Trolling plate question

[sliprywhenwet]

Can anyone tell me if a trolling plate would work well on an I/O with 225hp? Looking at the large happy troller or similar from cabelas. Most of the plates that I have seen are rated up to 150hp. Would love a small outboard trolling motor, but the budget just does not allow it right now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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[bodine11]

Don't know for sure, thats alot of horse power. Just seems to me if you troll alot the gas consumption would probably make the payments on a small kicker.[]

Bodine
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[Gumbo]

225 isn't all that powerful for a big, heavy I/O. So yes, an appropriately sized trolling plate will work well for you.

What's the slowest you can go now?
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[MisterCompletely]

[size 3][font "Comic Sans MS"]I don't know if I can be a whole lot of help, but since you haven't been deluged with responses, I'll tell you my experience for what it's worth. I have a smaller Happy Troller on a 35 HP outboard, and it works great for really slowing down a 15 1/2 foot fiberglass boat, and it's pretty easy to use. I have a 19' boat also with a 170 HP I/O, and it idles at about 3 mph without a plate, which is usable for fast trolling for wipers. I've considered adding a happy troller to it too, but I also have an electric trolling motor for slow trolling, so I don't really need it. The advantage of the trolling plate would be I would have more control over boat speed, and not have to putt around at idle - - that is, it would probably be better on the motor if it were running just a little faster than idle speed, as far as spark plugs not fouling, etc. Fast trolling at 2.5-3 mph runs batteries down pretty quickly. The bottom line is, trolling plates do work great in my opinion, and since the motor is running at close to idle, I don't think it matters much whether it's a 25 HP or 225 HP motor. Backtrolling is also an option, but it can be nasty if the water is very choppy and water is spraying everywhere. With the trolling plate, you have to make dang sure the plate is up or unlatched when you take off at high speed. I always visually check to make sure it's up before taking off at high speed. There are other trolling plates available also, but most specify up to 150 hp. Some work automatically and swing up when speed is increased. I would guess that the Happy Troller would for sure work on your boat and that you'd be happy with it.[/font][/size]
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[sliprywhenwet]

Thanks for all of the advice. I too am worried about gas consumption, but the trolling plate will be cheaper for me to start trolling this year. Hopefully next season I can look into a small kicker motor.
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[Waresm]

Try the Troll-amatic at Fred's Marine in Layton. $79, no string to pull up it is all spring loaded
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[KOKANEE]

My boat has a 320 hp motor and I have a a trolling plate on it. I really like it. Of course I had to take it a welding shop and have them do some field modifications. I had them add 2 inches to the length{trolled to fast} and had them weld some reinforcement strips for added support. My duo prop would bend the plate even at an idle. works great now. as long as I remember to pull the rope before we take off...dont ask[shocked]
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