Trolling motor for Lowe UV1467

[VolFan]

I'm going to put an inexpensive bow mount on my inexpensive tinny. I was looking at a MinnKota Powerdrive or Motorguide Xi3 in 45-55 lb thrust and 48-54 in shaft. Anyone have strong opinions on one or the other? I'm thinking foot pedal to stay hands free - am I wrong there?

[Jig Man]

Only thing I am thinking, do you need a shaft that long?

[VolFan]

Measuring to keep the head 12" underwater, I'd need at least the 48. With bow lift on waves and such, I didnt think the 54 would be terrible.

[GreenPig]

I ran a MK PD 40 lb thrust for 12 years on my Lowe 1448 while bowfishing 2 to 4 nights a week, year round for 4 to 8 hours per trip not mention regular fishing. That's a pile of constant trolling and the only problem I had was the foot control failed and the replacement failed. Installed a copilot and it was great. 

[Tatsu Dave]

I have that exact boat I guess with the walk thru feature, turned it into a fishing boat from stock. Closed in the bow and put a raised casting deck from frt seat forward. Used a 45thrust edge MinnKota with 42" shaft, never used it all the way down so its plenty long and it has plenty of power for that size boat. Four years of hard fishing and no problems at all. Leave on 2 and come in 6-7 hours later on 4-5 speed. Will troll at about 3mph if wanted. Bought the motor at Wally World for $389 and never looked back will find a pic for you to see.

[VolFan]

Yep - thats it except I dont have the walk through. I do have a similar deck built though.  Did you just carpet right on top of the benches? I have some Sea Deck that Im going to put down I think. Its just a great little boat.

Forgot to mention - i have a 55 lb thrust Xi-3 on its way with spotlock.

[Tatsu Dave]

I used 3/4 plywood covered with boat carpeting, that way I could mount seat bases and swivels solidly. The floor is removable vinyl covered marine plywood. I braced the casting deck up to the bow plywood to tie the front together and give a solid trolling motor and anchor mount. Love the boat it will launch in 18" of water and truck pulls it like its not there, we launch it in some rough places with no ramp or anything. We drop it off trailer and chew thru the arrowheads, pad's, and reeds in 1 1/2' of water till we get out to open water at one of our smallmouth lakes.  Fishing boat thru and thru    Dave

[Angry John]

Do you have a gas motor? If not go with a 24v system so you have reserve capacity to run fish finders and charge your phone if needed.  Depending on your state laws you may not need to register it if there is no gas motor which was why I looked into going that route.  I ended up with a hobie pro angler.  Not giving the state any more money than I have to.

[VolFan]

I have a 20 hp Merc that makes it go - truly a fun small boat and easy to maintain.

[Tatsu Dave]

VolFan how fast does your go with the 20hp? We have a 9.9 and it will run 19mph with just me but with son and his gear too its only able to run 11mph and never gets fully up on plane. We're thinking about a 15-20 with power tilt and trim but it will cost upwards of $2700 even after selling the 9.9 and using that money.  Just curious I guess, and you have the same weight and hull configuration as mine to compare to.   Dave

[VolFan]

I get mid 20s or so out of it with me and my 10 yr old. Fast enough to be fun. I pull a tube with it on a small private lake sometime too. I could see where a 9.9 would be good on it, but that 20 really makes it scoot.