Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: CoryTDF on March 03, 2020, 09:19:11 AM

Title: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: CoryTDF on March 03, 2020, 09:19:11 AM: I am looking to buy a bow mount trolling motor but those Minn Kota motors are so freaking expensive. Anyone have experience with other brands? Been seeing some on Amazon called Haswing?
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: CP on March 03, 2020, 10:32:21 AM: I looked into them awhile back but balked when I found out they are made in China. But who knows, Minn Kota may be made there now as well.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: 3dvapor on March 03, 2020, 11:49:34 AM: Im still using my minkota bow mount my mom bought me for a graduation present in 1989. lol they hold up well.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Sandberm on March 03, 2020, 12:07:09 PM: Probably not relevant because of how old it is but I've never been happy with Motorguide 40 Pro Series, 43lb thrust that came on my 2001 Tracker boat. It has 5 speeds and I am always wanting a 1.5 or a 2.5 in between speed when trolling. 5th gear is a bigger jump up in speed and is meant to get to places. Problem is I think something gets hot and the motor will turn on and off as you are going along. It doesnt do that in any other gear.

Someday I'll replace it.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Cylvertip on March 03, 2020, 03:22:19 PM: Minn Kota has come a long way. They used to be second tier to MotorGuide. The true test was saltwater use. MotorGuides had a far better rep than the Minn Kotas did - that was 10 to 15 years ago though. They may be slightly ahead now. I haven't looked in a while but Trolling Motor Doctor used to sell used stuff.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Reidus on March 03, 2020, 03:26:55 PM: not sure how I even caught fish without the i-pilot.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Blacklab on March 03, 2020, 03:28:19 PM: Yes they are and there worth it imo. Ipilots are 🤑🤑🤑
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: CoryTDF on March 03, 2020, 03:29:24 PM: Quote from: Reidus on March 03, 2020, 03:26:55 PM
not sure how I even caught fish without the i-pilot.

I feeling that. I have been getting skunked bad while trying to catch walleye. Been using a kicker motor and drift socks to keep speed down. Think it's time to step up my game but $2500 for a trolling motor is a tough pill to swallow.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Reidus on March 03, 2020, 03:38:56 PM: I guess it comes down to if you like to run the boat or catch fish. :chuckle:

They're really nice and allow you to keep fishing while you do a task. Especially if you're fishing in the wind.
For $2500 you must be looking at the 36v ulterra in the saltwater edition?
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: KopperBuck on March 03, 2020, 04:03:10 PM: Buying a trolling motor is like buying glass... you can skimp, but expect to get what you pay for. It makes a huge difference.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: follow maggie on March 03, 2020, 04:07:20 PM: I'd be pretty leery of a Chinese knock off on amazon.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Ironhead on March 03, 2020, 04:58:54 PM: https://MinnKota.FactoryOutletStore.com

This is the place to get Minn Kotas.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Blacklab on March 03, 2020, 07:07:07 PM: Minn recommends 2lbs of thrust for every 100lbs. What you’ll really like. Using your bow mount to steer your kicker :tup:
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: jbeaumont21 on March 03, 2020, 07:48:22 PM: I'm looking at these as well. What's the minimum amount of thrust one could get by with on a 21' boat?
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: jbeaumont21 on March 03, 2020, 07:51:56 PM: Sorry saw the post above after I added my comment. My boat weighs just shy of 3,000 lbs so I guess about 60lbs of thrust would be needed.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Ironhead on March 03, 2020, 08:23:53 PM: I have a #112 on my 20' boat.
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Limhangerslayer on March 03, 2020, 08:33:06 PM: They are also a game changer for sturgeon fishing! Go with as big as you have room for (battery wise). It will give you longer life on the water. Like others said kicker in forward idle and let the minnkota do the rest
Title: Re: Bow Mount Trolling Motor?
Post by: Blacklab on March 03, 2020, 09:37:06 PM: Quote from: jbeaumont21 on March 03, 2020, 07:51:56 PM
Sorry saw the post above after I added my comment. My boat weighs just shy of 3,000 lbs so I guess about 60lbs of thrust would be needed.

60lbs thrust is minimum for 3000 pounds. You’ll want at least the 80# 24v.