Trolling Motor with T-Top?

[HappyGaffer]

Hello:

I have a 215 and I'm considering mounting a trolling motor on the bow. I've seen examples on here where people have done just that, but I haven't heard of anyone doing it that has a t-top. My issue is that I fear the t-top, when combined with wind and current, will create enough force to render the 80 lb motor useless. The trolling motor dealer/installer warned me that it may be a problem. What do you think?

Thanks,
Blake

[HighTechRedneck]

may not be a good comparsion but my 191 gets around just fine with a 50# thrust minnkota with the bimini top up.

[HappyGaffer]

Originally Posted by HighTechRedneck

may not be a good comparsion but my 191 gets around just fine with a 50# thrust minnkota with the bimini top up.

What are the worst current/wind conditions you've sucessfully operated in?

[HighTechRedneck]

Lake michigan in 2 to 3 foot waves with 15mph winds. Haven't really tried it in any sort of strong current. I think i would need a little bigger motor if i wanted to head into a strong current.

[FishinFool]

I'm with HTR...my 191 with bimini has done fine with my 80 lb thrust motor in 10 to 20 mph, gusting to 30, winds. Pretty tough on the fishing though...

Tony

[bottomfeeder]

Blake, I would go with a 36v setup (101-202 lbs thrust). My other boat is 21ft long with a 3/4 hardtop and adequate freeboard and a transom mounted 101 motor (not much bow area). When the wind blows even a little it doesn't provide enough thrust. I know you are looking at a bow mount motor and I am going to put one on the bow of mine in addition to the transom mount (more efficient operation from the bow) . If you do go bow mount, go with the wireless control fob and maneuver from anywhere in the boat and get plenty of shaft length ( 60-70 inches) for when it is choppy out and the motor can stay submerged. The wireless comes in handy when you need to leave the bow or helm depending on system used and free up tangles and land fish. However, if I had to do it all over again I would go with trim tab motors. If you have the optional Lenco trim tabs on your 215 perhaps you should go with their Joy Ride or Micro Ride Troll N' Tabs.If you want to go wireless, then Minn Kota's Trim and Troll.The Minn Kota has a button on the remote to straighten out the boat again if you get out of whack (I can get out of whack a lot according to my "CHIEF" wife ). With either system you can turn the boat around in it's own length, dock, launch and retrieve, and maneuver in tight spaces with ease. The down side is the prices are pretty spendy. Another alternative is outboard or I/O cavitation plate mounted single or twin motors. The down side to these is your motor has to be trimmed down enough for them to work efficiently and reverse is worthless since it goes into the transom. The upside is since the motors go on your existing outboard or I/O you don't have to make space where there is none and drill holes in your boat and work around bow rails and seat backs. When I use my electric motor it is usually close to shore or other obstacles and that is not the time to find out your motor is underpowered. Better too much than too little and you will pull fewer amps and the motor should last longer. It's tough to get on the gas motor in a hurry if the wind comes up suddenly or the current changes. Don't quite make it in time and the boat could be swamped, up against an object, or hit the prop or lower unit on something hard and it's a long way to paddle back to the dock. Just my two and a half cents worth minus two and a half cents. Hope this answers your question thoroughly.

[HappyGaffer]

Originally Posted by bottomfeeder

Blake, I would go with a 36v setup (101-202 lbs thrust). My other boat is 21ft long with a 3/4 hardtop and adequate freeboard and a transom mounted 101 motor (not much bow area). When the wind blows even a little it doesn't provide enough thrust. I know you are looking at a bow mount motor and I am going to put one on the bow of mine in addition to the transom mount (more efficient operation from the bow) . If you do go bow mount, go with the wireless control fob and maneuver from anywhere in the boat and get plenty of shaft length ( 60-70 inches) for when it is choppy out and the motor can stay submerged. The wireless comes in handy when you need to leave the bow or helm depending on system used and free up tangles and land fish. However, if I had to do it all over again I would go with trim tab motors. If you have the optional Lenco trim tabs on your 215 perhaps you should go with their Joy Ride or Micro Ride Troll N' Tabs.If you want to go wireless, then Minn Kota's Trim and Troll.The Minn Kota has a button on the remote to straighten out the boat again if you get out of whack (I can get out of whack a lot according to my "CHIEF" wife ). With either system you can turn the boat around in it's own length, dock, launch and retrieve, and maneuver in tight spaces with ease. The down side is the prices are pretty spendy. Another alternative is outboard or I/O cavitation plate mounted single or twin motors. The down side to these is your motor has to be trimmed down enough for them to work efficiently and reverse is worthless since it goes into the transom. The upside is since the motors go on your existing outboard or I/O you don't have to make space where there is none and drill holes in your boat and work around bow rails and seat backs. When I use my electric motor it is usually close to shore or other obstacles and that is not the time to find out your motor is underpowered. Better too much than too little and you will pull fewer amps and the motor should last longer. It's tough to get on the gas motor in a hurry if the wind comes up suddenly or the current changes. Don't quite make it in time and the boat could be swamped, up against an object, or hit the prop or lower unit on something hard and it's a long way to paddle back to the dock. Just my two and a half cents worth minus two and a half cents. Hope this answers your question thoroughly.

I come from a bass fishing background, so bow mount is really the only option that fits my style. You recommend a 101-102 but then say that your 21' with t-top is underpowered with a 101. Is this because it is transom mounted or is there something I'm missing? Please clarify. Thanks!

[bottomfeeder]

Happygaffer, sorry, haven't been on the computer for a while. Yes, it is partially because it is transom mounted and also because 101lbs is just not enough thrust for my freeboard and especially my 3/4 hardtop when the wind blows. This is why I am mounting another motor (bow mount) in addition to my transom mount so I can run one or both and give each person at each end of the boat steering control. Both fishermen have to work as a team and communicate well for this setup to work. Flats fishermen use the trim tab motors with a wireless remote up from the bow with less in the way to get tangled up in or cut fishing line so I would think that would give you enough thrust and excellent steering control. If you don't think 101lbs of thrust is enough for your boat stern mounted is the only way to get enough thrust (up to 202lbs) and only you can make that determination. Like I stated in the reply, If I had to do it all over again I would go with 36v 202lbs thrust trim tab motors with a wireless remote to keep my small bow area rock sighting friendly, provide ample thrust for safety and maneuverability, and be able to steer from anywhere on the boat. It sounds like you are set on a bow mount though so one of the BIG catalog and retail stores is closing out Motorguide PTSv motors for up to (in my case) $1300. off their normal price! That made my motor (36v 60" shaft) $999.99 plus shipping unless you ship to a store near you! Hope this answers your question and hooks you up with a steal of a deal.