Trolling Motor Upgrade

[Alumabass]

I have a Auto Pilot and I have been thinking about a I Pilot. My boat is a 1994 Alumacraft Classic Deluxe 16' 8" and weighs around 800#. Which I Pilot would be the best choice for my boat? Shaft length? Pounds of thrust? Right now it is set up as a 24 volt system, would I need to keep it that way?  Any idea what my Auto Pilot would be worth?

Thanks-

Alumabass

[Fish Fast]

I am in the same situation as you.  I have a 55# motorguide digital.  It is a 12 volt setup.  I have it mounted on the bow of my 1850 fishhawk (crestliner).  It is great for  creeping around the lake on non-windy days; however, for vertical jigging in any current or fishing in a lot of wind....it is underpowered for a boat of my size/profile.  I am guessing I will need at least a 70-80#...minimum of 24 volt setup. Pretty sure I would not be able to get a 3rd battery in my battery storage area.  I am not sure I would want a 100# thrust because I think they would suck the battery even faster.

I am interested to see what input you get here as well.  It probably depends a lot on the type of fishing you do too.  If you fish tournaments... or vertical jig on rivers for walleye or anything, your are going to need the extra batteries and thrust.

[Jig Man]

If you want good power you will need to be in the 70# range for that weight of boat.  A friend of mine hauls around a 19' Bass Cat with a 67#.  I have an 82 on my 20.5' Champion.  We both seem to have all the power we need for the wind in which we fish. 

Measure your shaft and add at least 3" so you can fish in stronger winds.

As for power drain 12V is the most you can find.  24 is less and 36 is even less.

[Fish Fast]

80# sounds like a safer choice.  Trying to keep jigs vertical on the detroit river when walleye fishing...where the current is really moving..is my biggest challenge. I am just worried the profile of my boat provides more drag than that of a bass boat. I would hate to go 65-70# and have it be too underpowered.

Thanks for your input, wasn't trying to hi-jack your thread.

The problem with this whole situation is not lack of selection but cost!!!! If I would have known then what I know now, I would have negotiated all of these upgrades b4 I purchased the boat. Now I am looking at over $1000 for trolling motor, batteries, and new charger system. Not to mention I got cheap electronics and had to upgrade. Oh well, you live and you learn!

Good Luck!

[slonezp]

I switched from a 70lb Powerdrive to the Powerdrive V2 with Ipilot on my 17' Mirrocraft Holiday. 60" shaft and universal transducer. If you already have the V2 you can buy a conversion kit and keep the same motor. 70lbs is fine in wind and current for my boat.

I sold my 7 year old Powerdrive for $375