Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor Recommends? Good Morning! I have been researching electric trolling motors for use in salt and fresh water. For my boat, I have narrowed my focus to a...

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Saltwater Electric Trolling Motor Recommends?

Mar 16, 2021 11:51:54 #

ReelT Loc: Montana

Good Morning!
I have been researching electric trolling motors for use in salt and fresh water.
For my boat, I have narrowed my focus to a 24V, 80 lb thrust motor, 54" - 60" shaft, probably with some kind of lift assist (trying to keep some lower back injuries from getting worse) and electronics that include spot lock.

It appears that MinnKota and MotorGuide are the two US companies that make saltwater trolling motors.
Garmin and Lowrance have just added a freshwater motor to their offerings, but nothing for saltwater yet.

I am looking for options and recommendations if you have any.
Not looking to start a "Ford/Chevy/Dodge pissin' match", just trying to understand what options are out there and what you like about your choices...
Thanks in advance.
Randy

Mar 16, 2021 14:02:18 #

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

ReelT wrote:

Good Morning! br I have been researching electric ... (show quote)

Around here Randy, I've see a preference for the Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra on Saltwater boats. Many have a bowrail, which interferes with deployment and retrieval. The popular solution seems to build an outside the gunnel mounting bracket, and using the Auto deploy and stow Ulterra model. I'll see if I can find a picture for you.

This is what I was talking about. You can still mount this same model to your deck if there's nothing in the way. Then you just push the button to deploy or stow your motor, and also adjust the depth of the powerhead, in case it gets choppy

Sorry not the greatest picture

Mar 16, 2021 14:16:28 #

Jeremy Loc: America

ReelT wrote:

Good Morning! br I have been researching electric ... (show quote)

I haven't seen or heard of Ford, Chevy or Dodge Trolling Motors.

Mar 16, 2021 14:44:09 #

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

There is one that is becoming very popular here at the Jersey shore for use in the ocean as well as inshore and back bay use. It’s called the “Rhodan gps anchor telling motor”. It will lock you on a position with remarkable accuracy in deep or shallow water , wind , currents , rough seas. You can stay above a wreck in 50ft of water in 20 mph winds or you can troll a specific depth contour line on your charts. Or drift at at a desired speed regardless of wind or currents and program the starting and finishing points on that drift. They are designed for heavy duty ocean conditions and the charter boat captains are raving about them. Check them out at fisherman’s headquarters in Shipbottom NJ. Website or in the store. Also Fish heads charters.

Mar 16, 2021 21:09:27 #

ReelT Loc: Montana

🤣👍

Mar 16, 2021 21:10:20 #

ReelT Loc: Montana

Thanks for the info. I will check them out.

Mar 16, 2021 21:12:08 #

ReelT Loc: Montana

Thanks FredFish!
I have an Anchor Caddie on the bow point and low hand rails that shouldn’t interfere with the auto deploy.
Thanks for the info!

Mar 16, 2021 21:38:20 #

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

ReelT wrote:

Thanks FredFish!
I have an Anchor Caddie on the bow point and low hand rails that shouldn’t interfere with the auto deploy.
Thanks for the info!

Mar 17, 2021 16:27:32 #

Bobdcarver Loc: Little River, SC

I have a 24 volt Motor Guide I-5, 80 lb thrust. Two years, no problem on my Tidewater 1900. I was afraid of the Minn Kota auto deploy because of all the bad reviews.

Mar 17, 2021 16:45:45 #

ReelT Loc: Montana

Thanks Bobcarver!
That has been my chief concern as well. The reliability of the deploy system is questionable, but I would really like to have some kind of assist to deploy and retrieve.

I will check out the Motorguide.
Thanks!

Mar 17, 2021 18:10:35 #

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

I have an 80 lb. Minnkota, it will do solid weed beds on the Miss. River. Best troller I have ever owned !
I haven't been around a Motor guide but I suspect they would be comparable, the only thing to consider would be prices .

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