Which MK Trolling motor to buy

[duckkiller]

Let me start off by saying I have had MK all my life on every boat Ive owned. When I bought this boat last March, it had a MG on it and instead of trashing it, I decided I would give it a chance. Well I've given it a chance and I still hate everything about it. I know Im going back with MK, so my question for you all is this. If you were going to take part of your tax return and spend it on a MK tm, which one would you get and why? Im really likeing the wireless ones but not seeing good reviews on the Fortrex. Dont want to spend 1300 on one either though. Any suggestions?


Thanks, and happy fishing

Robert

[Jason Halfen #511]

How long is your boat, and how do you typically fish? Are you a position fisherman who spend a lot of time casting, or are you a troller?

[duckkiller]

boat is a G3 Pro165, I spider rig, and when they move shallow I break out the jig poles and head up there with them.

[Jason Halfen #511]

For someone who spends a lot of time trolling, I'd recommend a 24V system. That will give you the battery life to spend a full day (or likely more) on the water without worrying if the batteries will drain out.

The G3 165's bow rides close to the surface, much lower than the deep V's that I'm most familiar with. I'd guess that a 48" shaft would work just fine for you.

I've always been partial to electric steer motors, and when Terrova was introduced a couple years back, I switched to that motor and haven't looked back. The foot pedal design and stow/deploy mechanism is a significant step about the powerdrive line. Complete compatibility with i-Pilot (and the fact that the Terrova foot pedal retains full functionality with i-Pilot installed) is another big reason to consider Terrova.

So....my recommendation would be a short shaft Terrova 80. More than enough power to keep you spider rigging all day, versatile enough to allow for casting applications when the fish go shallow.

[cadman]

I'm going to have to agree with Jason. I had a power drive on my old 17' Magna Tracker and back then they were top of the line. But my foot pedals always wore out after 3 years. Then when I bought my new boat. I wanted a Terrova. I love my Terrova, quick response time compared to the power drive, easy stowage, all around a well built motor in my opinion. I would buy another in a heartbeat.

[Chasing Ghosts]

I also agree with Jason as well....

one other thing.... if you are planning on a DF up front (on the TM)... get the Terrova with the dual beam transducer built in (you wont have to worry about cables getting severed).

It took me all of 5 minutes to install the i-Pilot on the Terrova... 4 screws and one plug.

[luvin.fishin]

24volt, 80# thrust, 45" shaft Terrova + i-pilot. If you're going SI on the TM, save ur $ on a built in xducer.

[Chasing Ghosts]

24volt, 80# thrust, 45" shaft Terrova + i-pilot. If you're going SI on the TM, save ur $ on a built in xducer.

I have a SI (798) with the Tx mounted on the TM... moving it off due to the spot lock spinning the TM to maintain station... possible future cut Tx cable as it gets caught in the TM mount if you do not watch it close...

that's why I mentioned the Dual beam in the TM

[duckkiller]

Lots of guys are telling me to go with the Maxxum b/c of the constant bumping around when I fish in the heavy trees/ above water structure when they move shallow. Any thoughts on that? Also whats all this I keep hearing about the tm sheering the transducer cable? I have a 597 up front and the transducer is mounted to the TM and I will prefer to keep it mounted up front on the new TM


Thanks

Robert

[duckkiller]

Also my TM on there now is a 46lb thrust so I was thinking of going with a 55. Why do you guys keep suggesting the 80?