New Boat Build

[shooterrdy]

New to Me Z8 low hours 42 on a 2011. 200HP pro XS. 

I have some questions and would appreciate your feedback.

Looking to upgrade from stock I know I want an Ultrex TM do I need a 36V vs a 24V 112/80lb.? 

The big decession is Garmin echomap ultra or HB Helix SI on the console? If garmin no need for built in Mega DI on TM if HB I will get the built in Mega DI and buy Graph only up front probably Helix 9 on a Balzout mount. Or Cornfield crappie TBD

I will want live scope next but cant have it all day one. 

Getting new battery charger for all batteries. What Brand you all like? 

What 14" trailer tires are holding up these days?

 Thanks!

 

 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I have a 19 ft boat and 24V is 70lb has been plenty for me, 8 hour tournament days and it has lots of charge left

Lowrance, Garmin, Humminbird, they are all good, I have had all three and now i run the Garmin, they are just quite a ways ahead of the competition

Ellis Battery sells Powermania charges, they are not cheap but they are awesome. Lot of charges will not charge a battery if the volts drop to low, the Powermania will bring them back from totally dead 

No Advice on Tires, im in the market myself

[rps]

My two cents: A 24v system should be plenty unless you fish all day tournaments in a gale. I am shopping a new troll motor and the Ultrex is my second choice. When The Ghost comes out in a longer shaft I will buy.

Battery advice is all over the map. Some advocate Optima. Wrench says don't spend that kind of money and simply buy new batteries every year. I buy Interstates and replace them every other year. Never had a problem with that system so long as you keep them charged.

I have had Lowrance, HB, Simrad, and Garmin units on my boat. They are all different and all excellent, but If you go with the Ultrex, go HB and link your console and your bow. Personally, I would buy the built in Mega DI.

Remember, my advice is worth what you paid for it.

 

[Dutch]

I think a boat that large needs a 36 volt trolling motor.  I had one similar in size with a 24 volt.  It was ok but not great.  I am running 36 volt now.  It is way better.

You will get more functions if you match trolling motors and sonar/gps which work together.  
 

When you buy tires get specifically trailer tires not passenger tires.  Trailer tires have a much stronger sidewall.

Where are you located?

[MrGiggles]

If you are planning on getting Livescope, then I would get the capable graphs now so it is easier in the future. No need to switch and resell later. 

I would also consider the new Garmin trolling motor, if you're gonna be running Garmin graphs as well. It will run on both 24 and 36, if 24 is not enough, you can just buy another battery and run it on 36. 

[shooterrdy]

Thanks I am in KS near Ft Scott

I will look at the Garmin TM 

How does Garmin Side Imaging compare to HB? 

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Ive used the Garmin troller on a buddies boat and it is excellent, Garmin side imaging is great at the helm, i assume their 2d is great to but when you get livescope you wont use anything on the graph except livescope up on the bow

[snagged in outlet 3]

Bill Babler posted this one on Proguide batteries.  I bought Duracell on sale at batteries plus bulbs   10% off if you order online and pick up in store.  They even brought them out and loaded them in my truck and took my old ones.  Plus you  get 10$ back for each battery from Duracell.  $90 each for two Group 27. Mine were only 2.5 years old and I didn't notice any difference in power but I haven't used them on an all day trip at Taney yet for duration comparison.  But I will in to weeks😁

 

 

[dtrs5kprs]

I'm with Dutch. 36v is always better if you can swing it. TMs are on that list of things you can't have too much of.

That said, I ran a big 24 on my 18' Ranger and did fine. Fished a lot of wind, and the upper Mississippi, with it. 

I've gone to Goodyear Endurance for my tires, and they've been excellent so far. Not sure if they're available in 14". Improved the way the trailer pulls.over my old Marathons, and it's actually more comfortable on a 4hr pull.

[Quillback]

I've got a 24 volt system myself and it will power my 19 foot glass boat all day.  Supposedly the new brushless TM's draw less power so when I eventually upgrade from my Fortrex I will be looking at brushless, and they are supposedly quieter too.  

Heard good things about the Marathons, but haven't run any yet.