Working on an idea... Just wondering how many here are trolling with the big motor and steering with an ipilot?
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Working on an idea... Just wondering how many here are trolling with the big motor and steering with an ipilot?
I trolled with a Yamaha 115 four stroke for 6 years...Had a Troll a Matic trolling plate on the outboard ....worked pretty good. I have a 24 volt 80 lb thrust Terrova now that I troll with. I like it lots better can set it on a gps course.
I have trolled with big outboards, I/O motors, kickers, and trolling motors.
Currently, when walleye fishing, I run the trolling motor until the speed pushes the motor over a "5" setting. After that, I fire up the kicker motor and use the bow mount to steer. Works well.
Some bigger motors have the ability to add features that allow you to troll at slower than normal idle speeds. It will allow you to alter your RPM by 50 at a time in order to bump your speed up or down. Trolling plates are common here in Michigan as is trolling bags or drift socks deployed to slow you down while trolling. Designated kicker motors with lower gear ratios that turn large props at slower speeds is the best option here however it isn't always in everyone's budget.
Been using big motor and steering with trolling motor since 2010.Mercury 2stroke carb 90,no problems so far.
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Like Blueball, been doing it a long time. Just find a way to lock steering wheel down ( bunge cord ) then set trolling motor at a speed where it will actually steer the boat with big motor pushing. Usually 3.5 to 4 works on mine. It will steer the boat but put very little strain on batteries cause big motor is doing all the work.
I've been trolling with the big motor into, or cross wind and steering with the I pilot for a couple of years now, and when I go with the wind I use only the i pilot. Also have my 55lb. thrust Minn Kota wired with 2 AGM group 31s in series. So I am on my I pilot most of the time.
Before I had an I pilot, I used to use the 55 lb. Power Drive to pull the boat straight ahead and would use the big motor (not running)to steer with. Worked really well, but no where as convenient as the I pilot.
Also I would like to have a kicker motor on my Alumacraft 165 competitor, but I dont think there is enough room back there. I have an 87 inch wide beam.
Have a happy troller I use with big motor and steer with the I-pilot.
Talked with a guy that will do this without the prop turning on the TM and just use the TM for steering. Run big motor for push
I have not tried it yet
My idea was a larger " rudder" device that would fit over the skeg of the trolling motor and clamp on with hose clamps. I could use the ipilot to steer without the trolling motor actually running, just for steering.
I guess I'm missing something? If you have an undersized TM, I could see it, but with a large trolling motor and good batteries I don't see why you'd want to run a gas powered motor. More noise, more expense, more maintenance....
My Ulterra will pull my boat at 3.2 mph.
What am I missing on the purpose of using the big motor or a kicker?
Pull from daylight to dark at 2 mph all day.Some of us are more serious about fishing than others.Thats the reason i have 2 24volt setups and a trolling plate.I pull with the wind and against the wind also.When the lake lice are thick and boat wake coming from every direction my boat tracks better with the big motor.When theres alot of boat wake if im not running close to 2mph it seems like a i get alot of tangles from the boat wake.And the very last reason i have had trolling motor problems,battery problems when the fish are biting and had to go home,not now im ready.Quote:
Originally Posted by FurFlyin
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I guess I could see some of that. I haven't started pulling cranks yet but I have pulled jigs all day long as 1.2 with my TM in the wind and never got below 60% charge on my batteries.
Run time and windy conditions for me, even a 36 volt system will run down with my size boat if your moving 1.8+mph. Your going think this is funny/strange but we seem to put more fish in the boat when I run the kicker than not,almost like a "dinner bell" I've noticed this for quite a few years in deep or shallow water, calm or wind,clear or stained water.Quote:
Originally Posted by FurFlyin
In the ky lake american crappie trail tournament we were catching them at 2.7 mph pulling cranks.I usually try to go fast getting the poles out,partner said arnt we going alittle fast.I said yes we are but were catching fish so why slow down.Try going 2.7 and see how long your batteries last,most days you want be going that fast though.Im one of those guys thats usually over prepared,have all kinds of stuff in the boar incase something happens,extra tips,reels,battery cables,spark plugs,various screws and bolts.[emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]Quote:
Originally Posted by FurFlyin
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