12_Tinner
Active member
Hello all, I've been looking for a trolling motor for the bow of my boat(12' aluminum) and I'm not sure what way to go. I want a good trolling motor for limited money. I have looked at the popular Minn Kota Powerdrive bow mounts but there are millions of mixed reviews on them. Personally I don't dig the trolling motor into dirt, rocks, or would I keep the foot petal sitting out in the rain(unless it's in use). I want something in the 45lb class.
Power is not the problem, I have 2 deep cycle batteries brand new last season. Another option I have looked at if/when the price is right is a Motor Guide Varimax(transom mount). If I read correctly the motor can be put on the bow with the right mount, I believe the motor head or lower unit was able to turn so the handle faces the back of the boat, this would be good and in the case of this motor I would jump up to a 50 or 55lb thrust, witch ever they offer. I played around with my minn kota endura but to go forward you need to use reverse speeds.
I just need a little help with selection, 500+ on a trolling motor is insane but I would justify it more for a bigger boat but in this case the 45 Power Drive might be the only option....Not sure what to do here, any help guys. Maybe a few photos of the trolling motors on your boats like mine.
If that Varimax can do what it says and If i can use forward speeds and still move along notmally than this is a big + in my books. Also, the Pontoon version of this motor looks like it would screw straight down into a bow box, could the pontoon version work on a boat like mine?
Lot's of different questions, just look for a steer in the right direction.
Tightlines,
Mike
Power is not the problem, I have 2 deep cycle batteries brand new last season. Another option I have looked at if/when the price is right is a Motor Guide Varimax(transom mount). If I read correctly the motor can be put on the bow with the right mount, I believe the motor head or lower unit was able to turn so the handle faces the back of the boat, this would be good and in the case of this motor I would jump up to a 50 or 55lb thrust, witch ever they offer. I played around with my minn kota endura but to go forward you need to use reverse speeds.
I just need a little help with selection, 500+ on a trolling motor is insane but I would justify it more for a bigger boat but in this case the 45 Power Drive might be the only option....Not sure what to do here, any help guys. Maybe a few photos of the trolling motors on your boats like mine.
If that Varimax can do what it says and If i can use forward speeds and still move along notmally than this is a big + in my books. Also, the Pontoon version of this motor looks like it would screw straight down into a bow box, could the pontoon version work on a boat like mine?
Lot's of different questions, just look for a steer in the right direction.
Tightlines,
Mike