[Pete]

Hello Gang,

I'm thinking about picking up an additional stern mount trolling motor and battery to place on my Pro Guide V16 Tracker.  Can anyone suggest their favorite brand of Motor and indicate why, and suggest what you may think is a good long lasting battery?

Pete 

 

[Bronco]

Pete I picked up the same boat as you this year and the 40 lbs thrust power drive minkota works really well. By chance where you at chatfield 2 sundays ago,

 

[Nawanda]

 Pete,

   The largest deep cycle battery you can get.  I don't know of any difference in brands,  but I would not pick the smaller ones.

   MinnKota is all I know,  and they come in different sizes.  I think 50# thrust is the largest,  and I would never recommend anything smaller,  because on high wind days,  if you don't have the 50# thrust,  you might not make it back to the dock.    There are,  I believe  36# thrust and 44# thrust models,  which can maneuver you for less money,  but won't do so good if the wind whips up to 20+ mph.    

  I believe there are models with longer shafts for bow mounts etc.

 

[slayerfish]

If you can afford it, buy an Optima battery,a bLUE tOP.

 

[NeWcS]

I went with a Walmart Deep cycle and ill tell you why. There is a Walmart on almost every corner in every city. If your on a trip and your battery dies chances are there is a Walmart near and because of the warrenty you'll be back on the water in no time..

IMO

-Jay

 

[McFish]

Buy the largest thrust lbs you can afford. I have been bass fishing for 20yrs and I have never witnessed a Minkota fail. I have witnessed 2 motorguide take a dump. I also use the largest Wal Mart deep cycle made for the same reasons as above. Do not get to hung up on name brand batteries for marine applications. Due to the abuse they all seem to need replacement in 3 yrs to play it safe. My2c.

 

[Nawanda]

Pete,

I was able to slip into Crowley Marine in Denver (corner of 8100 East 14, at Ulster Street ) and they've got a full selection, including one I did not know about, a 65# Thrust MinnKota, and they have some extended shafts too.

 

[Pete]

Tom,

Were you the one that commented nice boat while I was docking to leave and looking the other away, and I replied it fits the bill while turning to to look at you, and you commented, I've got the same boat?


Pete

 

[Pete]

Great feedback all,

It looks like Minkota is the preferred choice. I've purchased the Walmart Marine Deep cycle battery in the past; never had a problem.

Slayer, Is the Optima battery one of the new tech batteries, lighter in weight, quicker recharge time and longer lasting? Do you really think it's worth the additional coin?

I'd like to have the extra juice for all day fishing at Aurora, and would also like to backtroll which I can't do with the bow mount.

Don, any good deals with the long shaft 40plus thrust MinKota's motors up at Gander?

 

[1eyered]

Bass Pro Shops seem have good deals.

 

[stuccoman01]

I have run minkota bowmount 65 thrust optima blue tops batteries for 2 years they last hours longer than regular deep cycle.

 

[work2fish]

Pete,

Can't recommend batteries as I have 24 series Trojans with no problems but they are only a couple years old. I also have a Minnkota, however, and it is has been great. It's a 65AP and it has plenty of power for most situations (the boat is a 17' Lund). I'd recommend that if you can swing it, get an autopilot. Best thing ever! If you are fishing alone, the boat just drives itself and you don't have to worry about it. I also have a copilot which is nice when you need to control the motor from anywhere in the boat.

Anyway, good luck with your shopping,
Mike

 

[slayerfish]

The optimas dont leak or anything,you rarely have any probs with corrosion like standard lead-acid types.You can lay them on thier sides.If you can afford it,you wont be sorry! I also have an Autopilot,Could never do without one!Especcially here in the west where its always breezy.

 

[Pete]

The thought of not having potential spills on battery tip overs sounds appealing, and I think the Optima is a bit lighter in weight when compared to the standard type marine batteries. I may have to give the Optima careful consideration.

I had the Auto Pilot on the Crestliner I used to own, and I agree it's an awesome unit for hands free trolling. However I don't think it will fit the bill for a stern mount unit, which is what I'll need the trolling motor for.

Now all I need to do is convince the wife I need to drop another couple of hundred dollars for a trolling motor and battery... He honey! Check out this new cake batter mixer I got you....

Pete