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3:35 pm
March 19, 2004
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Looking for opinions on bow mount trolling motor specifically, 12volt versus 24 volt. Currently I have a 40lb motor on a 16' Deep V boat. I need to run it just about the max setting to get around a lake and I think my top speed is 2 mph on a fresh battery. Running wide open like that, my battery will last 3 hours tops then I need to switch. I'm due for a new battery and was thinking of installing 2 with a switch to make things easier. Then I was thinking, would it be worth going to a 24 volt system?
I'm thinking, the 24 volt would be more efficient but would it last the day or do I need to now carry 2 additional spare batteries??? I know I can move up to a 55lb in the 12volt but I'm not sure that would be worth the cost ($550) If I went 24V, I'd look at a 70 or 80lb.
Chad T
3:41 pm
March 22, 2004
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Chad,
I am in much the same situation as you. The 44lb thrust bow mounted trolling motor that I have will simply not move me around a lake like Marsh Creek for the day. I've been debating whether or not to switch to a 24 volt system but wonder if I have to rewire my boat in order to do it. I really want to upgrade to a 90 or even 100 lb. thrust motor but would I have to upgrade my wiring, my motor and my Humminbird Depth Finder?
Inquiring minds want to know.
DL
DL
4:26 pm
chad
if you want max battery life your top speed on your trolling should be your middle setting.so you most deffinitly have to go way bigger on your boat.i have a 54 lb on my 12 footer an it is weak. id go as high as you can afford,you wont be disapointed plus youll be on the water longer.
when your using your trolling motor on top speed it eats up battery much faster than if you had it on a lower speed.sorry im at work an dont have time to go in great detail.
4:34 pm
Chad,
Well I have a 12v 40lb thrust on my boat (which I am sure is a lot lighter then your boat) but I use the Cabelas AGM batteries. I can run 10hrs no problem..but I know several people who have 2 Cabelas AGM batteries on a 24v system on big bass boats and can run all day without dying so yes a 24v would be much better.
If you can afford it a 24v system and 2 AGM (Cabelas or Trojan) is a awesome setup.. You will be suprised how long you will go. I also have a buddy who has a 21ft ranger with a 36v 101 system and 3 AGM batteries and he told me he can fish 2 days (on electric lake) without charging batteries.. So to answer you question 24v is much better and 36v even better...but it all depends on your budget.
5:10 pm
June 29, 2005
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Go with the 24, you don't have to rewire your boat. The batteries will last much longer if you consume them at a medium to low speed. I have twin Optima batteries on a 24 system and never run out even on a windy day. The Batteries are wired in tandem and if they can be located close to one another, it's very simple to wire them.
Steve
If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.
5:48 pm
March 20, 2004
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24v is definitely the way to go, especially on a boat of your size.
My setup allows me to fish 2-3 days on the river, depending of course on the current condiditions.
7:12 pm
March 19, 2004
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Thanks for the quick responses guys! I appreciate all the info! Sounds like I need to bite the bullet and upgrade. Ok, now for one more question, Minn Kota or Motor Guide?
I've had both, the MG was a cable drive and the MK I have now is a Powerdrive. Minn Kota seems to be the dominate motor in regards to the various models they offer. The only reason I'd consider going back to MG is the fact they have a 75lb for $748. If I went MK, I could get a 70lb for $800 or an 80lb for $1030!
Thoughts?
Chad T
7:28 pm
i have an mg an love it no problems just wish i would have bought one with more snot
7:57 pm
May 11, 2004
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Chad I would definitely look to upgrade to a 24v especially if you spend significant time fishing the electric only lakes. My first boat had a 12v and compared to my current 24v I can get at least double the amount of time on the water w/o recharging. 68lb minnK pushes my 16.5ft G3 at 3mph top speed with just me in the boat. I would go with highest lb thrust possible. I like that MG wireless 75 but would also check for refurbished MK terrova 80lb - you can get a wireless remote for this as well. I know Cabella's had them at one time for under a grand. As far as a 24v setup, I think it's recommended to use 8 gauge wiring at the minimum - if you're boat was setup for 12v when purchased, it may only have 10 or 12 gauge. You also want to get a 60 amp circuit breaker installed - many use 40 but the MK repair dude told me the 40 causes far more electrical issues.
Daniel McCann
3:26 pm
March 19, 2004
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Again, appreciate the feedback. I definitely plan to upgrade within the next few months. Thanks for the tips on the wiring!
Chad T
6:24 pm
March 19, 2004
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I'm starting to plan out my purchase and wanted to hear thoughts now how what Group size batteries do you guys use? I was reading through an article not long ago about someone using Group 31's.
In looking at the Cabelas AGM's I was thinking the 24 since the reservce capaciaty isn't that different then the 27 (178 for the 24 and 180 for the 27). Going to the group 30 you jump to 205 RC. Weight starts to become something to consider as well.
Chad T
11:17 pm
March 6, 2005
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Chad- I run an 80lb 24V Minn Kota power drive on my 17' boat. Like Greg, I can get a 2-3 day weekend on the river no problem. Dead slack water, my top speed is around 5mph. I also run 24 series batteries.
As a river guy, I have gone through some trolling motors- Broken cables, bent shafts, broken props, foot pedals flying overboard, etc. Heck, I even ripped one right off the bracket that was secured with four thru-bolts! (God, I sound like I have Dieter disease!) I've had both MK and MG and have had better luck with the MK's. I have the old style foot pedal which some find hard to use- the new one is much nicer. I also had a problem with the first generation remote power drive system (which they have resolved now). Ever since I removed it, the motor has been flawless. It has four seasons on it now, which is a record on my boat, and it's still going strong! -Eric
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