Bowmount Question…

I’ve been doing the catfish thing for a number of years now and am branching out into the walleye thing now. Obviously have never had to worry about a trolling motor when anchored all the time. I know the anchor topics are fun and heated but I’m looking for some solid advice on a bowmount trolling motor, with my main concern being use in the river… casting shorelines, controlling drift, etc.

Boat is a 16′ Mirrocraft with a 60 hp Johnson on it.

At this point, I’m looking at a PowerDrive V2 to keep the initial investment down. Terrova is out of the question and I know the Terrova is so much more compatible with I-Pilot but that will have to happen in the future… not now.

So… will I be happy with a 55lb 12v Powerdrive on the river. Lets say I fish from sun up to sun down, will I have battery life?? Will a 55lb be enough power considering the current. I don’t need to pull upstream with it but reasonable handling in current would be nice.

Next choice is up to a 70lb 24v Powerdrive so it might be apparent why this is a difficult decision. If putting an extra battery in the boat and extra cost of the bigger motor is worth it, so be it.

Need universal sonar which both of these have so that is considered as well.

Thoughts?

I think you would be seriously dissapointed in your decision to go with the 12V. Nothing is more frustrating than not having enough thrust to deal with the current or having a battery get weak on you. Even though you would rather go with the cheaper option… If you can swing the 24V you will be much happier in the long run.

Dad has a similar sized boat that came with the 55lb 12v PowerDrive. While it moved the boat ok we had to run it on the upper end of it’s power register to get around comfortably. In doing this battery really suffered.

He now has a 24v 84lb MotorGuide and on full blast I can almost make the boat go 7mph… nuff said

Once you have the extra power, you’ll never want less

Its one of those deals where my gut is telling me one thing but my mind is telling me to control the spending.

If a 55lb ain’t going to work or make me happy, thats all I need to know. Would absolutely suck to spend the money on it and find out it won’t do what I wanted it to do, thats why I’m asking.

Just gonna have to save for a few more weeks as its only a few hundred difference.

Keep the thoughts coming guys!! The more “more power” comments, the easier the decision will be.

I have a 1680 Polarkraft with a 55# powerdrive…as long as you’re not spending all day in heavy current…it has plenty of snap to get around. And the battery lasts most of the day as long as you get a big battery.(size 29 or bigger)

The walleyes will still be there in a couple weeks

I have a 1675 lund explorer with a 90hp. The boat came with a 55lb powerdrive on it. It worked fine but battery life suffered. we could only make it through half a day at best. We now have a 80lb maxxum pro and will never get less. You can always turn down the power but its hard to go above 100%.

On a side note Save up a couple of hundred extra and get some quality batteries for it!!! they make all the difference in the world.(my personal opinion if you can afford them would be the optima blue tops!)

Quote:

---

The walleyes will still be there in a couple weeks

---

They’ll be there next year too!! Hello Fortrex 110!

Feedback helps alot guys, just easier making a decision with a lot of real world advice/experience to back up the decision.

An old buddie always told me “It only costs a nickel more to go first class” Times have changed and it might be more like $1.50 but there is a lot of truth to it.

I’m on pool 2 a lot in the spring and fall and I have a 14′ Alumacraft that I upgraded to have a 70# PD. My buddy from Alexandria teased me by asking me if I was going to waterski behind it. He’s never fished the river in springtime.

I need the power for control/mobility/safety in higher water and can drag jigs upstream all day in the summer (except not this summer ). No regrets here.

Jason

I have made the mistake twice…. yes, I am a slow learner:) Each time I went with less cost and 12vlt vs saving for a little longer and going 24vlt. I now have a 24vlt Terrova and It is fantastic! If you can’t go with new look for used 24vlt I think you will be much happier! IMHO

If you fish the river in the Winter and early Spring when you can be on the troller all day in cold conditions the 12 volt system will just not last all day. The difference between 12 volts and 24 is like night and day when it comes to lasting power. There is nothing worse than to finally pattern the fish and then run out of battery about the time the fish are snapping. Go with the 24 and you won’t be sorry!

If you plan on fishing the river you will not want the 55 get the 70. It will ensure that you have enough power to move around in the wind and like the others have said the 24v system will keep you on the water all day with good batteries. If you are serious about what you are doing spend the extra money now or you will be spending it next year after you fish a few times with the pd55. Good Luck.