Trolling plate, Kicker or large Electric?

[Slayer]

I recently picked up a 16 ft smokercraft which by the way I LOVE, and I have been doing some backbouncing while trolling with my main motor. Now this has worked but once the water slows down it will be too much power to use anymore. I have a 50 lb thrust electric which works when the water is real slow but draws on the 12 volt system pretty hard and wont last long at higher flows at full throttle. Now I have thought about getting a small 6-8 HP kicker but I really dont want any more weight in the back than I already do, which includes me (a big guy), my main motor (40HP/4 Stroke) my gas tank and my battery. I have already thought about moving the battery and tank forward even before I had thought about getting a kicker motor.

So my question to all you knowledgable, experienced boaters, is what are the pros and cons of these 3 choices and are there other alternatives that I have not thought about yet?

Thanks!
Slayer
aka - Chris :cheers:

[rjs]

I have a similar situation and questions as slayer does, so yes, how about you old timers giving us some good advice. Thanks much.

[crabbait]

Just opinion and I am no expert, but...

The 40hp should be about right for a trolling plate. You will still get great gas milage and won't have to add extra weight. The 50lb electric is also good but needs a separate deep cycle battery designed for that usage. Weight of the battery will not be near the weight of a kicker (or the expense).

If you were running a 90hp or better I would say go with a kicker.

[Splash]

Here is a thread from awhile back that I feel had some useful info. It mentions electrics and trolling plates.

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?p=641144&highlight=trolling+plate#post641144


I have been leary of trolling plates from problems I have heard and seen a number of years ago causing damage to lower units. It appears trolling plates have come a ways since then so I guess I need to catch up.

[Capt George]

I have a 17 Aquasport/90 HP

a 4 hp yamaha sufficient for trolling salmon?. Be fishing out of Coffman Cove. thanx cap'n g

[Slayer]

Good information so far. Keep it coming, I still dont think i have enough of a concensus to make a decission yet.

THANKS!

[Slayer]

anymore input?

[KingFisher85]

I went with a 24vt 80lb thrust minnkota electric...Perfect I think.

If you want, we can drop it on the back of your boat one day soon and you can see if it has enough power for you.

I also have that trolling plate that should work on your Merc.

[vudo]

I go with a trolling plate. I have a trolling plate on mine 40 and it works great. Those small little 4-stroke are not that cheap.

[fishkisser]

I'll jump in with my:twocents: Trolling plates won't save you fuel . Electrics can draw batteries down and no starty motor . but a simple kicker (pull start ,manual everything) with a separate fuel supply , will always get ya back even if your main fuel tanks become contaminated. just dont underpower to save weight ... :wave:

[richmake]

This is a tough one!
If it were me I would probably go with the plate because of the minimal expense.
If you plan on doing any salt water fishing....rule out the electric motor because they won't stand up in the elements.
Having a small kicker is always a great security measure but at a modest expense and the weight is always a concern