trolling motor and locator
wers4455
Posted 12/31/2008 5:47 PM (#352381)
Subject: trolling motor and locator





Posts: 415


Location: madison wisconsin
I'm looking into getting a new locator and new trolling motor for my boat. I have a 17'6" Pro Craft for a boat and it came equipped with a motor guide 43 lbs thrust and an lowrance x-75 on the dash that will stay. The motor guide took a dump but the x-75 still works. I'm looking for a good, solid locator to put in the front so I can actually see what I'm fishing. Something in the $300-$600 range. . As for the trolling motor, it would have to be a 12 volt and have a pedal. I would like to step the thrust up and do not want cable drive. Something in the $300-700 range. What would you guys suggest? Thanks

Happy new year everyone!!

Edited by wers4455 12/31/2008 5:48 PM
VMS
Posted 1/1/2009 10:12 AM (#352469 - in reply to #352381)
Subject: Re: trolling motor and locator





Posts: 3479


Location: Elk River, Minnesota
Minnkota powerdrive with autopilot and universal sonar. 55 pounds of thrust which will keep you in the 12 volt range. Both the autopilot and the univeral sonar keep things on track and cable free going down the shaft. The autopilot is great for when you have a fish in the net...you can just turn the boat away fro structure and work with the fish.

As for a good graph, I'd suggest something along the lines of combination depth finder and GPS. having the GPS is nice if you have located a pod of bait, an unmarked hump, or just being able to follow a path around a piece of structure. Lots of possibilities within your price range for a locator, but something that has the GPS can be very handy....especially with the mapping software out there.

Steve
esoxfly
Posted 1/1/2009 8:55 PM (#352571 - in reply to #352469)
Subject: Re: trolling motor and locator





Posts: 1663


Location: Kodiak, AK
VMS - 1/1/2009 11:12 AM

Minnkota powerdrive with autopilot and universal sonar. 55 pounds of thrust which will keep you in the 12 volt range.


Agreed.
wers4455
Posted 2/8/2009 8:42 PM (#359674 - in reply to #352469)
Subject: Re: trolling motor and locator





Posts: 415


Location: madison wisconsin
VMS - 1/1/2009 10:12 AM

Minnkota powerdrive with autopilot and universal sonar. 55 pounds of thrust which will keep you in the 12 volt range. Both the autopilot and the univeral sonar keep things on track and cable free going down the shaft. The autopilot is great for when you have a fish in the net...you can just turn the boat away fro structure and work with the fish.
Steve


Any one know a good place to find refurbished ones? Surrounding Madison if possible. I checked out a couple w/auto and sonar and they are pretty pricy. Thanks.

Edited by wers4455 2/8/2009 8:43 PM
Schuler
Posted 2/9/2009 12:18 PM (#359770 - in reply to #352381)
Subject: Re: trolling motor and locator





Posts: 1462


Location: Davenport, IA
Universal sonar and autopilot are not required. Most fishfinders come with a transducer, and I've never had a problem with putting them on the trolling motor. I would rather spend the money to get a 24 volt trolling motor and the extra battery than autopilot.

As for the fishfinder, I would rather have color than great power in that price range. With color you spend a lot less time looking at your fishfinder to know what you're looking at. You may be able to get a Lowrance X-510 for $400 now as they are discontinued and being replaced by the HDS series.