Electric Kicker Motors for DB's ??

[FM2]

I was fishing with a buddy yesterday in my DB and we were discussing kicker motors. My current DB is not licensed for a kicker so the topic came up about electric kickers (mainly talking about Minn-Kota).

Does anyone use an electric kicker on their DB and if so, how well does it perform! Also, I don't know if you have to register your boat or not with an electric motor so if anyone knows, please help!!

Thanks all !!

[Salmonator]

You do have to register even for an electric. I run a 24volt minnkota and it works good but the two deep-cycles add a lot of weight.

[Snapset]

I have the basic Minn-Kota 90 dollar model and it is fine for a lot of fishing, but it won't battle a strong or gusty wind and for running up a medium current, or back-trolling against a strong current, it is insufficient. I use it all the time, and I am glad that I bought it, but it has limitations. Buy a good battery, it is worth the investment.
Joe is right about registration, you will even have to start carrying a fire extinguisher.

[FM2]

Thanks for the info guys, truly appreciated images/icons/smile.gif

Hey Joe, you have a 24v model which you use 2 batteries for, how long can you run your motor considering average current flow? I know there are many variables and I can research this till I catch my next fish images/icons/grin.gif but real life experience has a tremendous value. Were you able to use the motor right from the box or did you need an extended shaft? How would you say the weight differential is between an electric motor with 2 batteries vs an outboard with fuel tank. I have defined my need, only in tidewater and through frog water on rivers so I would not need a motor to push my DB through anything stronger than a swift current with maybe some wind.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[Salmonator]

I ordered the long shaft which is plenty deep enough. As far as the juice goes, I think if you lay off the throttle it will last quite a bit longer than say a 42lb thrust on a single battery. But if you use max throttle for prolonged periods of time it is similar to a single battery setup, but you get the extra thrust. Keep in mind that between the motor and two batteries you will be into it around $550 to 600 bucks for the 72lb thrust model.. Joe

[ 10-28-2001: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

[Tilla]

I have a Minnkota 12vdc rated at 3hp. At full open it will do almost as good as my 8 hp Merc from a speed perspective, DB's only go so fast. If I troll at about 35% the battery will go 12 hours. But, in windy conditions gas gives better control.

[Tilla]

I have a Minnkota 12vdc rated at 3hp. At full open it will do almost as good as my 8 hp Merc from a speed perspective, DB's only go so fast. If I troll at about 35% the battery will go 12 hours. But, in windy conditions gas gives better control.