Upgrade to 24V?

[fishindad]

I've tried to search older threads on my question but no luck. I have a 16.5 ft aluminum boat (90HP main engine) that has been running a 12V (group 27) 55lb thrust TM and am planning to finally upgrade to an iPilot link TM. I do have a 3-bank charger but - my issue is there is not space on board for two group 27 (or 31) batteries. I have encountered a few situations where I wish I had more thrust, particularly early Spring walleye fishing in strong current of the Detroit River. The majority of the year I bass fish lakes and have no issues cutting through weeds, etc.

 

My question is, would it be worth it to upgrade and run a 24V motor off two group 24's? My plan A is to invest in the TM, Bird w GPS and Lakemaster chip. Plan B is to swap out for two group 24's and get the 24V motor, but am not sure that is worth the extra cash. I don't know the net weight of the boat/motor/gear so not sure it's worth the upgrade to 24V. Does anyone else with a similar sized rig run a 12V and wish they had a 24V? Or are you happy with the 12V motor?

[Scott F]

I ran a boat similar in size to yours for many years with a 55lb 12 volt motor. It was OK but if the wind kicked up, I did not have enough power to move against a strong wind. I upgraded to a 24 volt Terrova and could not be happier. Once I could afford to replace the motor,  it was worth the upgrade to me. Group 24 batteries will work just fine. You just can’t run as long as you can with larger batteries. I use group 27s and can run 2 full days without running out of juice. 

[B-Dozer]

27 series battery is less than 2" longer. sure you can't squeeze them in?

I have a 24' pontoon boat, 24v electric motor only I use because I bring my 3 rescue pals.

I can easily run all day w/o a charge, maybe longer, but I recharge every night

[Troy85]

I used to have a 17' aluminum boat with a 12v 55lb thrust.  The performance all depended on the wind, if it was windy it would struggle and I would have to fish out of the wind. I'd say most of the time I was happy with the 12v, but March-May it can be pretty windy and those were the days when I really wished I had something that could power against the wind.

 

I know several guys who fish rivers and they say a 24v is almost required if you are going to be fighting current for a long period of time(most of them are in glass boats tho).

 

 

[BassNJake]

I've got a 16 foot Crestliner and I run a 101 36 volt trolling motor.

(I used to fish electric motor only tourneys and actually ran 2 101's)

Never had to worry about having enough power.

Never wanted something less.

[fishindad]

Thanks for all the feedback. I figured that more is better but the only way to fit two group 27's is if they are in separate compartments - I've tried every configuration. It does get very windy in the Spring here so I will go the 24V group 24 route. Am guessing it should be fine unless I plan to fish more than 7-8 hours on 40% + power.

[Further North]

You are, IMO, on the right path.

 

I would only consider 12 volt TMs for very small, very light boats...like 14 ft., 9.9 HP boats with aluminum bench seats...

 

At 16 ft. +, no way I'd go anything less than 24 volt. 12 volt, 55 lb. thrust will run out of power at the end of the day...and it won't be enough to manage current or significant wind.

 

You...can...not...ever...have...too...much...trolling...motor...power...PERIOD...unless it exceeds your budget.  Then make do until you can upgrade.

 

I run a 112, 36 volt TM on an 18 1/2 ft aluminum hull boat.  No way I'd go lower...other than if I was in a financial pinch and the difference in costs was enough to keep me off the water.

 

If you can do 24 volt, get 'er done.

[fishindad]

Thanks, I totally agree with you guys. I'm somewhat wiring-challenged but did already pick up some 6 gauge wiring to hook up the two batteries (pos to neg). Did not realize how simple the rigging was in that I could just use my present wiring and not need to fish any extra wiring through. I did re-check my battery compartment and if I cut off one side of the hold-down tray for the group 27, I could probably squeeze in a second group 27 battery and secure the two batteries down using one long strap. I imagine I'll need to get used to the extra power - hope I don't accidentally knock myself or my fishing partner out of the boat on a 100% burst, lol!