what type electric trolling motor

[Catchn not fishn]

Need some input on a "bow mount" electric trolling motor for my 20 alumaweld blackhawk. Want for walleye fishing on lower columbia, maybe sometimes on lakes.
thinking about a wireless steering model.
trying to understand: :shrug: need your :twocents:
what models are best
how do I determine needed shaft length.
Thrust needed.
Think 12 volts would do me fine. Any input?
Boat goes in salt water but motor won't so don't think I need saltwater type.
Don't have big budget and will only use it 3 months ayear.
Wheres best place to buy one.
Thank you all

[Starfish]

Need some input on a "bow mount" electric trolling motor for my 20 alumaweld blackhawk. Want for walleye fishing on lower columbia, maybe sometimes on lakes.
thinking about a wireless steering model.
trying to understand: :shrug: need your :twocents:
what models are best
how do I determine needed shaft length.
Thrust needed.
Think 12 volts would do me fine. Any input?
Boat goes in salt water but motor won't so don't think I need saltwater type.
Don't have big budget and will only use it 3 months ayear.
Wheres best place to buy one.
Thank you all



I like the Minnkota models, especially with the Autopilot but if you're on a budget you can live without it. One thing I won't be without is the CoPilot handheld remote. Once I got one, I put away the foot pedal and don't even carry it in the boat anymore.

I have a 12V 55lb on my 21' Tundra and I have to say it's not really enough. For a 20' boat you'll be much happier stepping up to 24V and 74 lbs or more. But again, you can get by with 55 lb in a pinch; I've used it for three years and it hasn't bugged me enough to replace it yet.

As far as shaft length, more is better as long as you can still fit the stowed motor in front of the windshield. 56" shaft would be a bare minimum and I'd recommend 60" if it will fit. Remember that you can always raise the head and lock it in a shallower position, but if you're cavitating in the waves and don't have a long enough shaft it's useless. Also having the head up higher makes it easier to see which way the motor is pointed.

[Catchn not fishn]

i'm looking at the powerdrive 70PD with remote didn't want to go to 24 volts but because of 2 batteries but it looks like I need to. My trolliing motor will work in most cases but if wind kicks up it's a real pain.
I guess the remote only works on the power drive is that right?
Thanks for your input

[RascallyRabbit]

I'd go with a riptide if you go with a minkota (my next 1 will be), because someday you will use it in a tidewater area? In fact I used mine this last week to control my drift while bobber fishing, and it was so sweet. Mine is a 50lb thrust powerdrive that is used on a 14' bassboat, and there are even times I wish I had more.

Steve/RascallyRabbit