Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: metlhead on June 07, 2025, 10:53:06 AM

Title: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: metlhead on June 07, 2025, 10:53:06 AM: Been contemplating an electric bow mount for my wessel. Would like to hear opinions wether it would be worth it and troubles vs benefits. I run an 21' Sea Runner and have an 8hp kicker currently. Lotsa ocean and PS fishing plus BigC and some lakes. Thanks
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: ASHQUACK on June 07, 2025, 10:56:59 AM: Game changer!
Get one that has autopilot (follows contours), spot lock and consider auto deploy. I have the Minnkota Riptide Ulterra 36v, 80# thrust on my sled. Makes controlling drifts easier and pretty much negates the anchor. I do run my kicker and bow mount together to save battery in strong current.
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: CP on June 07, 2025, 11:27:30 AM: I love mine. It's pretty basic, 12V, Bluetooth remote, no GPS but spot lock would be nice. I can do a 180 degree turn within the length of the boat with it. I don't even carry a kicker anymore; with the bow mount it isn't needed. LiFePO4 batteries are a game changer, and they just keep getting cheaper and cheaper.

My boat is only 16' but there are options for bigger boats. Make sure that you get a long enough shaft, so you aren't sucking air with a following sea or a lot of weight in the stern.
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: GWP on June 07, 2025, 11:29:07 AM: Quote from: ASHQUACK on Today at 10:56:59 AM
Game changer!
Get one that has autopilot (follows contours), spot lock and consider auto deploy. I have the Minnkota Riptide Ulterra 36v, 80# thrust on my sled. Makes controlling drifts easier and pretty much negates the anchor. I do run my kicker and bow mount together to save battery in strong current.

I have an 80 MinnKota Riptide and have had two Fresh only Terrova’s after using both manual bow mount and transom mounted trolling motors.
As was said, once you go the route of Spot Lock and Contour Following it would be very difficult to go back. I also run my kicker to help hold position or troll in heavy currents.
If You are doing salt get a bigger then recommended and get more battery than recommended for the size of the boat.
My 80 is on a 19’ and during big tide changes, on spot, lock I have had it running just below wide open for hours without the kicker helping. I am using Lithiums on mine.
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: metlhead on June 07, 2025, 06:09:52 PM: Shaft length was a question as it seems my bow rides high. Is the auto deploy worth the $$? Seems I'd only drop once or twice. And wondering if saltwater version is a good option
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: GWP on June 07, 2025, 07:35:18 PM: I went with a longer than needed shaft and have had it come out of the water when it was rough.
I debated on auto deploy, but I have very good access to the front of my bow and the MinnKota's have a spring inside they call "Auto Assist" that makes it easier to pull up, plus the auto deploy is just more stuff to go wrong.
The Riptide will work for fresh or salt, the fresh water Terrova's do not have the same level of protection as the salt ones. There are other differences but I do not remember what all they are.
I am only familiar with the MinnKota's, so I can not give any info on other brands.
Title: Re: Bow mount trolling motors
Post by: metlhead on June 07, 2025, 09:11:28 PM: The Riptide Terrova I see has 90-115 lbs thrust. Plenty?