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Trolling motor advice
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Dec 2, 2019 08:00:43   #
River rat Loc: Millbrook, AL
 
Some women go buy clothes when they are needing a little lift- I went and bought a boat! Much to my husbands dismay. It’s perfect for me (62 yr old female) It’s 10’ flat bottom aluminum- nothing fancy- just a boat I can finally go fishing in. Am I wrong to buy a trolling motor only for getting around. Just slow fishing speed- I’m not looking to go fast! I want to keep boat on the river bank and just slide it in and go. If I get a big motor I’ll need trailer to take to boat launch, etc etc. Would a mini Kota 50 lb thrust work? I would not go when current is strong or when windy.

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Dec 2, 2019 08:08:34   #
plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland
 
Good Morning R R, Congrats on your new ride there. A trolling motor will do what you want and you know your waters better than anyone else. Its just if you want to get to the other side of the river will the motor be strong enough? Or if the weather turns ugly on you out there, will it get you back in time?

Wherever you purchase your motor do a little research at the vendor. I had a 9 hp Yamaha that got me everywhere at any time on a 14' fiberglass cris craft. Disadvantage was that it was heavy. A lower HP motor might be an option for you.

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Dec 2, 2019 08:17:24   #
Raw Dawg Ron Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
 
We use a Rip Tide 55 and it pulls our loaded 18 john boat for hours with large deep cycle battery. Keep a second battery charged for security for big tide changes or heavy river currant! Sneak right up on fish around docks. Tight lines

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Dec 2, 2019 08:26:25   #
River rat Loc: Millbrook, AL
 
Good to know. Thanks!

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Dec 2, 2019 08:28:35   #
River rat Loc: Millbrook, AL
 
Second battery- good idea! Didn’t think of that!

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Dec 2, 2019 08:30:23   #
plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland
 
River rat wrote:
Second battery- good idea! Didn’t think of that!


That and a paddle.

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Dec 2, 2019 08:37:26   #
flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
 
Be careful with that 10' flat and wear your PFD. Good Luck and Tight Lines! Put the second battery up front to balance the flat out better. All of the weight is going to be in the stern of the boat. Not a good thing.

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Dec 2, 2019 09:59:18   #
River rat Loc: Millbrook, AL
 
Of course! Used paddle already when I borrowed a neighbor’s VERY old trolling motor that died before I went full circle to test it out!!!

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Dec 2, 2019 10:00:13   #
River rat Loc: Millbrook, AL
 
Yep, I thought about that. Those batteries are heavier than I thought! As is the motor.

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Dec 2, 2019 12:01:29   #
flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
 
I had thought of that, then I looked at your age?????? Are you going to leave your boat down there or haul it back and forth? I wouldn't think you could leave your batteries or motor down there didn't know about the boat.

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Dec 2, 2019 13:09:32   #
saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor
 
A small outboard, 2 or 3 hp would really work well for you. They weigh about the same as a big deep cell battery. They have self contained gas tank on motor and would give you enough power to go up or down the river and back. I have a 2.5 on my scanoe and love it. I fill an empty water bottle with gas and can run all day. Water bottle is just in case I run out of gas. Is plenty enough to get back to launch. saw1

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Dec 2, 2019 13:15:37   #
FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon
 
I congratulate you on your purchase. Yes, a trolling motor will be fine on a 10' boat. I have a 30lb on my 12' Livingston, and it's fine. Explore the possibility of using the Duracell AGM Deep Cycle 12v (DURDC12-35J--available @ Batteries Plus, for $90-100... made for a handicap scooter), a quite compact (5"w x 8"l x 7 1/2" h !), and only 23lbs !....35 amp hrs, so 4-6hrs trolling time with my 30lb motor, 3-4+hrs with my 50lb Minnkota. I have a second one, for backup, but have only needed it when the day was a long one (more than 6hrs trolling with the 30lb). The best part is it fits perfectly in an Igloo Playmate cooler(six-pack size), so you have a durable, easy to carry package. If you desire, cut a small notch in the side of the lid(1/2"w x 1 1/2"long) for the clip wires, so the lid can close while hooked up. Having the ability to transport your boat and gear compactly, and without struggling, will certainly encourage going more frequently.
Good luck on your acquisition and, of course, you must know you have set the bar pretty high for those wives that begrudge their husband's addiction ! Aaah, maybe someday they'll commiserate.... hope springs eternal !!!!! Good on ya !

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Dec 2, 2019 13:20:20   #
FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon
 
I congratulate you on your purchase. Yes, a trolling motor will be fine on a 10' boat. I have a 30lb on my 12' Livingston, and it's fine. Explore the possibility of using the Duracell AGM Deep Cycle 12v (DURDC12-35J--available @ Batteries Plus, for $90-100... made for a handicap scooter), a quite compact (5"w x 8"l x 7 1/2" h !), and only 23lbs !....35 amp hrs, so 4-6hrs trolling time with my 30lb motor, 3-4+hrs with my 50lb Minnkota. I have a second one, for backup, but have only needed it when the day was a long one (more than 6hrs trolling with the 30lb). The best part is it fits perfectly in an Igloo Playmate cooler(six-pack size), so you have a durable, easy to carry package. If you desire, cut a small notch in the side of the lid(1/2"w x 1 1/2"long) for the clip wires, so the lid can close while hooked up. Having the ability to transport your boat and gear compactly, and without struggling, will certainly encourage going more frequently.
Good luck on your acquisition and, of course, you must know you have set the bar pretty high for those wives that begrudge their husband's addiction ! Aaah, maybe someday they'll commiserate.... hope springs eternal !!!!! Good on ya !
PS --- do make sure to have a battery charger that accommodates an "AGM" (glass-mat) battery, otherwise, could harm battery.

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Dec 2, 2019 13:54:52   #
Fishon Fishon Loc: Baton Rouge Louisiana
 
Hey RR I’ve got a 45#-36” shaft motorguide foot operated on my 10’ alumacraft on a interstate deep cycle battery runs about 7 hrs on #2 can’t go to #5 too fast good luck and Fishon Fishon!!!!

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Dec 2, 2019 13:55:12   #
Fishon Fishon Loc: Baton Rouge Louisiana
 
Hey RR I’ve got a 45#-36” shaft motorguide foot operated on my 10’ alumacraft on a interstate deep cycle battery runs about 7 hrs on #2 can’t go to #5 too fast good luck and Fishon Fishon!!!!

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