Trolling Motors

[JohnF52]

They are way too expensive for me right now. I just replaced an old foot controlled Motor Guide with a new one in 2012. Maybe the price will come down by the time I wear it out.

[J-Doc]

I asked F&F about the noise. The electric motor that turns the direction of the motor seems awfully noisy. I wondered if that noise could transfer through the shaft and into the water. If so......that's a bad thing.

Anyone else wonder this? Opinion? (Scott I know your opinion already). :-p~~~

[Bird Watcher]

I asked F&F about the noise. The electric motor that turns the direction of the motor seems awfully noisy. I wondered if that noise could transfer through the shaft and into the water. If so......that's a bad thing.

Anyone else wonder this? Opinion? (Scott I know your opinion already). :-p~~~

I think that's one of the things they addressed with the Xi5 compared to the previous generation of motorguide wireless. I've heard the Minnkota is somewhat noisy as well. My Xi5 is pretty quiet. I've been catching crappie in 3 foot of water right in front of it on the spider rigs while I'm operating it. I guess that's proof enough for me.

[J-Doc]

I think that's one of the things they addressed with the Xi5 compared to the previous generation of motorguide wireless. I've heard the Minnkota is somewhat noisy as well. My Xi5 is pretty quiet. I've been catching crappie in 3 foot of water right in front of it on the spider rigs while I'm operating it. I guess that's proof enough for me.

Good enough in my book too. Thanks!!

[J-Doc]

So why do they not make a 101lb thrust in the digital motors? That's why most pros are not using them. They want that extra power for use on great lakes and big lakes that get some really large wind and waves.

[Bird Watcher]

So why do they not make a 101lb thrust in the digital motors? That's why most pros are not using them. They want that extra power for use on great lakes and big lakes that get some really large wind and waves.

Xi5 comes in 105# thrust. 36v. two different shaft length options.

[J-Doc]

Sweet. I think my next boat could get by on 80.

[LarryC]

I have the 80 pound thrust Minnkota Terrova on a 21' aluminum deep V Starcraft. It handles the boat just fine. Most use is striper fishing so it gets a workout, especially in the wind. Hard on batteries. Thought about going to 4 6 volt golf cart batteries but two of the biggest Trojans have proven adequate.

This is my second Terrova, the first was 55 pounds on a smaller boat. Nothing but good words for them, as both have been super reliable.

The only drawback is sonar. I bought the universal sonar model which worked fine, but upgraded to side scan sonar on the bow. I strapped the new transducer (and guard) on the motor and glued the cable into the recessed track on the Terrova shaft. I was skeptical if it would hold but no problems. Did take a couple of hours to do the deed.

I would go back to a standard Motor Guide cable steer if all I ever did was bass fish, but that's not going to happen. I could steer that thing without looking. On the Terrova I have to look at the buttons on the wrist band to push one. Hardly ever use the foot control.

[Mamoo]

JDoc, if a pro wanted 101# tm why wouldn't they want a 105#, bigger=better?? I saw someone say they would go back to cable cause they have to look at the buttons on remote and my thought is over time you will memorize where they are over time. How many people here look at there TV remote to change the channel up or down? I was also thinking that as a bass fishing angle only, I'm constantly in 10-20 fow or more casting to the bank or am drop shotting. For the life of me I can't think of a reason why this is golden for pro anglers alike. I don't think the motor noise is loud enough to spook fish more than a cable driven motor.

[J-Doc]

You guys are selling me on digital. The "spot lock" option is super cool. The "remote control" thing is not that appealing unless I'm drift fishing and sitting at the helm controling boat direction. iPilot seems pretty cool too.