Thinking About Upgrading To A Bow Mount

[Brnnoser6983]

So I have been thinking about getting s bow mount on my boat.

Curently I have a 14'aluminum boat with a 30lb thrust Minn Kota transom. It works great with no wind, but the instant the wind goes over 5mph it starts to become impossible to control in the boat in the wind.

I was thinking upgrading to a bow mount because I would be pulling the boat versus pushing.

Would it be better? If so I was thinking a 45lb or less would be idea.

What are your thoughts, ideas comments/concerns?

[Robeng]

I have a motorguide x3 with 45 lb thrust and 45 inch. Bow mount on 16 foot aluminum. Deep cycle battery only for it. Works well. I did a lot of research prior too. Bow mount pulls and works better in wind. Easier to pull than push. Though when excessive wind trolling motors can't keep up is my opinion.

I got foot pedal which is good but sometimes think the hand operated might have been better but then you need one hand being used. Just a thought. Good luck.

[S Hovanec]

I don't know of any bow mount motors under 45#. I always said go as big as you can. You can always turn the big motor down, but you can't turn a small motor up! I had a 55# on my 14' boat and it worked real nice. On my 16', I had a 55# bow and 55# transom for the electric lakes. When I ran them together, it was pretty fast. The next one i get for my 17' will be a 101#.

[Al Wolbach]

So I have been thinking about getting s bow mount on my boat.

Curently I have a 14'aluminum boat with a 30lb thrust Minn Kota transom. It works great with no wind, but the instant the wind goes over 5mph it starts to become impossible to control in the boat in the wind.

I was thinking upgrading to a bow mount because I would be pulling the boat versus pushing.

Would it be better? If so I was thinking a 45lb or less would be idea.

What are your thoughts, ideas comments/concerns?

 Not sure what type of boat you have but mounting a foot control motor may be your hardest problem. Would be much better boat control, and free up both hands/arms.

[J Francho]

You could use your existing setup to back troll.

[Fishes in trees]

The last suggestion was the cheapest solution.   Use your current set up and learn how to back troll.  Back in the 80's, this was a common tactic until you got enough money to buy a bass boat.

 

If you're going to stay at 12 volts and you need a new transom mount trolling motor - don't skimp.  Buy the 55 lb thrust ( which I think is currently the biggest 12 volt set up Minn Kota makes)   The difference between the 55 and the 30 you're using now will amaze you.  The new transom mount is still roughly half the cost of a new bow mount.   If you're going to go bow mount, don't stay at 12 volts  - pop for a 24 volt system.   Yeah - it costs more and there is an extra battery and new wiring to consider but you're unlikely to be happy with the results of a 12 volt bow mount trolling motor.   You will end up using your higher speeds more often and battery power will be affected.

 

Next question - what is your alternate power source?   Oars?  Paddle?  Small gas motor?

 

Another boat control tool you might consider is a drag chain.  I had one in olden times, when I fished out of borrowed row boats a lot.   It consisted of 5 feet or so of very heavy chain tied to 50 feet or so of 3/8 or 1/2 inch nylon rope.  Throw it out and let out enough rope so that it drags on the bottom, tie it off on a boat cleat and that will slow your drift down quite a bit.  The only reason to use the thicker rope is that it is easier on your hands when you pull it up.

 

This is a tool that a lot of the Midwest Finesse guys use when they are throwing ned rigs.  Eastern Kansas - Western Missouri the wind is often much more than 5 MPH.   They're throwing 1/16 and lighter jigs on 4 lb test or so.  Slowing down your drift becomes important.

 

 

So, there's a few options.  Hope it helps.

[BaitMonkey1984]

I have two boats. One is a 14 ft aluminum with 30 lb transom minnkota the other is a full size ranger bass boat. Not only is the 30b trolling motor underpowered, but once you use a bow mount you will be amazed at how much easier it is to fish. You spend less time messing with trolling motor and more time fishing. I would do it in a heartbeat. Get the biggest trolling motor you can afford.