Need Trolling Motor Advice

[yoster]

Hello,

I have a 1996 "Ruffnek" boat (http://www.ruffnekboats.com/).

It's basically (it is) a clone of a Ranger. The boat is 16' in length and has a 115hp Evinrude on the back.

Currently, the boat is equipped with an Evinrude branded, 75lb thrust, 24v bow mount trolling motor. Things is, from the factory, they hooked it up where 12v comes from the starting battery, and the other 12v from the secondary battery (this company is in Zimbabwe.. interesting standards.. like no venting in the bilge area). Obviously this isn't ideal as the more you run the boat and fish, the more one battery (the starting battery), stays charged while the other battery goes dead. That 2nd battery has now died on me (the non-starter battery), so I'm re-thinking this setup.

Here's my question. I see two options:

1) Go with a 12v, 45lb thrust trolling motor. I then only need 2 batteries in total.

2) Keep my 24v motor, and put a 3rd battery in the back.

Here's my MAJOR concern: balance and weight. The boat is only 16' long, and it's low profile to begin with. I'm nervious adding a 3rd battery in the back, where I already have the 15 gallon gas tank, oil reservoir, etc. I'm also worried about balance. Currently 1 battery is on each side of the boat, and in the center is the oil tank for the oil injection system. So with that, I have to put the 3rd battery with one of the 2 batteries on either side. I'd be concerned that this will cause a fairly un-level boat while fishing. I'm also concerned that the rear-end is going to sit lower than I'm comfortable with. The boat has 2 more seats (can't see them in the pic below), behind the drivers and passenger seats (so seating for 4). I, at times, have 4 people with me if we're just cruising around. That could mean for quite a bit of weight back there.

Suggestions? I personally like the 12v route.. cheaper in the long run.. less batteries and therefore less overall maintenance. But.. is 45lb enough? Boat is light... guessing 1000lb's dry weight max (just hull and motor). The 24v I have on there can almost put the stinkin' boat on a plane when it's dialed up all the way lol!

[edit] - Here's my boat (well not mine, but same model). Mine needs some trailer and carpet work

[Way2slow]

To me, it's a no brainder. Install two new batteries for the trolling motor and take it off the cranking battery. I have serious doubts about you being satisfied with trying to go to any 12 volt system. It's going to seriosly limit your run time and the TM's power, 55#'s is about the most your going to find in a 12 volt. Keep the 75#, 24 volt system and just run three batteries.

[yoster]

Is it that black and white? I know the one I have is seriously strong - I never use the 2 highest settings on it. I can find 12v 55lb thrust motors out there. Is it the battery life that you think I'd have an issue with?

[NCLifetimer]

It is just about that black and white. You will have serious issues(compared to a 24 volt system) with the battery life. You'll notice a very quick degree in thrust when fishing for any amount of time. You'll also go through batteries quicker with a 12 volt, as the 12 volt system will discharge the one battery more completely per outing, thus decreasing its overall life. If you'll only using the trolling motor an hour or two when fishing and charge it before the next outing then you should be ok with a 12 volt, any time longer and the battery will be discharged to the point were it hardly moves the boat with much force anymore.

I fished on a small tin boat one time which probably weighed less than 900 lbs fully loaded with gear and two guys and the 12 volt tolling motor was almost useless about 5 hours into the 8 hour tournament.

[Jig Man]

Go 3 batteries and 24 volts. That is way better than going 12 volts.

[Lund Explorer]

Another vote for the 24 volt system.

It's not just a matter of pounds of thrust, but how many amps drawn per/pound of thrust. A 24 volt system will draw less overall amps per/pound than a 12 volt system. Longer battery life gives you more time on the water even if you never need the max power of a 24 volt.

Staying with a 24 volt system, you DO NOT want to use your cranking battery as a power source for the trolling motor. There's nothing worse than ending your day with the click, click sound of a drawn down cranking battery! Buy the third battery and you won't have to worry about that.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I'll toss in a vote for the 12v motor. DEPENDING on where you fish. A 16' boat should be able to get away with a 55lb motor. I wouldn't go with 45lb though.

Then again I had a 16' deep V aluminum boat, and swapped to 24v after using the boat just a couple times.

Ultimately it's your choice to make. If you are REALLY concerned about weight, borrow a battery and put it in the boat and take it out. If it works out OK, and you don't mind spending the money go 24v.

Hard for other people to tell you how to spend your money. But in general, the biggest you can afford is always a good idea.

[ww2farmer]

I'll toss in a vote for the 12v motor. DEPENDING on where you fish. A 16' boat should be able to get away with a 55lb motor. I wouldn't go with 45lb though.

Then again I had a 16' deep V aluminum boat, and swapped to 24v after using the boat just a couple times.

Ultimately it's your choice to make. If you are REALLY concerned about weight, borrow a battery and put it in the boat and take it out. If it works out OK, and you don't mind spending the money go 24v.

Hard for other people to tell you how to spend your money. But in general, the biggest you can afford is always a good idea.

Your going to recomend a 12v system, even though it wasn't good enough for you???

Going from a 24V to 12V system is an absolute backwards and frankly ....stupid move. If your worried about battery weight, use smaller batteries. I use 2 group 24 deep cycles in my 17' aluminum boat, they last all day and then some, plus they weigh less, cost less, and are smaller than 27's,29's or 31's so I can fit them in to a tighter spot with out making any modifications to the boat to accomadate bigger batteries...just look for ones that have the highest reserve capacity you can find. Don't quote me on this, cause I am not in front of the batteries now, but I found NAPA brand group 24's with 150 A/Hour RC, the Interstate group 27 I replaced with them was only like 165. Seeing as you boat is only 16' you will be fine with group 24's, if it was a 18' + glass boat I would go bigger.

Your right in you line of thinking of getting the TM it's own dedicated batteries, and using the cranker for just the outboard.

Besides, seems, IMHO, foolish to spenf $500+ on a new TM, when the one you have now is fine, and another battery is less than $100.

[yoster]

Thanks for the info guys.

It's not at all a matter of money. New trolling motor, new battery, whatever. I'm just looking for the best long-term (and safe) solution.

Surprised a bit about the thoughts on 12v. I used a 12v system for years on a much heavier 16' boat and it would last me all day. That was back in the 90's. Have trolling motors become less efficient or something? LOL!

To be fair, that was a stern mounted, 30-ish # thrust motor.. so I'm sure it drew a lot less. That said it had a battery gauge on it. Strange.. old school motor with a feature that your basic modern motor doesn't come with.. lame.

So I suppose I'll stay with my current 24v motor. I have a large commercial (for tractors), 12v cranking battery I can use for the evinrude.. then take the rude's current cranking battery (it's one of those walmart deep cycle hybrid batteries), move it back, use that as 1 of the 2 TM batteries and pick up a new battery (same model) for the other 12 volts. That's going to be a TON of weight on the drivers-side (the boat's only major storage compartment is also on the drivers side, under the front deck), but I'll give it a shot.

I guess my main question I should have asked was this - did the 16' ranger 320v come with 3 batteries in the back? Were the TM batteries mounted somewhere under the front deck instead? That's really the only thing I'm concerned about.. safety. If you guys are saying that I'll be totally fine.. as in.. it had 3 batteries as an option from the factory.. then I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I love the 24v idea for run-time.. especially on my 2-day trips.. just want to make sure it's safe.

Random question - do you guys have your fish finders hooked up to your cranking battery, or do you have that on 1 of your 2 TM battery's as well?

Thanks!

[edit] - thanks for the tip on the NAPA group 24's. I get a business discount from NAPA too so all the better! I think I'll check out Costco too.. hear their kirkland deep cycle's are pretty good (if I don't end up just getting another walmart battery - have had good success with those for quite awhile)

Boat specs (just found them)

15.6" Long

Hull weight of 760lbs

Motor: 115hp Evinrude (60-degree model)

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Your going to recomend a 12v system, even though it wasn't good enough for you???

Going from a 24V to 12V system is an absolute backwards and frankly ....stupid move. If your worried about battery weight, use smaller batteries. I use 2 group 24 deep cycles in my 17' aluminum boat, they last all day and then some, plus they weigh less, cost less, and are smaller than 27's,29's or 31's so I can fit them in to a tighter spot with out making any modifications to the boat to accomadate bigger batteries...just look for ones that have the highest reserve capacity you can find. Don't quote me on this, cause I am not in front of the batteries now, but I found NAPA brand group 24's with 150 A/Hour RC, the Interstate group 27 I replaced with them was only like 165. Seeing as you boat is only 16' you will be fine with group 24's, if it was a 18' + glass boat I would go bigger.

Your right in you line of thinking of getting the TM it's own dedicated batteries, and using the cranker for just the outboard.

Besides, seems, IMHO, foolish to spenf $500+ on a new TM, when the one you have now is fine, and another battery is less than $100.

It wasn't good enough becaue A) mine was only 45lbs thrust, the boat was likely much lighter and had a HUGE sail area, especially compared to a glass bass boat.

EDIT, after seeing his boat specs, a 12v system should be MORE than enough.

[ww2farmer]

It wasn't good enough becaue A) mine was only 45lbs thrust, the boat was likely much lighter and had a HUGE sail area, especially compared to a glass bass boat.

EDIT, after seeing his boat specs, a 12v system should be MORE than enough.

HIs boat weighs more than mine and a 45lb 12v motor was a joke on it.

[james 14]

I don't think you're going to notice much with the weight of the extra battery. I would certainly NOT get a lower powered TM. I have a 12ft jon with a 55lb TM and its just right. If I had a place to put the extra battery I'd go to a 24v system myself just to cut through the weeds when I need to.

[slonezp]

The idea of going from a 12v to a 24v is not about how long it will last. If that was the case, you could add another battery and be done with it. It's about having enough power to get you thru the conditions you will encounter in a day of fishing. Your boat is light according to the specs. Boat, motor, you, and gear should be under 1500lbs. I'd ask myself more about the conditions. Do you fish windy conditions alot? On my 17ft tin boat #1 speed can be too fast on glass calm water, but I sometimes have to run it at #6 or #7 when the wind is blowing 20-30. That is with a 24v 70lb thrust. I have never run the batteries to dead.

[freebie]

Thanks for the info guys.

It's not at all a matter of money. New trolling motor, new battery, whatever. I'm just looking for the best long-term (and safe) solution.

Surprised a bit about the thoughts on 12v. I used a 12v system for years on a much heavier 16' boat and it would last me all day. That was back in the 90's. Have trolling motors become less efficient or something? LOL!

To be fair, that was a stern mounted, 30-ish # thrust motor.. so I'm sure it drew a lot less. That said it had a battery gauge on it. Strange.. old school motor with a feature that your basic modern motor doesn't come with.. lame.

So I suppose I'll stay with my current 24v motor. I have a large commercial (for tractors), 12v cranking battery I can use for the evinrude.. then take the rude's current cranking battery (it's one of those walmart deep cycle hybrid batteries), move it back, use that as 1 of the 2 TM batteries and pick up a new battery (same model) for the other 12 volts. That's going to be a TON of weight on the drivers-side (the boat's only major storage compartment is also on the drivers side, under the front deck), but I'll give it a shot.

I guess my main question I should have asked was this - did the 16' ranger 320v come with 3 batteries in the back? Were the TM batteries mounted somewhere under the front deck instead? That's really the only thing I'm concerned about.. safety. If you guys are saying that I'll be totally fine.. as in.. it had 3 batteries as an option from the factory.. then I have absolutely nothing to worry about. I love the 24v idea for run-time.. especially on my 2-day trips.. just want to make sure it's safe.

Random question - do you guys have your fish finders hooked up to your cranking battery, or do you have that on 1 of your 2 TM battery's as well?

Thanks!

[edit] - thanks for the tip on the NAPA group 24's. I get a business discount from NAPA too so all the better! I think I'll check out Costco too.. hear their kirkland deep cycle's are pretty good (if I don't end up just getting another walmart battery - have had good success with those for quite awhile)

Boat specs (just found them)

15.6" Long

Hull weight of 760lbs

Motor: 115hp Evinrude (60-degree model)

when replacing trolling motor batteries in a 24v system you should replace both at the same time. if not the older one will wear down the newer one faster. this is actually true of any multi battery system. if you're concerned about weight and space you could go with optima blue tops. they are very light and can be mounted in any position

[urp]

Guess I'll have to go against the majority opinion. I've fished many years on 12 volts and never had a problem. I don't see thrust as an issue but battery life surely can be. Unlike most, I don't tourny fish so when the wind gets hard I head for the barn; thus no battery problem. If you tourny fish you need 24.

[Bluebasser86]

I have a 16' aluminum bass boat and was not satified with a #55 12V trolling motor. The wind is always blowing around here so I needed to be able to run it high all day long and I just couldn't do it with that motor, even when it was brand new. I now have a 24V #70lb trolling motor and don't even notice the difference with having the extra battery. I really notice the difference in being able to stand on the trolling motor all day without any loss of power though. I promise you will never be upset at yourself for having too much motor but if you get one that's too small, well that's a different story.

[K_Mac]

I have a 24V 80# Fortrex on my 18' aluminum. I would not go back to a smaller motor or 12V. Having the extra capacity and power can be the difference in catching fish or going home. If money is not an issue, 24V is the only way to go IMO (worth what you pay for it).

[Wayne P.]

The best advice you can get for trolling motor consideraton is get the most powerful one you can afford. There is no such thing as "enough" but there is such a thing as "not enough".

You can operate a more powerful motor at a lower speed setting than a lesser motor at a higher speed setting for the same boat speed and use less battery power=more time on the water.

Along with that is get a variable speed model. Those have electonic circuitry to regulate the voltage use and your battery/s will last longer.

I have a 16'2" aluminum bass boat and I use a 105# thrust 36V bow trolling motor all the time and add a 80# 24V transom trolling motor when fishing electric-only waters. When I push the "go" button, I want to go regardless of wind, current, or load.

[jig]

i have a 24 volt 80 lb fortrex on the bow of my 14 ft jon boat and i wouldnt want any less.I fish a lot of wind and i never feel like its overkill..I would have got the 100 lb thrust if i could have done that with a 24 volt system . Get the most lbs thrust you can afford, in my oppinion,you can never have to much.