I got my boat, now i need help on getting it set up!

[C-Money]

I have fished with electric and hand crank downriggers. If you go electric, have an extra battery in the boat.

 If you are running electric down-riggers, typically one of the engines is running and charging the batteries while trolling. If you can't raise your riggers while trolling because you don't have enough current, you have other issues and bigger problems than a extra battery.

 Been running multiple Scotty's for years and never had a issue.

 Be sure you have quality batteries and if everything is wired properly, all you need is a Perko switch and you should not have to worry about excessive drain. I highly recommend http://www.odysseybattery.com/marine_batteries.aspx I've had the same two Odyssey batteries in my boat since 2004 and they have never once needed a charger hooked up to them.

Agree with Rob, I run three Scotty DRs and no problems on high quality batteries- plus electronics all day, deck lights and leave the radio on, granted trolling for Salmon - I am running my kicker the whole time and on anchor I use it a lot in reverse to hold tight if current/wind isn't playing well.....    I say that now and probably will be f'ed up next week when I go for Sturgeon.   Get a high quality anchor locker with large rollers, it will seriously save issues later on - Miller Marine makes a serious nice one, I'll sell you my Lee Locker for more than half off at $100 bucks, It works great but I am going with the Miller due to the height of my bow from water and the larger roller system.   Get the right anchor line, anchor of course, 8-10ft of chain works with a lighter anchor and retrieving system for the Columbia and do not skimp on amount of line you think you need, longer is better and safer!   You can probably find a electronic system used off BD and you'll save some cash and get a awesome system that someone was just simply upgrading for off shore stuff or have the need for the best and newest electronics.....  Some guys love Lowrance others hate it, depends on who you talk too...  I have two separate Lowrance setups HDS and Elite, they work, am I impressed with either no - but not spending 3-4K right now to upgrade to Simard or Raymarine...  I run my big motor off main and utilize a 3 gallon tank for kicker to ensure it always has fresh NON-ETHOL fuel.  Trust me on that aspect - smoked a T-8 Carb and fuel pump to include each and every fuel line in the motor.

Friend who has the electric Scottys does not have his kicker wired into his starter battery. Its hand pull start. So...we had a dead battery at the end of the trip and could not get the main to start. We took one of his electric trolling motor batteries that were kinda charged and hooked it up to his main. Got it started...just enough juice. It was an early spring Kokanee trip to Billy Clapp, and he had not charged his trolling batteries yet after a long winter. After that, we figured we would make sure we had an extra "charged" battery in the boat for sure. Boats that have a kicker charging all day have the dead battery issue whipped. Growing up fishing my Uncles charter boat on Erie in the 1980s we had 4 Cannon hand cranks across the back, and a hand crank outrigger mast on the bow. If it was a walleye charter, we rarely fished more than 70' down. Lake trout days we cranked a bit more fishing 100+'. As a young whipper snapper, I don't remember it bugging me much cranking up the balls, that may be why Uncle had me out with him . For me, with my set up now, the hand cranks are perfect! I use down riggers mostly on the river. I'd love to go deep on Chelan, and I will probably be wishing for some electrics after fishing that lake.

[high country]

My advice. BUY TR1 GOLD. best money you'll ever spend. I'm piloting from a garmin 7610xsv which is a bit overkill.....buy once cry once.

[cohoho]

C-Money  - Come out to the coast with me this summer, I have an old hand crank I'll drop to 300ft for you to pull back up then hit the electric button and you decide!  lol 

But from one Penguin fan to the other invite is there for sure!

[jumpin]

Ray marine makes great electronics.

Very few buttons to operate, great resolution. 

[C-Money]

C-Money  - Come out to the coast with me this summer, I have an old hand crank I'll drop to 300ft for you to pull back up then hit the electric button and you decide!  lol 

But from one Penguin fan to the other invite is there for sure!

Agree. I'd pick the electric!!! Lake Erie and the upper Columbia is not close to 300'.  Ocean fishing I think I would have a good set of electrics for sure! Going fishing with you would be a great time!! Go Pens!