Trolling Motor Help

[AndyNegus94]

Hey guys I just recently got a 1986 18' ranger 373v with, what I think, the original trolling motor. The motor does work but if you have any head wind your screwed! Lol I'm not very familiar with all the different pounds of thrust and length and what not. I'm looking to stay around the $500 range. Thanks in advance for any help!!

[Fishes in trees]

If you're going to upgrade for trolling motor you'll have to up your ante.   $500 doesn't do much when you're looking at foot controlled trolling motors.  Looking at my BPS catalog, a Minn KotaFortrex 80 is $1200.  A Maxxum is $1000,   If you want universal sonar - that is more.  Universal sonar (transducer built into the motor head) is a good idea.

 

What kind of trolling motor do you have now?    Minn Kota or Motor Guide, I would wager that the bolt patterns from 1986 would fit current models.  That is one of the reasons why once a guy makes a decision on which brand to buy, it is a challenge to switch brands - not impossible, but more of a challenge.

 

You are lucky - not very far from where you live, in Hazelwood, MO there is Tri-State Trolling Motors.  They sell & service all brands - maybe they can hook you up with a refurbished model.  I live outside of Kansas City and back in 2007 when I wanted to get an Alumaducer installed in my 2002 LOWE, they were the only shop in the whole region who a - knew what I was talking about and  b - had experience in installing them.

I totally recommend them.

 

To recap - you're going to need a 24 volt system at a minimum.  Any 12 volt system just won't be enough in the long run - won't be strong enough.  If there is any way to get another battery into your compartment, go with a 36 volt system.  It is better to have plenty of battery power rather than not enough.

 

Next, if you're going to upgrade your trolling motor game - upgrade your charger action as well.  Go with an on board charger.   I don't know what your boat has now, but I know they weren't real common in 1986 when your boat was new.

 

Sorry about the bad news - but $500 isn't going to do much as far as upgrading your trolling motor action goes.   There are probably other trolling motor dealers in the St. Louis area - Tri-State is the only one I know of and they did good by me.  Hope this helps.

[Scott F]

You can get a 24volt, 70 pound thrust Motor Guide X3 or Minn Kota Edge, bow mount, foot control for about $600.

[junyer357]

Are you sure its a motor issue and not a battery? alot of older omc tm's also have a 12/24 switch on the side of the foot pedal too Thats easy to bump down to 12v

[CRANKENSTIEN]

Are you sure its a motor issue and not a battery?

Agree, I wouldnt throw in the towel on that trolling motor yet.  A good battery can make alot of difference, and make sure your connections are good.  Also take off the prop and see if it is all jammed up with line or who knows what. 

[AndyNegus94]

Ok the boat has a 24 volt system on it and I put new interstate battery's in it and a 3 bank charger. and the current motor is a minn Kota brute. I'm a weekend angler and not looking for the top of the line model, most I could spend is probably 700. Thanks for the help and I'll look into the x3. Any other models around that price range I should consider?

[Snakehead Whisperer]

You can get a 24volt, 70 pound thrust Motor Guide X3 or Minn Kota Edge, bow mount, foot control for about $600.

This ^^

This is about the best you'll be able to do within your price range unless you find a closeout deal or something like that. 

 

My friend has the 70lb X3 on his 17' deep v, and it has plenty of power to spare. I'm assuming that the hull on the deep v is going to have more drag than your bass boat, but then again your boat's a Ranger

[AndyNegus94]

Haha yeah I made sure to include the fact that I had a ranger, heavy sobs! Lol but I'll definitely look into the x3. Thank you guys!

[Dogmatic]

Never forget Craigslist, a lot of people upgrade and unload their perfectly good old motors for a bargain.