Trolling Motor Advice

[RoadToad]

My used 14' jonboat came with a bow-mounted MK, not sure of the thrust on it but I wish it was more. Don't skimp on that. My boat's narrow, even for a jon, but the foot control really is only in the way climbing in or out over the bow. Once you're in and situated, it's not a problem. I've only owned 2 trolling motors, but I'm totally sold on MinnKota.

[KyPit71]

thanks guys for all the info.I still can't decide on the foot controlled or tiller.O n one hand the tikker would be out of the way but hands free would be alot easier to fish with I would think.My boat is a 84 alumacraft v-bottom that is decked out with carpeted landing of front and back.She's not the most stable but have yet to fall out of it....knock on wood..lol Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?Thanks again guys,really! 1 more question,Can you catch them big ole marble eyes from the bank as I don't think my boat would be safe in that turbine wash??? Chad

[DaveR]

... Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?.... Chad

I don't believe you need 70, if cost or weight is a concern at all. I run a 55 lb 24 volt motorguide on my 19ft Fiberglass and it gets the job done for me. Within the last 10 years there has been a huge jump in popularity of high thrust trolling motors. Probably because they are now selling alot of 20-22 foot boats.

I would believe one can do fine with a 12 volt system and a 40-50 lb thrust unit for a 14 foot boat. Just my opinion to respond to your question.

[stockcars6]

if you are trolling motor only, get as much thrust as you can afford, if you have a engine to push you around, go with a 45 or 50, seems like much more than that will kill a good 12v battery in a day

i recently traded my 45 mk edge for a 80 mk maxxum, the guy i got it from was down sizing and i was looking to upgrade... 45 pushed my 16' lowe well but i also had an engine

absolutley no tiller steer! if the wind is blowing and you want to throw a crank bait, 20-30 seconds without power is way to much, go with a foot controlled model (i did that too long to make that choice again)

the power drive v-2 is a pain to opperate, bought one and sold it after only 5 uses, hard to change the habit after a lifetime of traditional opperation, the pedal is flat out wierd... if someone was new to a foot control they *may* be able to learn how to use one though even then it makes major adjustments with only the slightest movement

[BigB]

thanks guys for all the info.I still can't decide on the foot controlled or tiller.O n one hand the tikker would be out of the way but hands free would be alot easier to fish with I would think.My boat is a 84 alumacraft v-bottom that is decked out with carpeted landing of front and back.She's not the most stable but have yet to fall out of it....knock on wood..lol Do I really need the 70lb as compared to the 50? Is it the much of a difference?Thanks again guys,really! 1 more question,Can you catch them big ole marble eyes from the bank as I don't think my boat would be safe in that turbine wash??? Chad

I've got a motorguide pro 54 that is like new with gator mount that i'll sell you at a reasonable price. check them out as BPS and let me know something.

B

[KyPit71]

Thanks guys for all the replies!I found a MK AT65 for $399 at BPS.Are they as rugged and dependable as I have read and if so,is that a good price.Says they are regularly $499.Pm me BigB with what you want for that TM.How old is it and why are you selling? Thanks,Chad