Trolling Motor Options

[clk219th]

After thinking about it over the winter, I've decided to keep my boat (not move up in size). Now I'm outfitting it for some serious fishing. I already installed a new fishfinder/gps unit. What trolling motors have you guys put on your 15's and are there any big issues with the install? I fish 90% salt water, so I know I'll go with one of the salt water series motors. I haven't found much in the way of reviews between the Minn Kota's and the Motorguides. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Fishing is about to heat up, so I'm ready to roll.

[epick4811]

I had a bow mounted trolling motor (MotorGuide F43V) on my 150 when I bought it last year. I'm not even sure if this model is rated for salt water, but it worked fine the few times that I used it. I use my 150 only in the bay for fishing and crabbing. After a few outings I decided to remove the trolling motor because it was in the way.

EP

[clk219th]

I wound up going with a Minn Kota Riptide 55lb thrust. Having in mind the problem you did (with it getting in the way), I installed one of the quick release mounts so I can take it off easily. Makes it a lot safer being able to remove and lock it up in the shed. Only used a couple of times so far, but I'm really liking not having to keep hauling the anchor up and down when I need to move.

[changes in latitudes]

Do any of you guys have pics of your 150 with the trolling motor attached? I just bought a 150 CC yesterday and would like to put a trolling motor on it. I have a bow rail on it right now which I imagine will have to come off - unless someone has a better idea. Thanks!
-Dave

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by changes in latitudes

Do any of you guys have pics of your 150 with the trolling motor attached? I just bought a 150 CC yesterday and would like to put a trolling motor on it. I have a bow rail on it right now which I imagine will have to come off - unless someone has a better idea. Thanks!
-Dave

Here's one of my 170CC...same boat just two feet shorter. I also had the bow rail and removed it to make room for the trolling motor.



I hope this helps.

[epick4811]

Dave,

Here is my 150 - hope this helps.

[changes in latitudes]

Thanks guys! That helps a lot! It looks like I will have to remove the bow rail - maybe I can replace it with one of those short grab rails like you have on yours EP. I'll probably do the wiring set up like you have on yours Chuck - I assume you put the trolling motor battery in the console? - or did you run it back to the small compartment on the port side? I'm not sure where the "factory" position would be. I would think for weight purposes I'd be better off putting it in the CC. Any thoughts?
-Dave

[cagrove]

Yep, I put two under the CC for my 24 volt system. There is a tube that runs from the front to the CC that I used for the wiring. I have several pictures already posted in the 170CC modification section of the Photo Gallery. They may explain things a little better than my limited vocabulary can. Let me know if I can help.