Trolling Motor Help Needed

[Eric Ballard]

Im buying my trolling motor tomorrow.

The question is 55# or 70# thrust and why?

I have a 2016 SX 190.

2100# dry weight so im assuming Ill never go past 3000# total weight when fishing.

From what I read 3000# boat weight is recomended to go with 60# so dilema begins. Ill be on lakes and the rare occasional river. No ocean use for trolling motor.

Im basically hoping the concenous is 55#. I like the 12v system if I can get away with it.

Im looking at the Minn Kota Riptide with copilot. 54" shaft.

 

[Eric Ballard]

This is one idea for mounting the trolling motor. I also built a casting deck I might mount the trolling motor.

 

[Seadeals]

The casting deck idea is really cool. Adding a mount for the trolling motor (and the trolling motor) to it might make taking it in and out a real challenge. I have never fished from my Yamaha but am always amazed with the mods others have done to adapt the boat to the unintended purpose. The thrust consideration also depends on your intended battery setup. One vs two (12/24) and battery size would affect my choice as I would want to know the effective run time of one deep cycle. 55 would offer longer run time. My only concern would be the performance in breezy conditions with the high freeboard. It would be funny to see a pair of power poles on the back.

 

[Eric Ballard]

i woud install the trolling motor ising the quick disconnect hockey puck so the only extra weight is the box I need to build to support the motor. the battery would likely go in the forward starboard storaflge hole; possibly close to under the captains console (as close to center as possible).

With the 55# model and 50 draw max would let me run full throttle for 45 minutes; which I think is pretty good.

I got help from Bruce on the battery calculations.

BTW There is a guy on here that put 2 stick-it-pin anchors on the back swim desk of his FSH. Looks cool really.

Yes the high freeboard could be an issue in high wind, but Im not looking to go out in that for fishing or at least not with the trolling motor.

most of the FSH guys use 80# thrust but I assume that since they want true fishing boat performance. I want light, simple and functional (for around $1000 ).

Damn its a tough descision.....

 

[Seadeals]

It sounds like a 55 should fit your needs and budget. Hopefully someone with a 55# installed will chime in on performance.

 

[Eric Ballard]

ok guys I got the 70# thrust 54" shaft.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/Trolling-Motors/Saltwater-Bow-Mount/New-Riptide-PowerDrive/?wizard=1

Im starting the install tomorrow. Stay tuned!

 

[Eric Ballard]

Just to update and close those this thread. I love it!!!!

 

[RiverRat1000]

Just to update and close those this thread. I love it!!!!View attachment 52093

Has anyone done this on a 210?

 

[Tailwaters]

Just curious is the 54" shaft was long enough?

 

[Eric Ballard]

Oh ya, you could even go a little shorter.

 

[Smithers]

This is one idea for mounting the trolling motor. I also built a casting deck I might mount the trolling motor.

View attachment 51431View attachment 51432View attachment 51433

Where did u get tbe spacers from? Getting ready to mount one this week?

 

[moonjeong]

Just to update and close those this thread. I love it!!!!View attachment 52093

This is the perfect solution! How is it holding up and by any chance you have a diy or closer pics to see where you attached the deck? Also, newbie question: do you use regular screws to screw the box to your boat? Inexperience tells me the screws may not hold the thrust? Or is the boat shell really thick and sturdy? Thanks!

 

[Julian]

This is the perfect solution! How is it holding up and by any chance you have a diy or closer pics to see where you attached the deck? Also, newbie question: do you use regular screws to screw the box to your boat? Inexperience tells me the screws may not hold the thrust? Or is the boat shell really thick and sturdy? Thanks!

I am going to guess that he didn't use screws at all but rather through bolted it and put a backing plate on, or some really large washers as backing. (I wouldn't use screws no matter how thick the glass is).