Tracker owners.

[ww2farmer]

I am planning on updating the TM on my 07' PT 170, going from the wimpy 12v 46lb MG that came with it to a 24v 70 -75lb variable speed. Not sure which motor I will get yet, I have it narrowed down to 2, the Minn Kota Maxxum or the Motor Guide Tour 75, how big of a PITA is it to change the mount on this boat (or one like it) Where do you access the bottom of the mount? The boat is in storage so I can't run right out and look at it, I will probably go visit it tuesday to see what I can make of it.

[Pa Angler]

Unless self tapping screws or sheet metal type screws are used the bow switch/plug panel would have to be removed to access the nuts and washers from under the deck. I had a 2004 Tracker Targa that's what I had to do to replace the sheet metal type screws to bolts with flat wahers and locking nuts.

Hope this hepls.

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

[Wayne P.]

You will have a problem finding room for the extra battery. You don't even have room for two group 27 batteries.

I have the 2009 Tracker PT 170 TX

Your motor mount is factory installed with the rubber inserts. If the mount bolts don't come out due to the threaded part of the rubber mount being broken off (usually are), you will have to remove the panel that has the trolling motor plug. There is a hole to reach the underside of the deck but I couldn't get my arm thru it. I cut the opening larger so I could reach the bottom of the bolts and put large washers and nuts so those rubber mounts wouldn't pull out with the 36 V motor I replaced the wimpy motor with.

I removed the gas tank to make room for batteries and use a portable gas tank.

You can just get another Motor Guide and not have to remove the mount, just switch the motors.

Batteries are your problem.

[ww2farmer]

I do have room for 2 24's in addition to the G24 cranking battery, but I still don't know if thats the way to go. I still have no idea what to do. I can fit one larger group 29 in there where my  G27 tm batt. is now. I might just stay 12v but go with a variable speed. I can run effectivly 4-5 hours on high with a G27 with the 5 spd 46lb now, if it's really windy, chopping weeds or a combo of both. But by the 6hour mark and till  the end of the day the battery is shot and I am pretty much having to use high just to move around. Power (when the battery is fully charged) is not my problem, actually, battery life is. That 46lb motor moves me around ok, it's just a low end MG (pro series) and drains the battery faster  the older it(and the batt.) gets.

[Dan-K]

I have a '99 pt185. I have room for three batteries on the port side of my fuel tank. I'm not sure what group they are, but I can tell you they are the largest deep cycles in the walmart brand. Also, the TM mounts on the boat should be plug and play with minnkota and motorguide. This summer I put a minnkota edge 45 on and it fit with no mods. I have since gone to a used 56 lb 12/24 volt motorguide, but will be selling both to pick up a 24 volt 70 lb. Motorguide. In a stiff wind the TM is on 4 just to stay stationary, 5 to move at a snail's pace. Bass trackers and wind don't get along good.

[Wayne P.]

Then a variable speed motor in the highest output 12V may be your easiest solution.

Avoid using the highest speed setting because it doesn't use the electronic speed control circuit that saves battery power.

I haven't seen advertized a Motor Guide foot control variable speed in a 12V model. There are hand control bow models and electric steer models with variable speed and 12V.

Minnkota has a 12V bow mount foot control cable steer variable speed model Maxxum

[LoneWolf]

go with the minnkota...change your boat over to 24 volts and dont look back...i have a tracker pt175 that has been con verted and i can fish 2 days without a recharge...the wind really pushes these small aluminum boats around.....with your new setup it will be a huge advantage......you will not regret it.... ;D

[flipin4bass]

go with the minnkota...change your boat over to 24 volts and dont look back...i have a tracker pt175 that has been con verted and i can fish 2 days without a recharge...the wind really pushes these small aluminum boats around.....with your new setup it will be a huge advantage......you will not regret it.... ;D

I agree. However, if this is not an option for you, install a second connector up front and carry a second battery. I did this on my PT 175 and placed the second battery in the small compartment under the front seat.

[ww2farmer]

Thanks guys............I am going 24 volt, I can fit two group 24's in the back where the lone group 27 TM battery was. I have been told by many that even though the batterys are smaller, I'll still get more run time out of them by going 24v and variable speedm than I did with any size battery with any size 12v motor. Seems as how I used to get 8+ hours on mine on non windy days,and 5-7 hours on windy days with my old set up, the new one should suit me just fine. Got the new batteries and trays ordered today, and the TM will be ASAP.