10-06-2003, 02:42 AM
Thanks for all the comments about the trolling motors, it helps knowing what your actual experiences have been with them. I have a small Minn Kota transom mount that I used on my smaller boat (15 1/2 foot glass) and it has never been any trouble, but I certainly learned from it that I don't want a transom mount on this big boat. In fact I tried it the other day just for fun at Scofield, before coming in I put it on and tried trolling. My wife picked up 2 bows that we released, but the boat was really squirrelly and I was definitely underpowered. I don't really ever troll for trout, but often troll slow for walleyes, and want to try for the wipers too (that's a new game for me). I also got a little downrigger with the boat when I bought it (Cannon Sport Troll) and I'd like to try using that too. Anyway, after hearing what you guys suggested, and giving it much thought, I've pretty much made up my mind to go with 24v instead of 12, even though I have 4 12v batteries and 3 or 4 12 volt chargers already. And the Auto Pilot would be neat. I really thought the auto pilot was a lot more expensive, like $1500, but that's for that one one deploys automatically, and I don't think I'm THAT lazy just yet. And the longer 60-inch shaft and the more powerful 65 lb. thrust would probably be a big asset, long after I've forgotten about the agony of paying for it! So that's it then, a Minn Kota Powerdrive 65 with Auto Pilot! Cool! Thanks especially guys for steering me away from that other brand. Seems like not many places carry them anymore, anyway. Thanks again for the input, it really helped a lot!
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