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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Ok, so maybe I'm baring my sole or stupidity here but here goes.
I have a 17 foot MirroCraft Agressor XL, single console, with a 115 hp Mariner.
I replaced my older Minn Kota Auto pilot because it was not very responsive, with a cable driven MinnKota. I was never comfortable with that either as I have enough trouble standing for long periods let alone on one foot. I tried a butt seat and that helped, but still not my cup of tea, so I alternate between standing and sitting.
I have been checking into a new MinnKota and have narrowed it down to either a 55 lb thrust PowerDrive V2 with auto pilot and co-pilot or a Terrova with the same options. Both are 12 volt as I am not sure if I want to upgrade to a 24 volt system, even though I carry 3 batteries now (cranking, trolling motor and one slightly smaller one for a locator) I also have a two bank onboard charging system.
I also have a Bottom Line locator that I move from the console to the front deck, and am checking out some of the other brands, ones that are compatible with the universal sonar that MinnKota has.
So, any suggestions are welcome, as to trolling motor selection or locator selection. I have been thinking about a side view Hummingbird, but don't know much about them.
About myself, I am retiring the end of this month and normally fish alone and I fish for all species. I spent way too many hours working and now it's time to enjoy the toys.
I also plan on replacing the Mariner with a 90 hp 4 stroke but not until next year.
Edited by ESOXER 3/8/2008 10:58 PM
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| My two-cents ; Most guys never regret going to the 24v.
Don |
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Posts: 256
Location: Janesville | Go with a 24 v your batterys will last longer and your trolling motor.I run a 36 volt and i love it . my 2 cents |
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Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | First, go to a 24v system hands down. Two for the trolling motor and one for the big motor, locators, accessories. Go with a Powerdrive unit, but now step up to a larger motor with the 24v system. Probably a 75 pound motor. Always get the most motor for your budget. Don't worry about what the rating for the boat and trolling motor, just get the biggest amount of thrust. This will help on motor life, battery life, and is nice when you really need it (wind, etc). Locators, Hummingbirds are nice, but I have been a Eagle / Lowrance person for life, so I like the new color Lowrance locators / GPS units. You can also pick up a color Eagle for a good price.
Good luck and Good fishing! |
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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Ok, you guys convinced me on the 24 volt, but should I also keep the smaller 12 volt for my locator instead of hooking that up to the cranking battery?
Also does anyone recommend the universal dual sonar that you can get with MinnKota? I would like to get a dual bottom/sideview locator, but not sure about the 2 grand investment. Plus relearning the new technolgy. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Yes, get rid of the smaller battery. Ultimately, running your locater's off the cranking battery will be better. Those batteries are meant for things like that. Plus, getting rid of the excess weight of the other battery and the fact you just don't need it. You will have no problem running your locater off the cranking battery.
I ran the Universal sonar the first year it was available in 02' I believe, till last year when I switched over to Motorguide. I really liked having the built in sonar because you never had to worry about cords getting chopped, or banged up on rocks, etc. However, I do think by using the universal sonar, your pixel count isn't as good. So in other words your not going to pick up as much detail but most don't need 640 x 640 pixels. It served what I needed majority of the time and would recommend it. |
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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Thank you, that is all good advice, now how about the pros and cons on the Power Drive versus the Terrova? Any reason one over the other? |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | With that boat I would get the 80 pound Terrova hands down. |
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Posts: 3511
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I would tend to agree with Hulbert on this one... You could probably get away with a 70 pound thrust, but the extra push means using a lower setting most of the time, and when you get into more wind, you have the extra power there to pull you along much better. It is amazing how much 10 pounds really can do for a boat.
Steve |
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Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | Exactly, You won't have to have your motor running at top power all the time just to move your boat around. I had a 74 lb motor on my pro-v and it was nice only using a 3 or 4 power setting to fish and knowing I could crank it up if I have wind, etc.
And a 24v that I had usually met I could fish hard for an entire day on the motor and not have to worry about draining the batteries....
Like I said, get as much power as you are willing to pay for....
Edited by Muskiemetal 3/10/2008 10:59 AM
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Posts: 232
Location: Sun Prairie, WI | Ok, thank everyone for your input, now, I assume I will have to replace the on board charging system to go to 24 volt? I could also leave the 12 volt system in and use it for the cranking battery and keep the smaller 12 volt for the locator since I prefer to run that on it's own battery. I realize thats 4 batteries in the boat, but I do have the room.
I would get the Terrova without the universal sonar most likely. |
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Trolling motor/locator question.