Fishing Forum

I bought another pontoon today. It is a Sportsmans Warehouse ( outcast fish cat 9) in very good shape. This one has a motor mount and anchor set up. I got it for 200 dollars.
What kind of trolling motor do you guys use and anyone from of familliar with Idaho rules. What do I need to do to licence it when I get the motor? Thanks Ron
[signature]

Heay, don't blame me. I am down to Two. Big one and a little one.[laugh]

I prefer Minn Kota , but there are other choices. Shouldn't need much more than 30ish
Your laws are the same as Utah. Numbers/letters and State/Month posted on each side in 3" to 4" size.

You also want to loosen the bolt in the head of the motor and turn it so the handle is facing the same direction as the prop.
[signature]

registration information is here: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/recr...ating.aspx

There is a list on there also of where to go in your area to get the registration done.

I am using an older Minn Kota 24 on a 9 ft Renegade. If you can I would get something in the 30 to 40 range. I got my deep cycle battery at Costco. They had a sale at the time, but still the price is not bad.
[signature]

I have a 50#er
[inline "PICT0364 (Small).JPG"]
if I could buy a new one I would get a digital maximizer , better use of battery and much more effiecient. Yes you can turn the head around or take it off , splice in some longer wiring and have the controls ( on, off, forward, reverse, ect) up by you. I took the head apart and mounted the controls in an electrical box, if I could I would consider just using the head with extention wires spliced in.
[inline "PICT0362 (Small).JPG"]
You turn with your fins so you fix the motor in one direction (usually where you are going backwards).

Just register it at the DMV just like a boat
[signature]

As was said -- turn the head around so that the motor pulls you backwards, lock it into place, and use your fins to steer with. You can also put an inline switch on it that you put up next to you. That way you can turn the motor on and off easily.


Here are some links to switches:
http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...ead#unread

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float...ch;#584915

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores...rchResults
[signature]

Great Idea...why didn't I think of that[]

I used Wire Ribbon and a box and Radio Knob from Radio Shack.
Nice and clean and the on/off, forward and reverse, and speed were all right next to me.



The new problem is the new motor has more a Reo-Stat. The more you turn the handle the more % of power. I can have the prop barely move.
I can not do the ribbon and box with this motor, or I should say, gonna take allot of thought.
[signature]

You did think of that!! Your set-up was about the only post I couldn't find! It should work great with the older motors.

Will it work with the new motor controls? I know that with my old TM the amount of power it uses is the same on # 1 speed or #3 - the unused power goes to heat. But the new motors with a digital maximizer actually use less battery on the lower speeds. I don't think you want to replace that with a rheostat. I wonder if the wires in the handle are very long or an additional harness could be bought and added? Or do they have foot controls for the smaller motors that also control the speed?
[signature]

They do have foot controlers, I have read where some have put them On foot pegs, but then never hear anything more.

Most definitely need to lengthen wires. You can get wire ribbon at any hardware store.

That whole mod on my Minn 30 was under $20.

The problem with my Maxxum 40 is the wiring. Like I said, more a volumn knob instead of a click per speed.
But I like the longer shaft on the larger models.
[signature]

Yes you did think of that and that is where and how mine came about. I wish I would go the neatness route more because I do believe it is important, I just get excited and throwe it together thinking I will come back and changed it. Oh Well.

Have you seen one of the maximizer heads off in any of you travels? seems like if we can keep the head together in one piece a person should be able to add some wires to get that head up front with us where it should be[].

I am looking forward to the day I have one of those systems. To be able to just crawl along when you want to would be awsome[cool]

Sometimes I think I would it would work real well to be able to adjust my speed and the angle of the toon to wind drift, ect.
[signature]

As I have said before, I have been motoring many years. My first motorized pontoon was the 6' Alpine by Buck's Bags. My sister in Law is still using it.
The motor was an old 30 Minn Kota in which I did take the head off, added an Oar clamp and the first remote control. Again Extended the wires.



I am thinking that will be my only option with this new motor.
[signature]

I know this will sound stupid but, Do you always go in reverse? Ron
[signature]

Since the head of the tm is turned around, it is not running on the reverse setting. But I am almost always running my tube in a backwards direction. The same direction you would be going if you are kicking with your fins. When the motor is running I am still lightly (or more) kicking - partly habit and partly steering.

As a teacher: No question is ever stupid!
[signature]

Everything you just said.

The only time I go forward, is with oars and going face first to shore. I prefer this with my motor on, plus easier to get out if there is a drop off.
[signature]