Trolling motors

I have a 175 Bass Tracker with a foot control.Wanting to upgrade to a hand control.Thinking about the minnkota riptide 24 volt 70#,just worried about the shaft length(52").And my boat is 12volt with 2 batteries.What do yall think?

I don't like hand controls personally but, if that is the way you want to go converting to a 24v trolling motor is not a big deal so get what you want.

Thanks tritonman.I was just looking for some advice,but i guess trolling motors are not interesting enough right now.It's boats falling off trailers,USE COMMON SENSE!

I have about the same boat. Why are you thinking hand control tm?

A buddy of mine has a hand control and to me it seems easier to run in high winds.

Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the riptide a saltwater tm? Not that u couldn't use it in fresh water, but for the money I'd consider a v2 with at least auto pilot and Ipilot if I could. Best money I've ever spent for anything on a boat!!!

Sorry big c. I meant to reply earlier but got side tracked by gewbery tomfoolery ie Es. Matter of fact after es it was dd. Then triton then. Well u get the picture.

If u want hand control the riptide is a good un. But the maxzum would be the same motor except black in color and no sacrificial anode and a couple more stainless parts for maybe 50 to 100 less. Assuming your not in salt water, the upgrade is not necessary and I've never seen a mk have rust issues in fresh water.

Now, IMO 54 inch for a hand control on that hill is going to be too much. 45" would be a better choice. If it can't be factory bought, you can always get the 54, try it and if need be have it cut shorter by a mk sac for about $50 and it won't affect the warranty at all. U can do it yourself easily but u may have a warranty issue if u do.

For strictly single poling hand control is the bomb. Anything over that though u will probably wish for foot controll at least. I know I would

Wannabe...

Thanks guys,The guy at performance said the riptide was only $20 more expensive.I'm a little confused trying to make a good decision.I have a foot control now its a little tough single pole fishing.

I'm also considering a hand control TM...I've used a foot control for 23 years and have mastered it for single poling. Kinda scared going with a hand control...but, I think I would be able to respond quicker with a hand control TM...especially if you are facing 180 degrees from it single poling....with some extensions on the handle of a hand control you could just bump it to adjust your direction. Still debating it though....supposed to have my boat ready this week...gotta make up my mind quick!

I can tell from experience,a hotfoot makes it even nicer.And varible speed makes it real quiet for those shallow spawner.

My boat has a hand control. this is the first hand controll I have had in 20 years. here is my opinion. my TM has the speeds/off/reverse on the handle. the problem with this is I would like to use a Pro Controll extension so I can spin the motor 360 degrees so I don't have to use reverse since the reverse causes some serious noise/turbulance at the prop. I can't use the pro control because I would have to reach the factory handle to turn the motor on/off and set the speed. I don't want to use the foot style on/off switch because I want to be free to move around the deck which I think is one of the best advantages of hand controll. If I could figure out a way to install the controlls on the pro control then I think that would be the best set up ever, but since I haven't figured it out I would say it's a coin toss over which is better between foot and hand controll. I certainly wouldn't spend extra cash to go one way or the other. I will say I do not like electric steer motors because they are too slow to turn for my liking and I can't feel when the motor is against an obstruction or the bottom.

Another problem I have is my boat has very little free board so the troller is set so high that the foot of the troller sets above the little Y support when it is folded up. It works ok, but looks like crap when its up. I wish I could figure out how to remedy this, but unfortunately I can't

That is why iam worried about the length of the shaft.It has been a while seen i had hand control,but used to love them.I also think the extension handle will be my 2nd purchase.