Electric Motor on my 16' Alumaweld DB?

[brichards44]

I am thinking about putting a electric motor on my DB. I found a 62lb thrust 24v Motor Guide Great White long shaft for a real good deal. I just wanted some input. Will this be enough power? I will need to figure out how to spin the motor head as well. Has anyone had any experience with this?

[BLKBEARKLR]

First that is more than enough power, I have 84 pd on my 21 ft bassboat and no issues.

Second why are you turning the head around? It is either a bow mount or a transom mount. Not really meant to be used vice versa.

Joe

[brichards44]

Here is an article from Steelhead University. http://www.steelheaduniversity.com/drifter.html The idea is to be able to get off the oars for a bit and fish more. With the head spun I can have the motor work to slow the boat down through the drift and or motor back up the river to drift the water over and over.

[BLKBEARKLR]

Very good article, I dont know about 62 pounds getting you back up the river, but worth a try. Also in article he mentioned minn kota 3 screws to unloosen and spin the head. Motor guide is held on with rivets. Going to have to do some drilling there. I have pulled the head off of my motor guide a couple of times. A little bit more work. Good luck with it all really curious to see the set up when you are done with it

Joe 

[Button Nubbs]

We used my 55lb all the time on my buddies boat and it worked great. It wouldn't go back up river but would fish the two guys up front and the rower very well. I'd get the 55lb that way you don't need 2 batteries. If you wanna go back upriver get an outboard.

[MIKEXRAY]

I have the 55 pd thrust on my 16'  Crestliner & it moves out pretty good, has plenty of pull.  I've used it to maintain position & troll back and forth in a pretty strong river, it has also taken me up to the next hole.  I would think the one you are looking at would be plenty. Mike

[BLUEBULLS]

Might want to look at minnkotas 3X steering models. You can reverse the head in seconds and they don't require you to move much when turning. I'd get a 70 + lb and definitely 24v.  You'll never say "I shoulda bought a smaller trolling motor".


Have fun!

[DeerHarvester]

Might want to look at minnkotas 3X steering models. You can reverse the head in seconds and they don't require you to move much when turning. I'd get a 70 + lb and definitely 24v.  You'll never say "I shoulda bought a smaller trolling motor".


Have fun!

I agree for what you want to use it for I would run at least a 70lb.  I have an 80lb on my 20' boat and would not want anything less. In the river you will drain a battery fast so you will want at least a 24v system.   

[MtnMuley]

brichards44-- I'd buy it if it was a great deal in good shape.  62 lbs of thrust will be plenty for a 16 footer to give you a break from the oars, however, I wouldn't count on it for getting you too far up the "creek".  I run Motorguide 60" 36 volt 101lb thrust on an 18' boat, and that's overkill, but sure nice getting around in a hurry when you want to.  As far as brand to go with, you won't find any better that Motorguide or Minnkota.  It's a 50/50 split in my opinion.  I've owned them both, but prefer the foot control and smoothness of the Motorguides steering.  Minnkota offers much better remote motors though.

[brichards44]

brichards44-- I'd buy it if it was a great deal in good shape.  62 lbs of thrust will be plenty for a 16 footer to give you a break from the oars, however, I wouldn't count on it for getting you too far up the "creek".  I run Motorguide 60" 36 volt 101lb thrust on an 18' boat, and that's overkill, but sure nice getting around in a hurry when you want to.  As far as brand to go with, you won't find any better that Motorguide or Minnkota.  It's a 50/50 split in my opinion.  I've owned them both, but prefer the foot control and smoothness of the Motorguides steering.  Minnkota offers much better remote motors though.

Thanks for the advice. The motor is a hand control vs. foot control. Any preferences. Will it be too hard to control with the hand control?

[DeerHarvester]

Hand controls going to make it tough to fish and steer at
The same time. You will be doing a lot of steering in the river.

[Button Nubbs]

I don't think a foot control would be good. Look at most everyone who side drifts, they all use tiller type motors.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Yeah and I doubt he will be doing much navigating with it. If its mostly to help the rower to side drift also it works good. Since you have to climb over the seat to tilt up and down you'll be back there anyhow.
Ive done it too and it works just fine. I would however look into 3 x steering units...