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RedHead Fisher · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: installing a trolling motor

ok . . . help a new guy out . . . i'm wanting to install a trolling motor on my boat . . . what do i need other than motor and batteries . . . i'm thinking 24volt 71lb thrust, for a 18ft alum . . . should i install it myself or pay for installation . . . any experience or suggestions would be a great help . . . thanks in advance

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

They are no that hard to install. I always installed my own. All have been on fiberglass boats. Are you looking at a bow or tramsom mount?

Mike

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

The most diffcult part of the installation is trying to figure out where to put the batteries.

Mike

Gib · Posted: Mon Apr 30, 2007 8:52 pm Post subject: trolling motor

I used to have a trolling motor on an aluminum boat, and the best way with the least amount of problems for me was to mount the motor on a 2x4, and the 2x4 onto the boat.

A lot of aluminum boats either angle to sharp in the front for a good place to mount, or the aluminum weakens over time.

I mounted the 2x4 from the front to the upper side of the boat. I also used a caulk or glue or whatever it is specifically for aluminum. It sealed and helped hold the wood in place. The caulk was about $7.00 or $8.00 several years ago, and I purchased it at Home Depot I believe. It is excellent material for aluminum.

If mounting on the back, stick it on and go.

Depending on how much trolling you do, it does not take much to push the boat along for fishing. I used 12v, 1 battery, and I never had any problems or ran out of juice, but I used the motor only when I needed it.

Hope this helps.

Uncle D · Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 7:43 am Post subject:

24v is much more efficent, but may not be needed on a light boat. I'd also suggest a Minn Kota Riptide. Seems from some shop people I've talked to, the Minn Kota's see alot less shop time than Motor Guides. It used to not be that way but I can believe it. Have had mine in the shop 2 times now and it needs to go in again but I won't do it. When it goes I'll get that Riptide. Slso the gel cell batteries are the best. Sam's club had the best price on Orbitals when we rigged out my fishing partners trolling motor. D.

RedHead Fisher · Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 10:49 am Post subject:

my boat is pre-wired for a trolling motor . . . it has a front deck that is flat and flush with top of the boat . . . and it has an empty battery compartment for two batteries in the back . . . i mainly need to know what to get other than motor and batteries . . . do i need an on-board charger . . . what are the cheapest batteries to get without getting junk . . . thanks again for the help . . .

RedHead Fisher · Posted: Tue May 01, 2007 10:50 am Post subject:

oh . . . forgot . . . i'm getting a bow-mount

Capt Mike Singleterry · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 07 Mar 2006 Posts: 2728

A onboard charging system is the way to go with a 24 or 36 volt system.
If the boat is already prewired there isn't much more you need. I don't
use a plug, I have found that if you hard wire the system you don't have as many connection problems.

Mike