Hi Guys-

I'm planning on purchasing a saltwater trolling motor this spring. Had them for years on my freshwater bass boats, but for simplicity's sake have left if off my Lema Skiff for years. Some interesting saltwater scenarios and the desire to do more freshwater bass fishing with my boat has got me hot to trot on an electric.

I'm wondering if any of you have one and what your experiences have been with them. Could you suggest a manufacturer/model, etc..? Leaning towards a MinnKota Riptide at this point right now.

I have been running a Minn Kota Riptide 74 24 volt for the last five seasons, and have been very happy with it.

Nice. You've had it for a few years and it's obviously held up pretty well. What's it got for a control system? I've been looking at the remote control 55lb thrust 12V model, but I'm nervous about the remote. Can't say as though I trust it. Boat's pretty light, so it should move along fine with the 55.

i had the Riptide 55 once and was quite displeased with it...

because the crank nob (then) screwed into the shaft and shredded it....(4 height adjustment) so look to see if that same method/design is still there... and if so be wary... as it has a lil silver cup
tip thats not that well designed... and since i payed over 600 bucks for it... i didn't feel i got my moneys worth out of it.

I have the basic unit and steer it with the tiller speed control arm.
I don't know about the remote, but I would not go with anything under 24 volt.
The little 18 lb trust I had on my canoe would eat up a 12 volt battery in just a short time.

My buddy had 3 Motor Guides 101's in 2 years go bad. Changed to Minn Kota 101 and it's been great for the past 7 years and still going strong.

Thanks Bob. I've always favored Minn Kota's over Motor Guides. I've had two MG's and Two MK's. Liked the durability, engineering, and features of MK's better in almost every situation. I'm leaning towards the MK, I just want to make sure I get the right one.

I have been running a Minn Kota Riptide 74 24 volt for the last five seasons, and have been very happy with it.

Bigcat, how big of a boat have you got?

Minn Kota Riptide all the way, I've had both and the Minn Kota is superior. Can't speak to those that have had foot controls or autopilot types, I've always been a big believer in the KISS (keep it simple stupid) principle and go hand controlled. To me less to go wrong is a good thing, especially when you mix in salt water.

Stay away from 12V, go 24V minimum and if you have the space and the extra weight isn't a big deal; I love my 36V Riptide 101.

Bigcat, how big of a boat have you got?
20' Hydra-Sport LTS Vector.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/bigcat988/Boatfromchopper.jpg

I can see why you guys insist on a 24 volt system if you're running 20'+ boats. I've got an 18 ft. Lema Skiff that weighs around 900lbs. I'm wondering how much power I need. I like the simplicity of one battery, though I won't hesitate to go to 24V if I feel it's necessary.

Got Stripers: What kind of boat are you running?

I ran the biggest 12 volt motor guide on a 16' Lund. I always like the simple hand control. Much simpler less things to break. I think it was 36 lbs of thrust. Used to pull that boat around easy. Big question is where are you going to mount it. On the bow I think you can get away with less lbs. It was great for adjusting a drift, like when fluking. I know your boat, my Dad works for your brother. Does it have a front deck? If so a bow mount would be the way to go. Keep in mind the 2 batteries needed for a 24 volt will add a decent amount of weight.

Are you John A's son? If so, hello! And please say hi to your Dad, he's a hell of a good guy!

Yeah, I've got a front deck and was planning on putting the motor up there the whole time. I did mention earlier in the thread that I wasn't crazy about adding the weight of two batteries (especially deep cycle) to the front of the boat(about the only place I could put them, given the setup of the boat).

Well, if you only want 1 battery, the biggest 12v you can get is 54#. Get the Maxum Miser model. It will help with battery life a little. I would find some way to go 24v and the most poundage you can get. Bigger is always better in an electric.

Brian,

Yeah I am his son, I will tell him you said hello. I also agree with BobT can't have enough thrust, especially in the wind when you need it. You could always run a cable to the front, but can you get under the the floor in that boat?

I don't have the space under the floor for a battery. It's a very shallow draft hull. There's not any space anywhere in the boat except for the front, unfortunately. I don't see a problem with 24V in freshwater, or in Charlestown, Weekapaug, Quonny ponds, etc. I had a 24V system on my freshwater Bass Boat and I loved it. I don't like the idea of an extra 150lbs on the bow when I'm out in a stiff chop and I have a cooler full of ice and fish just in front of the console(not to mention a passenger or two). My boat is super seaworthy but it rides pretty tight to the water.

If I knew how to post a pic of the boat to show you the floor layout, I would! You can see the back of it in my avatar. There's the console, a leaning post, and that's it in the back. I have a casting platform in the front that's probably 5-6' long.

Sounds like what it's going to come down to is finding out if the 54lb thrust with the Maximizer (exactly the one I've been looking at, believe it or not!)has the power and battery life to do what I want it to do. If not, I'll go 24V.

I was thinking of getting one too and very intersted in this thread. I hate starting my motor to reposition around a shoreline while fishing. I looked into the ones mentioned above and was suprised by the prices. I thought they be @ $500, crazy I guess.
Might sound funny, but I may pick up a flats pole and see if I can push the boat along. I fish in water mostly 5-15ft. I dont know how hard it would be to push the boat, I have a 20ft Hydrasport, T-top, etc, its HEAVY.