Trolling motor help, Looking for insight for a trolling motor

[Winterfisher]

Hi all,

I've decided to make the investment into a trolling motor. Im done with back trolling and neutral drops. I went out fishing on the weekend with a friend that has a bow mounted 55lb thrust pedal remote one and figured that would be the best for my 16 ft tinny.

My dilemma is now that I started looking, I didn't realize how many different models and styles there and how wide the price range on them is. Im ok with used or new, but was not looking to spend more than 1200 plus battery. Not looking for anything g fancy, no transducer attachments, spot lock etc. In short, what model would you guys recommend in that price range?

Also, batteries. I was looking to get a 100ah lithium battery. The dakota lithiums run at about 1k, but I keep finding these knockoff batteries at one third of the price. Are these batteries any good? Or is this one of those 'you get what you pay for' things.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Winterfisher

[Hunterman]

I can say I’ve just switched to lithium batteries for a 30lb thrust and have been very happy. The cheapest ones I could find. Then had to buy a new charger too as lithium requires it.

[Newburg007]

There are now many LiFePO4 100Ah batteries around the $300 mark. I've had a Eco-Worthy and a LiTime for 3 seasons now without any issues. TCB Worth is in the same category. There a several YouTube videos that test the construction and power of these batteries. Many have Bluetooth links that allow updates on power lever, reserve, temperature, etc.
Dakota is dropping in price with the competition, but is still too expensive.

[Longshank]

I have 3 life po 80 ah batteries and love them.....bms technology is a must and I got these for around 240.0 to 280 each. got the first one and 2 more 2 years later and chargers included. also eco worthy

rated for 10,000 charges

run my 55 pound thrust with no issues


now, if you are going to upgrade I would for sure get spotlock.....sooner or later you will use it and once you do you will never look back

I have had 2 dakota 10 amp batteries for ice fishing and with both the charger pooched out within 2 months and not happy with that


hope this helps a bit

[Fozzy47]

Longshank is right on....get 'spot-lock' if you can in any way swing it.
I guarantee you will thank yourself later.

Personally, I'd get the cheapest model of Minn-Kota that has spot-lock. A used unit would be fine. I do know the Minn-Kota Terrova models have 'spot-lock' but don't know if the cheaper 'PowerDrive' model has it.
I have had 3 Minn-Kota units, a 55lb PowerDrive and 2 - 80lb Minn-Kota Terrova's, no complaints with any of them.
I believe a 55lb thrust would be fine for your 16' tinny.
Good Luck,

Cheers,

[sabmgb]

I have a minnkota ulterra 80lb which is way more than you need but boy has that change my fishing for the better. I switch to LiTime lithium batteries this spring. they shut off at 0C that includes wind chill, so until the temps got up to above 6C I'd have no use of my motor until they warmed up about 30min. Than I had issues when it was really hot not sure it that was the problem or just bad batteries. One decided it just wouldn't take a charge or it would and die about an hour into use. So sent it back for refund and bought another in mean time. Well didn't the second one decide to do the same thing. So I ended up sending all 3 back for refunds losing about 200 doing so.

Don't know if I just got a couple bad batteries, I wasn't willing to try another. I might not have had any more issues. But for the few times I did get out with out any issues they held a charge for a long time. I ended going back to flooded batteries. I truly wish they had worked as they are so light I could manage moving them around.

Forgot to say that if you go lithium spend the little extra and get the bluetooth version, that way you can monitor pretty much everything especially the remaining power.

[Disco]

I have been using trolling motors for decades. I can tell you I would t buy one without spot lock. It changes all your fishing so much for the better.
Just as you loved your buddies foot control trolling motor the first time you experienced it you would feel the same with your first experience of spot lock.

[Winterfisher]

Thanks for all the info. I feel your all correct. I didnt think i would care at the moment about the spot lock, but id be in a world of regret as soon as I dont have it. I've just never been on a boat with one and havnt experienced its convenience. Guess ill keep my eyes open for a used one, as they are pretty pricey.

Thanks,

Winterfisher

[Hunterman]

Regarding the lithium BMS and Bluetooth or lack of. Without Bluetooth to tell you how much is left in the battery you can instead carry a multimeter and check the voltage. 13.2-13.6 is 100%. 12.8v is 50%, 12.0v is 0%

[Limacharley]

sent you a PM Winterfisher

[Sabotfish]

I have a 16.5 aluminum with a 25 h.p. tiller on it. No floors so it's relatively simple. I run a 12V 55lb thrust Terrova with I-pilot. I would highly suggest a model with I-pilot especially for trolling. Spot lock is one perk especially if you fish alone and it's windy. Another great perk is the autopilot feature. Point the motor where you want to go and hit autopilot. No matter the winds it will track you to that GPS heading. If you can spend the extra money, go with a unit with transducer and network capabilities to a fish finder with maps or preset way points / tracks. It allows you to set the trolling motor to drive to those or follow a saved track or specific contour line. Last major benefit of some of the newer T.M. is cruise control which will keep you at a specific speed without having to touch anything.

Just my opinions, I can't fish without my Terrovas. One on the tiller and the other on the Lund.

[longfish]

I will put my nickels worth in but you will not like the price.....I run a 80lbs thrust Ulterra that has pilot, spot lock, cruise control, auto deploy and stow. I interchange it between my 14 ft tinny and my 14 ft pro angler kayak. My fishing game was updated so much and also know I can never do without any of these main features. There are also many features that I have not mentioned. this machine is absolutely awesome , especially in windy conditions.The cost with tax was about $4,700.00. It will run through my Humminbird Helix 10 GPS or my remote or off my phone app.

I run 2 100AH batteries as it is 24v....when I bought those they were also pricy at 600 each.

Then you will also need a lithium charger. I bought a 40 amp Noco which distributes 10 amps on each of its 4 banks. The cost is about 650.00. This charger has settings to charge lead acid, Gel or lithium batteries. Included is a setting for battery repair.

Is my setup overkill......probably for you it is but to me it is the ultimate fishing setup.

Good luck to you friend. I hope you find the combination that suits your fishing style.

Arnie

[Winterfisher]

Ya, that adds up quickly. I feel like if I spent 4k plus, id have to hide what I spent from my wife to my grave.

Anyone ever use the motorguide xi3? It says it has spot lock and other similar features, just a lot cheaper. Like half the price of mk terrova cheaper. Or is this one of those massive regret buys.

Thanks,

Winterfisher