Trolling motor advice

[Gov C Tyree]

My current trolling motor - a Motor Guide 56 lb 12-/24 volt bow mount hand control - recently gave out during the first few hours of a 3 day weekend. >

I should not complain too much - I have had 11 years of trouble free service out of it.  My mech says it can be fixed - but once again I fished last week without it (waiting on a part).

Anyway, I am considering a new one - either the 71 lb 5 speed or the 82 lb digital variable speed (both are 12 V hand control).

Do any of you keep a 2nd trolling motor as a spare?  I am now too spoiled to fish without a troller.

Also, will any of the trolling motor mfgrs or dealers sell just the motor without the mount?

Also, is the digital model worth the extra $250 or so over the 5 speed - especially going on an older boat?

[tennwalkinghorse]

71lb or 82lb. / 12volts are you sure about the voltage?

[HPBB]

those are both 24volt not 12 volt motors

I would go for the digital motor. It is worth the money.

I have a tour series Digital and it is great.

That 82 digital tour series is an great motor. I have the 109# 36 volt motor

[Gov C Tyree]

Just got my old trolling motor back - pleasantly surprised - repair bill was only about $65.

Next question - do any of you have a 2nd trolling motor you keep as a spare?

I recently fished a club tournament while my troller was in the shop - I felt like I was caught in a gun fight armed only with a knife .

[HPBB]

yes I have a spare, or two. I have 3 boats and they all have the TM's on removeable mounts. so if my TM would go down I could put one of the others ones on it. I just hope that doesn't happen. going from a 109# to a 52# or 45# would suck

[TommyBass]

I've never kept a spare on my boat or anything.  I do have a couple of stern mount hand motors I could possibly use, but wouldn't replace my bow mount enough to matter.  I actually won a tournament two years ago when my trolling motor fried in the first 10 minutes.  I don't think its that big of deal... I just anchored on main lake points and carolina rigged : )  I would say if your motor fries its just bad luck... deal with it that day then get it fixed asap.  I highly recommend ensuring a breaker or fuse is inline on your system.. and be sure to carry extra fuses if the latter.

[NHfroggin]

hey Gov C Tyree my trolling motor just stopped working also. i cant find anywhere that will fix them..where did you bring yours? was it a normal outboard mechanic? if you could shoot me a PM or post back on here thanks!!

bassmaster6

[Al Wolbach]

Yes, I keep a spare in the garage not in the boat. I do carry a spare in the boat when fishing out of state. Nothing will spoil a tournament or vacation quicker than a trolling motor failure and no spare.

BTW- Motorguide makes a 71 lb(Pro series) motor that operates on 12 volts, the 80 lb motor is a 24 volt model( digital or tour series)............................Al

[TommyBass]

bassmaster6... both motorguide and minnkota should have their qualified service centers listed on their websites.  You can search for the once closest to you.

[NHfroggin]

ok thanks Tommy!!

bassmaster6