Bow mount electric

foxer · 01-09-2009, 07:39 PM

Looking to add one to a Northriver Scout (18ft). I want to get a decent motor, but dont want to spend huge $$. Whats the minimum thrust a guy would need. How about batteries?

BassinFever · 01-10-2009, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxer

Looking to add one to a Northriver Scout (18ft). I want to get a decent motor, but dont want to spend huge $$. Whats the minimum thrust a guy would need. How about batteries?

50# absolute minnimum. 24 volt absolutly because you will have a longer battery life with 24 volts. Largest deepcycle batteries you can comfortably install in your boat. IMHO, for the money Trojans are my battery.

You can get some great deals on trolling motors on Ebay as many people upgrade all the time.

Poindexter · 01-10-2009, 02:16 PM

If you use your boat a lot or store it for long periods of time, get an on-board bank charger. It will give your batteries longer life, and you won't start fishing trips with half-charged batteries.

Willie Ketchum · 01-11-2009, 02:14 PM

I'm using a Motor Guide 55lb bow mount with wireless remote on my 18 foot North River. A 12 volt Optima Battery works well. It's easy to carry a second battery if you need the run time. Plenty of power and the remote is cool.

BassRock · 01-11-2009, 03:53 PM

If you plan on fishing the Columbia or any river system 80lb or better.The problem with less lb's is that with a boat that has high side's is pushed around by curent and wind very easy and it takes more lb's to control your boat.

foxer · 01-11-2009, 04:57 PM

Thx for all of the info. I would most likely be using it on lakes and the upper willamette.

fishmanic · 01-11-2009, 07:37 PM

I have 55lb thrust minkota on a Seahawk 18.6 and it works well with a 12 v. Lasts all day trolling at low speeds, I do bring a extra battery. I use it on three different boats , so the 12v is best for me.

dragon67 · 01-11-2009, 08:23 PM

I have a 17ft starcraft and I use the 80lb. This is more for in the spring time when you have alot more current. Wind + current durning the spring time can throw you around some. It is a 24V system, but I also have a battery charging system, so when I am going up and down the river with the regular motor it recharges my batteries, this way you always have the most power you can, and at home you can plug it in so you are ready to go at any time. It is also great if you go somewhere for the week, that you don't have to pull your boat out and take it back to camp just to plug it in. Hope it helps some.

Hunt'nFish · 01-14-2009, 10:49 AM

The NR Scout is a pretty light boat for an 18ft'er.
IMO, a MK55AP 12v w/ twin Trojan SCS225's wired in parallel will give you all the pulling power and capacity you'll realistically need.

Both my 18' Crestliner and my 17' sled have this motor on them. But having two high capacity batteries wired in parallel is the key. Two batteries in parallel seems to give me more life that running on single down and then running another single down. I don't know if it has something to do with how they charge when my big motor is running but it's like I'm getting extra life for free running in parallel.

Also IMO, it is worth replacing the charge coil in your big motor w/ a large charge coil. Most of the time you can double the amperage output for little $$ if you buy the coil used from a scrap motor parts shop. Yes I know Minn-Kota says you not supposed to charge troll batteries w/ your big motor, but I been doing it on my last 3 boats and never had a problem.

Used MK 55AP's are a dime a dozen on craiglist. Get one w/ autopilot though. Especially if your planning to walleye w/ it. trust me you'll fall in love w/ the autopilot and wireless remote. I stick the kicker on low idle for a little trust and let the bowmount & autopilot do all the steering for me while I focus on fishing and sipping my coffe rather than contantly having to steer the boat into the wind all day.
Anyway, my advice.
Hunt'nFish