? I'm going to call them, and see which jackplate they recommend for 2010 Merc 90HP Optimax for Starboard Side. Thanks again Glenn! Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted October 14, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted October 14, 2012 You'll need the adapter (mounting) brackets, but that's it. I'd recommend the Sportsman 8' model. It's designed for your boat. The pro series is overkill for your boat (it's for fiberglass boats), and a little heavier, and it costs more. You will not need another battery. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted October 14, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted October 14, 2012 Oh, I did get the covers for mine. They're optional, but they keep the paint from getting nicked by road debris, rocks, etc. while trailoring. Quote
zildjian Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 Thank You!! That's exactly what I wanted to hear before I made a purchase. Thank you! Last question lol Do you recommend just mounting the power pole to the back of the transom or buying the jackplate and having it installed? I feel weird having something between my transom and motor. But I guess they do it for a reason.. What's your take on this? Quote
zildjian Posted October 14, 2012 Author Posted October 14, 2012 You'll need the adapter (mounting) brackets, but that's it. I'd recommend the Sportsman 8' model. It's designed for your boat. The pro series is overkill for your boat (it's for fiberglass boats), and a little heavier, and it costs more. You will not need another battery. is the Sportsman II 8ft Power Pole overkill for my boat too? or is it the same as the Original Sportsman 8ft? i can't tell the difference between the two besides the pump on the Sportsman II has a brushless motor, it comes in black, and is wireless. but is that it? i think the Sportsman II is also lighter than the original Sportsman. Quote
BassResource.com Advertiser FD. Posted October 15, 2012 BassResource.com Advertiser Posted October 15, 2012 the wireless option is a big deal for me. My Triton came with it and I don't know how I fished without a power pole. It is so nice to be working an area and then 1 button locks you down to one spot. The front still swings a little which is only an issue when I'm bed fishing (which I hate anyway). Quote
zildjian Posted October 16, 2012 Author Posted October 16, 2012 Thank you for your post! i just got some great information and figured out what is needed for my boat. with the Power Pole Sportsman 2 8ft model, which i'm not mounting directly to my transom. i'll need part number PK-M-2-3-S-BLK (2" Setback & 3" Rise) for Starboard Side Mount in between my motor and transom. i never understood what the Setback and Rise numbers meant, but my buddy Rich just explained it for me. The "setback" is needed to clear the mount from the transom, and the "rise" is needed so the pole does not drag water while you are up and running. thanks for the explanation Rich, this will help others like me better understand the setback and rise. Quote
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