trollin motor switch out

[jimmydee1]

Got a Tracker XT-17 with a 12 v 43 lbs motorguide and thinkin bout goin 24 v with a much largert thrust. Is this a good idea (yes/no) and if so, what would you guys recommend I look at. Old at fishin, but relatively new to crappie boats. All help and harrassment is appreciated. (Sensitivity class week I learned that 'harass' was actually just one word - go figure???)

[duckkiller]

I run 12v on all my rigs and they do fine. I plan on getting rid of my 43lb thrust motorguide this summer and gettign a 55ish minn kota w/ auto pilot and u2 sonor. I absolutely hate Motor Guide

[Wannabe...]

You're short, you're silly, you dress funny and you're mama did a poor job of teaching you table manners.

Now that the harrassment is out of the way.

What gauge wire is in that Tracker? 6 gauge is recommended and it's gonna be Fuu-unnn to replace if you have too.

I know nothing of these electric steer TMs, but you can't go wrong with a MK Maxxum. I'm hearing the new MK Fortrex, which carries a honkin price tag BTW, is showing to be squeeky. Apparently there's a new version and an old version of the Fortrex out there. If you go that way, be sure you get the new version. As far as foot control vs hand, well that's up to you. I have use for both but run a FC right now....been thinking about a way to easily swap between, but haven't come up with something I like yet.

MG is for girls and pansie bass fishermen, but buy what you like. Just know that I'll make fun of you forever more about it.

Wannabe...

[sac-a-lait]

my MK has broken so many times and I have fixed it myself I kinda am almost a service tech. 12 volt for part-time fishing is all you need. Just get a good deep cycle. less expense and half the battery worries.

[jimmydee1]

WB, good question about the wire. I'll check it out. Motor guide is what came on the boat from Tracker. You know those boys never over-engineer anything. So, you think I'm ok to stay with a 12v, but could upgrade to a larger lb minnkota, or that other off-brand you suggested??

[jimmydee1]

See, I'm so darn good at this that I didn't even recognize that MK meant Menkoter. My bad - (embarrassed, not to be confused with harrassed, although I'm sure that's comin too)

[bigcrappiemax]

The Motor Guide I have now is better than any of Kotas I've ever owned (only 2 of them). It is possible that I just had bad luck with the Kotas, but to me, they just didn't feel as well made. They have all been hand-controlled. I'd like to have a foot control at some point, but that'll be off in the future.

[Wannabe...]

Futhermore, I have it on good authority that you smell funny and your socks have holes in the toes.

Like Sac said, 12V with a good batt or even 2 batts rigged 24V is all mose anyone needs with a boat your size. As long as it'll pull you at a decent clip agains the wind, that's really all you need. However, there is no substitute for variable speed. Nothing like being able to creep wind the wind is not blowing or crank it up to match the wind speed and maintain the speed you want. Of course, the mfgs know this and that's why there's such a price jump between the 5 speeds and the variables.

I like the mounts on the MKs, but honestly, I've owned multiples of every brand and other than a bad plug connector, I've never had one break more than a prop. Even still, I enjoy pointing out that MG owners are low class mouth breathers.

The 12 vs 24 volt question is going to have to be answered by you: Are you happy with the umph you've got? If you're running out of juice, you could just get away with adding another battery for more capacity.

Wannabe...

[jimfish]

I have a minn kota power drive on a tracker pro team 17 , its 44lb thrust 12 v and does fine. Exsisting wire should hold up to a 55lb thrust. Can run 8 hours on med speed .And longer on low speed.If you get a minn kota get the retractable mount also.

[Slabo]

When you talk trolling motors you get the same arguments all the time some hate Motorguide and love MinnKota or vice versa just like the Ford vs Chevy argument. I have owned both and right now I have two boats set up with motorguides one wireless remote control 24v 74# thrust and the other a 12v 54# thrust hand control. Both are variable speed trolling motors the only way to go. I like them both I guess it all boils down to what fits your needs and you wallet.


I drive a Ford too !