I just got a 17′ aluminum tiller w/ 40hp that I would like to outfit with the best troller/battery situation. I do not have a lot of experience in fishing, but in my limited exposure to trolling motors, I liked one model, that you could aim it at something and it would adjust itself if the boat got blown around. I just don’t know where to begin as far as how much power to battery quantity.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Looks like you want a Minn Kota Auto Pilot. It will steer you on a bearing. The only other option is the Motorguide that will steer you along a depth but that doesn’t sound like what you want.
You could probably get away with the biggest 12V model with your boat but I would highly recommend going to 24 Volts and the biggest one, 80 lbs thrust if you can do it. I’ve never heard anybody complain about having too much power. If it’s a V hull make sure you get a longer shaft length.
You are looking for a unit with “Autopilot” I would suggest a Minnkota Powerdrive or Terrova with 80lbs of thrust.
The powerdrive can be purchased for less than the terrova but the terrova has the autopilot on the fob. I have the terrova with autopilot and my fob’s are mounted on my rods. This setup works great, I don’t even need to put out the foot pedal. It is carried in the boat for backup.
As for 80lbs for thrust. A smaller unit will work, but a 24 volt 80lb will move your boat well in the winds we get around here. Remember get all the motor you can. There is nothing worse than being underpowered.
As for batteries. Go with glass mat. I run a pair of Cabela’s Advanced Angler AGM batteries, group size 27. They are not cheap! But Wow! what performance you get from them. You won’t be sorry with a good glass mat battery.
Just my two cents. Minnkota Terrova 80lb with autopilot and two glass mat batteries.
Good Luck
Jarret
I would also recommend a 24V system for several reasons, better power, a little more speed(great if fighting current), and better battery life.
If this 17′ boat is the standard V hull with floors, livewell, and all the accessories of a normal fishing boat.. I would also suggest the 80# model, no less than 65#. They cost more the bigger you go, but its better to spend a little extra and end up with the motor you want than end up short changed on a motor not quite capable of doing what you want it to.
Autopilot motor is what you are looking for, they do have their pro’s and cons. The autopilot is well known for going out on a semi regular basis, or at least getting a mind of their own as they will spin in circles once in a while with no warning. Most people who own autopilots usually turn the feature off and run it as a standard motor. This is an important thing to consider because it can save you 100’s$$ to not have the auto pilot feature.
I was just on lake Calhoun(trolling motor only) in a friends boat 2 days ago which was a 16.5′ smoker craft, it had a 50# bow mount on it and we couldnt get 1 mph into a 15 mph wind. We used up a battery in about 2.5 hours of fishing(12V system). It was underpowered big time. I came back later that evening with my 73# trolling motor on my boat(about same) and fished for 5 hours including going all around the lake in the increasing wind and I could get 3 mph into the wind, and I never ran out of juice although I wouldnt have tried to get another hour of moderate speeds.
More power cost you more, but spending the money on a motor too small is more costly, and could leave you hauling around extra batteries you generally wouldnt need, and a hassle switching them over mid trip.
Right on, thanks for the fast replies guys 
Verdict Terrova 80/AP and looks like I need to decide on battery.
So, I currently have 1 12v battery, what do I need to upgrade to two batteries. Would it be best to add a separate system for the trolling motor? with its own built in charger or does it get power from the alternator(I don’t even know if the 40hp Mariner has a alternator?
)
Thanks again!
Get two new batteries, keep them separate rom your starting battery. Most people will then get a three bank charger and charge at home. There are electronics out there to charge your trolling motor batteries from your alternator if you want but unless you are fishing all day and running a lot, or on a trip where you don’t have access to an AC hookup it won’t help mnuch.
I only use 2 batteries just to save on weight and storage(too much stuff in my boat).
I recommend if you have the room to have 2 good batteries strictly for use with the trolling motor. If you want exceptional battery life, go with at least reputable brand group 27 deep cycle trolling batteries. group 29 or 31 are ideal for excessively demanding conditions day in, day out, but overkill for most anyone with the already great run time of 24V systems. Most people could get by easily with 2 group 24 batteries for average fishing outings even with moderate demand, but the group 27 batteries will give at east 50% more run time than the group 24 batteries.
As others have said, the cabelas AGM batteries are excellent, but expensive. Another option if you do some research is marine Gel Cell batteries(ebay) which will put any deep cycle to shame, but ultra expensive… or do what some of do and go to Wally World and pick up 2 of their group 29 deep cycles for about $70 each which are awesome batteries at a very good price.
A couple good batteries and you wont have a problem heading out fishing for a weekend without a recharge.
There is a used auto piolet for sale on the forum where we can sell items. I only go with optima batteries due to the closed cell design and no spillage, long life, less weight, faster charging time, a couple of other reasons. The drawback is the cost. But they are a great battery and have lasted a long time and have never died on me.
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