Trolling motor setup on center console boats?

[jsharlan]

I just bought a 88 O'Day Legend center console 16 footer and I'm trying to figure out what kind of trolling motor to get for it. Those of you with CC boats, what kind of trolling motor do you use, bow mount, engine mount etc? What lb thrust do you think is the minimum? I'll include a picture of my boat to give you an idea of what I am working with. Its got a 70hp johnson outboard on it and the deck is a little bit recessed.

[Allan]

You will have to lose the rail if you go with a bow mount

[wilbur]

Its gonna be tough deploying and stowing with thaT hand rail. A PD or terrova hight work cause you can flip it up or down to clear rail then slide it back. You wont have much leverage on it that way. About the deck you could build it up with something like a 2x6 and then glass over it if you wanted pretty.

[gabowman]

Allan, I was initially thinking the same thing. I've never owned a boat where the trolling motor was in any other place than the bow. By doing some modifications you could possibly turn the rail into split rails that would look OK and give you room for a bow mount. If you troll or spider rig I'd think that is where you'd want the tm to be.:o I'd be thinking a minimum of 70#-80 # thrust tm for a boat that size.

["G"]

Check with PanMan_VA he just put one on a Carolina skiff center console boat. http://www.crappie.com/crappie/members/panman_va.html

[jsplinter]

I have a 18'6" century center console, I used to have a 70# maxxum and it did alright, but you can definately tell when the wind picks up in a center console. I gave that one away and will be getting a terrova. I am still torn between 80# and 101#, i dont want to add another battery, but i also dont want to regret not spending the extra $200 after i have already spent $1400

I would suggest a minimum of 80# for a center console

["G"]

Eh.....I think you will have to get another battery as I believe on the Terrova once you go above a 55lb.....they are 24 volts. I am thinking about getting a 80 lb. Terrova and thats what I was told anyway. You will need it anyway if you troll a lot.

[Allan]

Hes talking about a 3rd battery for 36 volts.

["G"]

Hes talking about a 3rd battery for 36 volts.

Thanks Allan Thumbs Up....I just figured that out by looking in the MinnKota Catalog....I did not realize that. Learn something new everyday on this site.

[Fisherman_Wantabe]

Just my 2 cents, do away with the front section of rail , put in TM. Use the rest of the rail for rod holders?? Thumbs Up