55 or 70# for transom mount tm?

Here's the deal, I've got a 16-and-a-half foot aluminum boat with a 50 horse 2-stroke outboard. I've got an old motorguide 46# thrust tm on the bow. I tried pulling cranks a few times towards the end of the summer with little success and I am trying to iron out my set-up for next summer and address some issues.

I had a hard time keeping the speed slow enough with the outboard without a drift sock or trolling plate. I tried the low-tech solution of dragging a bucket but still had problems. I could go out and buy a plate but I am also concerned that the noise from my 2-stroke engine is a handicap. I would like to try using my trolling motor but I have no way to control it from the back of the boat where my rod holders are set up and with it being an older model without variable speed I may still have speed problems and it drains the battery pretty quick.

I was looking at upgrading the bow tm to something wireless or even the Minkota PowerDrive with the long cord for the foot control. Due to the cost of the wireless models I was leaning towards the pd but I see where not many people are happy with the PowerDrive and I would need to buy one with the universal sonar because the design of the PD makes it impossible to mount a transducer on the tm. It looks like the universal sonar will add about $200 to the cost and put it out of my range.

I think I have decided to go with a hand-controlled transom-mount tm instead. It is a much cheaper solution and I would have the tm controls as well as my rods all within reach and I can easily view my console fish-finder from the pedestal on my back casting deck. The new variable speed models will allow precise speed control as well as drain the battery less. My only question now is can i get away with 55# or do I need to go ahead and get the 70# model? My 46# on the bow moves the boat fine but I have read where they are not as efficient when mounted on the transom. Is that true? I need some opinions before I go out and buy.

I have been very happy with my PD. I also have my transducer mounted on it. Here is how you do it:http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...-drive-tm.html Yes you are correct about them not being near as efficient when used on the transom.

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Originally Posted by IBNFSHN

I have been very happy with my PD. I also have my transducer mounted on it. Here is how you do it:http://www.crappie.com/crappie/fishi...-drive-tm.html Yes you are correct about them not being near as efficient when used on the transom.

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I had read that the steering response from the drive by wire systems is not as quick as the cable systems and they are harder to maneuver around docks and such. What is your take on that?

Save up some money and get a powerdrive with autopilot. That's the only way to go with that set up. You will not regret spending the money. Trust me. I was in the exact same predicament you are in now. I went the cheaper rout to start with and did the transom mout. Waste of time and money. When you have 2 or three rods go down at the same time and you are fighting one you will be juggling the rod and tm trying to steer and fight the fish. The result is you end up going in circles or zig zaging tangling everything up. With the PD with AP you worry about getting the fish in the boat not keeping the boat strait. Save yourself a lot of aggrivation and put some money in the piggy bank for that PD. Any questions you have about the TM or set up please feel free to ask, I'll be glad to help you any way I can.

He could always add the new i-Pilot later and that would also give him autopilot capability.

Bigkyd, true the response is not as fast as cable. I have the older model and understand that the V-2 and Terrova models are much better but I've never tried one to compare.

i have a 55 powerdrive v2 and pull cranks (aluminum fisher 170 prohawk 17ft 90horse merc.)they only way to go to pull cranks ,but takes a little getting ure to for other fishing.mine will last about 4 hours pulling cranks so adding another battery and a battery switch will probally be in my near future upgrades.All i will say go for it i`m sure you will like it.

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Originally Posted by blueball

i have a 55 powerdrive v2 and pull cranks (aluminum fisher 170 prohawk 17ft 90horse merc.)they only way to go to pull cranks ,but takes a little getting ure to for other fishing.mine will last about 4 hours pulling cranks so adding another battery and a battery switch will probally be in my near future upgrades.All i will say go for it i`m sure you will like it.

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why a switch?... hook the 2 batteries up in parrallel.
http://www.suffolk-video.com/connect...ry_hookups.JPG
maintains the 12volts DC and inctreases the amp-hours
best to use matched batteries though

Definitely go with a powerdrive on the bow. Mounting an xducer is no problem as you can see from the other post. If I couldn't afford the I-pilot option right now, I'd get the basic one and update to the I-pilot when i could afford it.

If you've never owned or operated a transom mount TM you'll probably be disappointed, they don't steer the boat worth a crap!!!

I have a 17' Tracker deep V with a 50 hp 4 stroke with my rod holders on the back too. I upgraded my TM to a 55 lb. Motorguide wireless and absolutely love it!!! I use the key fob controller and steering is always at my finger tips!
The digital/variable speed control is really nice for getting the speed just right!

I will admit that the auto and I pilot models are probably a lot nicer and easier to operate, but they're also double or triple the price I spent.

Thanks for the advice guys, I've slept on it and decided you guys are absolutely right. I'm gonna get the Powerdrive. Cabelas has a 50# in the same price range as what I would have spent had I gone with the 70# Traxxis. The 18' cord will allow me to use the pedal until I can afford to add a co/auto/I pilot later on down the road.