TNriverRAT Posted January 6 Posted January 6 Long time Lurker first time poster. Not sure if this is the right place for this style post but would love feedback. I’m looking to make upgrades on my 1552 weldbilt boat and would appreciate any and all insights/opinions. I currently run two batteries. One strictly for the big motor. Second battery (blue top 55 Amp hour) runs the trolling motor, small black and white fish finder, bow/stern lights, bilge and aerator. Currently don't use the FF and would love to upgrade it and maybe the trolling motor. Really want two fish finders. One close to my seat so I can use it for maps, down imaging/si, while on the motor (see photo highlited area). I would also like a 10"-12" screen for fishing while on the deck of boat, perhaps forward facing sonar (haven’t decided on brand). I have the maxxum 55# thrust tm. The maxxum trolling motor has served me well. However, fighting current/wind/recreation boats on the main river channel has swayed me to upping the # thrust. Also having spot lock/Ipilot would help. Sometimes the maxxum will change directions (in continuous mode) when I'm not paying attention and dang near throw me out of the boat. Do yall have a favorite option? The ultrex is sweet, but might be excessive for a jon boat thats probably only worth 6-8k dollars. My battery really struggles to power the tm during all day trips. I've come to conclusion that I will need to purchase a 100aH battery for all day fishing. I would greatly appreciate advice on my dilemma. Is this possible on my boat layout or am I dreaming? Any insight on who would be willing to work on moding my boat in the north alabama area? A friend of mine has the ultrex and livescope and I really like the functionality of both products. Safe to say I have FOMO. More pictures of my boat and hull layout. Quote
DaubsNU1 Posted January 6 Posted January 6 Welcome @TNriverRAT!! You can certainly put an Ultrex and new fish finders on that boat of yours! I think that would be great! You will get lots of ideas, suggestions, and opinions from the great people here! I got lots of great feedback when working on my old 1960 Rich Line (left). Added new electronics, decking, storage, and a second fish-finder. It was a good boat. Had the opportunity to upgrade last summer. Wonderful. Mine is not the Ultrex...I went with Ulterra. Having spot-lock, auto-pilot, cruise control, and all the other goodies really helped improve my fishing. Good luck with your boat! Tight lines! Daubs 1 Quote
Smirak Posted January 6 Posted January 6 Not to hijack this thread, but is that the raceway at 53 and research park in HSV? If so, welcome neighbor…I live about 4 miles from that racetrack… Quote
TNriverRAT Posted January 6 Author Posted January 6 @Smirak Close! But it’s the one on 231 south by ditto. 1 Quote
GRiver Posted January 6 Posted January 6 Hi from the Sunshine State of Florida. Nice rig, I have similar set up. It’s a 15/48 mod-V welded Polar Kraft. Quote
Smirak Posted January 6 Posted January 6 8 hours ago, TNriverRAT said: @Smirak Close! But it’s the one on 231 south by ditto. Haha! That’s funny. I live in the Monrovia area. I fish Ditto frequently. I’m a kayak guy, and there, I’ll fish the bow created by Hobbs Island. I’ll also fish the rock piles across the river where the barges load up. Quote
Super User GaryH Posted January 6 Super User Posted January 6 First welcome aboard… if you’re planning on keeping your boat then I would agree with putting a Ultrex and 2nd fish finder. As for a battery you are on the right track with upgrading to a 100ah for just your TM. If there’s room I would also either upgrade you starting battery for your electronics or install a separate house battery. Goo$ luck and nice looking rig. Quote
TNriverRAT Posted January 6 Author Posted January 6 @Smirak I've taken my boat through that area many of times! Love running down to the flint river, such an abundance of fish species in there. You float across the river to the south bank of morgan county bridge on a kayak..? wow the cojones on this guy!! Thank you all for the post replies! I haven't thought about the weight factor of the ultrex vs my maxxum 55# thrust. Think its best to get a lithium 100 aH battery for the troller and see how it performs going forward. Maybe in the future get a 24v 45" shaft terrova or ultrex? For now I'll focus on getting fish finders and learning how to use them. As that technology is new to me. Do y'all have any recommendations on two mfd (one by my seat at tiller handle, one up front on fishing deck)? Guess I don't need the latest and greatest but want something that's not discontinued in 6 months. Preferably 10-12" with down/side imaging and maps. Also something that is forward facing sonar compatible. Some people I've talked to outside of this forum mention noise dampening material for the fishing deck. I guess walking around on the aluminum makes a lot of noise and scares the ditch pickles? I'd add it just for looks and hopefully keeps temperature down. Made the mistake of taking my shoes off one day.. that metal gets hot in the summer! Looked at seadek and cheaper alternatives.. any experience with these? TIA Quote
Global Moderator TnRiver46 Posted January 7 Global Moderator Posted January 7 Welcome!!! Can’t help with rigging but nice boat!!!! Quote
Super User J._Bricker Posted January 19 Super User Posted January 19 Hello @TNriverRAT from a delta rat in Northern California, welcome to Bass Resource and the Forums! Quote
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