The ideal troll motor

[livemusic]

Went to boat show and seriously considering buying a new boat. The boat I am looking at is an 18'6" War Eagle, has 26" sides, and I think 88" beam, it's not a small boat. At least a 90HP motor, maybe 100HP. The boat on display is a 17.5' model and I think it has a 12v 55lb thrust troll motor, I know it's a Motor Guide. The 'only' 55lb thrust for THAT boat kind of seemed underpowered. I like to motor (with troll motor) between groups of trees while bass fishing, and faster is better. So, for a 1' longer boat (18.5'), I would certainly want a larger troll motor. Considerations for me...

 

- what brand? I have always favored Minn Kota but not sure why. Do you think Motor Guide is okay? I tend to think of Minn Kota as 'smoother,' right or wrong.

- what thrust rating?

- what shaft size?

- any feature you like that you 'must have' when rigging out your dream boat?

 

I realize there are some high end troll motors. Not sure what I 'must have,' but I'm considering everything. At my age, this should be my last boat.

 

Money isn't the primary factor, function is.

[BrianinMD]

At least an 80lb thrust Ultrex, control of a cable steer with spot lock and other capabilities of an electric. Has been an amazing motor for my rt188.

 

Not familiar with boat to suggest a shaft length.

[rangerjockey]

My next one will be a Ultrex as well..The dealer should be able to set you up with the proper length for the boat you choose.

[Scott F]

The height of the trolling motor foot pedal has always been the deciding factor on which trolling motor I buy. All of the new cable steer models have very tall pedals that I find very uncomfortable to operate. I'm not alone in my feelings because instead of re-designing the pedals, boat manufacturers now cut holes in the floor of the boat to put the pedal in a more comfortable position. My solution was to go with an electric steer Minn Kota. I can keep both my feet on the floor and I just operate the pedal with the toe of my shoe. Electric steer also means I can operate the motor from anywhere in the boat with a foot pedal or with a wireless remote. You have to decide which suits you best. 

As far as power goes, you can never have too much. Get the most powerful your wallet will allow. Just be sure you have a place to store the 2 or 3 batteries that the motor will require.

[Sam]

No matter what type or brand you decide upon, consider adding a Grass Goat to the shaft.

 

You can thank me later!

[fishnkamp]

A Maxxum 70 pound thrust 24 volt trolling motor will handle the rig well. If you can afford the electric steers great but that Maxxum will hold up well. I put it on my Lowe and have fished all kinds of rivers,lakes ans the Chesapeake Bay tidal water.  I am going to upgrade to a MK Riptide Terrova ( Riptide is their salt water series) and the Terrova is an electric steer unit. I am doing this due to some medical issues with my foot not because the trolling motor was not up to the task. 

[Mjmj]

10 hours ago, livemusic said:

. I like to motor (with troll motor) between groups of trees while bass fishing, and faster is better. So, for a 1' longer boat (18.5'), I would certainly want a larger troll motor. 

I really don't know alot about electric TM. I have read that they are not as fast to respond as cable steer.  Will that be an issue weaving through the trees?

[Way north bass guy]

I have a 80lb terrova and absolutely love it. The foot pedal is super low to the floor, there’s two sets of buttons to turn it, two are right at the bottom at the back and all you need is a toe to use them. It’s nice at the end of the day when you’ve stood on two level feet instead of one higher than the other. As for turning speed, I’ve owned both kinds over the years and don’t see that much of a difference, it’s not like your usually moving the thing too much either way anyway. 

[BrianinMD]

15 hours ago, Mjmj said:

I really don't know alot about electric TM. I have read that they are not as fast to respond as cable steer.  Will that be an issue weaving through the trees?

yes, cable steer is quicker and you can tell which direction you are going without looking down.

[3dees]

guess I'm just old fashion. when I fish, I want to move to the front deck, put the tm down and fish, instead of playing with the functions on the Ultrex. most of the Ultrex seem to love them but I'm retired and could buy two Fortrex's for the same money. I had a new motorguide X5 on my last boat and on the first trip the directional arrow broke and no fix for it. they never should have changed from the Tour. after a lifetime Motorguide I made the switch and couldn't be happier. as for thrust, get more than you think you will need. you can always dial it down.

[ThatredneckguyJamie]

I like making multiple passes over the same area, at varying speeds until I am satisfied I have covered every nook and cranny..now granted I am not doing a lot of weaving in and out of stump fields with my boat. Stumps and fiberglass don't make good company. My Terrova gives me the freedom to pick out my path, record it and then repeat it at any speed with the touch of a button..and if I want to change it up and fish from the front, back, or anywhere in between I am not tied to the bow and having to work the TM.