Trolling Motor Advice

[stuartsx5]

Ok.  I have been saving to buy a Minn Kota Power Drive V2.  The reason I was doing this is because the way my front casting deck is set up my peddle is always under me because the cables cant make the turn.  I was looking for a steer by wire trolling motor to help alleviate this problem.  I talked to a fellow today that sells them and he indicated I might not be as happy with that type trolling motor. He said that if I spend a lot of time moving in and out of docks that I would probably not like it because there is a time delay in turning compared to the cable steer motors.  I do move in and out between docks in the spring.  Anyone have any experience with these types trolling motors?  Is it hard to go from the cable to the electric steer?  Also, it is recommended by Minn Kota that I have the 55# thrust and that only comes in a 12 volt.  My plan was to keep the two batteries I have and put a switch in to go between the two on a day of fishing.  The 24 volt is $200 more and the minimum thrust is 70#.  This is going on a fish and ski and I was concerned with that much thrust and the torque it would put on the mounting area.  I have a 50# now that is more than enough.  Thanks for any input.

[fishinwrench]

I had a MG wireless on a previous boat and I do alot of dock fishing.  There is a learning curve but it didn't take long.   The "noise" of the rotor motor is a tad annoying, but never seemed to bother the fish one bit.     I certainly enjoyed being able to control the TM from anywhere, but I'm an old-school fart and still prefer cable steer where I can operate by feel and not by having to watch things rotate all the time.    With electronic steering you don't know where your going unless you keep one eye on the TM head at all times.    That kinda sucks.

[stuartsx5]

Having to look at it at all times was a drawback I had never thought of at first but became one of the cons as I talked to this fellow. I took his word pretty seriously cause he sells these TM's and I had told him I had cash in hand. He told me a couple times he didn't think I would be happy.  

Thanks for the advice Wrench.

[Billfo]

I had the similar thing. In my Lund, the cable was always in the way- so I got rid of the foot control trolling motor & bought a 24Volt MinKota Maxum Bow Mount HAND CONTROL.  Retailed about $750 bucks (still have the receipt), but well worth it in my opinion. It was easy to fish with it's telescoping handle, easy to move with your knee if sitting or standing. The 24V last all day ! When I sold the Lund the new owner wanted a foot control, so I bought it back from him & put it on my new boat. As you can see from the photos, there isn't much room on that deck ( that is why I removed the cable mount motor. Even when the motor is up in the easy side off mount, it is not in our way. Deployed, it is perfect for OUR application & the 24V scoots us around just fine. I know most foot control motors are cheaper (don't know why), but if space is a premium & trip hazards are an issue- take a look at a big bow mount.

Good luck !