Trolling motor help for newbie

[John St]

I just bought a 10-ft Pelican Bass Raider but its not yet delivered.  Initially my thought was to buy a Minn Kota EnduraMax, something between 40 and 55 pound thrust, but am now considering some sort of foot controlled TM.  I'm not sure what is available...looking for suggestions...please include price range if you know that information.  Thanks,

[Jig Man]

There are lots of foot controlled trolling motors available but the design is for bow mounting.  I don’t know how you can make it work with that boat.  A bow mounted hand operated one might work if you can find a way to mount it.

[John St]

The Pelican boat allows for bow mounting and has electric at both the bow and stern.  Sounds like most people add a plywood floor and mount the foot control to the plywood.  I am just not sure what model TM would be best.

[WRB]

What is your budget?

There is a 128 page thread in this forum on this topic for Pelican Raider boats.

Tom

[Dirtyeggroll]

 

[WRB]

I see the OP has been active on the Raider thread referenced and knows the answer to his questions.

Tom

[VolFan]

The Motorguide Bulldog series might work for you if you can find one - good luck!

[OnthePotomac]

My brother had a 14' john for years and not the same as a Pelican, but he had his TM on the stern right next to his seat and he controlled it by hand along with his sonar on the gunnel right beside him.  It seemed to work well for him for years.

[John St]

 

My budget is about 400.  i am on the Pelican thread. but haven't gotten through the whole thing.  I'm really torn on trolling motors.  I like the idea of a foot control, but I also am trying to get by without adding a wood floor to my boat (if it ever arrives) to save on some weight.  With a plastic boat like that, and without a wood floor to mount to, I don't know if it I will be able to keep the foot control from sliding around.  I only get one shot at a decision, because I ain't gonna buy a TM twice!

[schplurg]

Maybe you can mount it to a board then secure that on the floor somehow? Suction cups, clamp it to something, I don't know lol but if you don't need the controller recessed into the floor then you could probably rig up something. Depends on how fancy or redneckish you want to get.

[WRB]

Velcro. You can mount the foot peddle onto a 1/2 thick marine plywood rectangular plank and add 1"or 2" wide Velcro adhesive back strips to the plastic floor and underside of the plywood.

Removeable and very firm mount. Velcro brand is $1.5 a yard.

Tom

[RoLo]

Your final decision must be linked to your personal knowledge and budget.

In that context, my opinion is pretty close to worthless.

 

In any case, my brief experience with Motorguide has not been positive,

and though "Minn Kota" was far from infallible, I've been in their court

since they introduced the first 30-lb thrust electric motor

(Not the least of which is their 'Talon' electric anchor).  

 

Roger

[Shimano_1]

I would second the bulldog if you can find one. Kind of designed for that type of shallow running boat. Id browse craigslist.  Lots of guys selling some good ones as they replace with ultrex for the spot lock. Probably going to be doing the same thing myself in the next few months.  Good luck

[John St]

 

thanks everyone.  i have not been able to find a new bulldog, and I'd rather not buy somebody else's used one.  Being new to this boating thing, I'd rather have a warranty I can fall back on if I have a problem, at least until I can figure everything out.

 

WRB, i like the plywood and velcro idea, I think I'll try that.  But what's the difference between Marine ply and any other?

 

[schplurg]

Handles water better. You could seal the wood yourself, or use something like Starboard instead of wood. I used that to make my kayak sonar mount.