Trolling Motors: Ford or Chevy, and how much oomph?

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dsuden

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Scenario: I'm looking at a fairly heavy Alweld 12' Jon (1242 V), with a front casting deck. I may want to add a bow-mount trolling motor to it, with a foot control. Whatever I end up with, I don't want it underpowered. I fish a river and there's enough current there sometimes to require a little oomph, especially when heading upstream.

What thrust do you think I should look at, and, not to start up a whole Ford/Chevy thing, but am I better off with a Minnkota or a Motor Guide?
 
I haven't used a TM in a river but I would imagine with a 12'Jon you'd do ok with a 55#. You'll need to narrow it down to brand and model. I did a ton of research reviewing product reviews from cabelas and BPS. You should be able to get a feel on what to stay away from and what people are happy with. I dont have any recomendations for you, I've only recently owned my first bowmount TM. I have a MK Powerdrive 54#. It works nicely but I'll add it's a bit noisy when it turns for steering. Other than that, I'm happy with it. Good luck your your search.
 
More than 30lb for sure, I had a 30lb on the Hootch and it would only propel enough to keep me from floating down river.
 
budget ? but I would recommend 55# variable speed, had both MG & MK, either one will do, either one can break.
 
Is had a powerdrive for 5+ years .For me the powerdrive was alittle noisy and slow turning,the foot pedal being so light,slid around my bow at times as well.
I didn't hate it but this year I switched to a traxxis 55 (tiller).
I've only used it 12/15 times,it doesn't seem as sturdy as the PD but that's because of the way it's mounted.It's definitely quieter,and you can turn as quick as your hand can spin ya.
Time will tell which one I like better but for now and how I fish,it like the Traxxis.(had to turn the head around to make it a bow mount)
 
I would go with a used Minn Kota Maxxum. You should be able to find one for $300-$400. The only drawback to them is that if they don't have front lift assist they are somewhat heavy to stow.
Variable speed is preferred over 5 speed models because they have the battery maximizer built in and won't run your battery(s) down near as fast.
If you don't mind having two batteries then get a 74# thrust Maxxum since those are the easiest to find used.
If you only want to run one battery then get a 55# thrust Maxxum with variable speed.
 
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316813#p316813 said:
Zum » Yesterday, 13:26[/url]"]Is had a powerdrive for 5+ years .For me the powerdrive was alittle noisy and slow turning,the foot pedal being so light,slid around my bow at times as well.
I didn't hate it but this year I switched to a traxxis 55 (tiller).
I've only used it 12/15 times,it doesn't seem as sturdy as the PD but that's because of the way it's mounted.It's definitely quieter,and you can turn as quick as your hand can spin ya.
Time will tell which one I like better but for now and how I fish,it like the Traxxis.(had to turn the head around to make it a bow mount)
Click to expand...
the PD"s are good motors but any electric steer will turn slower than a cable steer....go with the most thrust you can afford...minn kota all the way! hands down the best TM"s on the market....
 
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316864#p316864 said:
shawnfish » Today, 02:53[/url]"]
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316813#p316813 said:
Zum » Yesterday, 13:26[/url]"]....go with the most thrust you can afford...minn kota all the way! hands down the best TM"s on the market....
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


Living real close to Mankato, MN I am a bit biased towards MinnKota. I broke one once do to my own mistake. MinnKota not only fixed the TM under warranty they also returned it with an upgraded pedal. Since then I have not even thought about any other brand.
 
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316869#p316869 said:
Keystone » 43 minutes ago[/url]"]
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316864#p316864 said:
shawnfish » Today, 02:53[/url]"]
[url=https://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=316813#p316813 said:
Zum » Yesterday, 13:26[/url]"]....go with the most thrust you can afford...minn kota all the way! hands down the best TM"s on the market....
Click to expand...
Click to expand...


Living real close to Mankato, MN I am a bit biased towards MinnKota. I broke one once do to my own mistake. MinnKota not only fixed the TM under warranty they also returned it with an upgraded pedal. Since then I have not even thought about any other brand.
Click to expand...

i forgot to mention the best customer service also!!! johnson outdoors is the best!! minnkota/humminbird!!!
 

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