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Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 12:48 am
by Fish Masterson
Ok guys, I need a new trolling motor for my 18 Express, 96'" beam, flat bottom jon boat with a 90 yammy. I had a 24volt motorguide on it, and finally wore it out. I have had several people tell me that a 55# 12v minnkota would be more than adequate for my boat, but I just don't see it. Opinions? Also, who is familiar with the new Varimax motor from motorguide?

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 1:53 am
by Sea Fox
Hey Fish, I would go with the 70 or 80lb riptide. You cant have to much power.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 5:04 am
by tin can
If you put a 12V motor on that boat you'll be very disappointed. 24V Minn Kota, the bigger the better.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 5:40 am
by What a mess
current + wind + tide = the bigger the better there is no way to have to much trolling motor.

If you use a smaller motor you will use a greater amount of its total capacity at any one time.

Therefore burning more battery faster and making more noise while you are doing it.

If it was a choice I would get as large as possible, if money is a problem save up and fish without one for a little while.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 8:39 am
by Reel Cowboy
I've got a 24V Motor Guide and can't complain other than I wish I had gotten the wireless one.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 8:49 am
by RHTFISH
Anything less than 80 24v methinks you will be very disappointed....

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 12:21 pm
by fish on!!
I have a 55# riptide on my 17 footer and I wish I had more everytime out.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 8:24 pm
by Flint River Pirate
fish on!! wrote:I have a 55# riptide on my 17 footer and I wish I had more everytime out.
I agree with you. I have a 55lb 12v Rip Tide on my Key West and it does fine...........unless it is really windy. I have been happy with it though, I can't imagine what a 24V would do because my 12V is a strong motor! Next time I would like to get a Motorguide wireless. Heck, if I hit the lottery I might just get us both one! :lol:

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 8th, 2009, 9:05 pm
by sundown
I got a 24v riptide on my 20' Triton.. Does a good job but definitely is not too much motor for the boat. I'd think it would be a good selection for an 18' Express.

Re: Trolling motors

Posted: January 9th, 2009, 1:47 am
by Fish Masterson
I already knew the answer before I asked the question! I was just hoping I could get by with being a cheapskate. However, can any one respond to the inquisition of the new VariMax motors by MotorGuide? I know I am gonna have to dig a little deeper than I wanted to.