Thread: Need some help picking trolling motor and options

Howdy,

I thought it was time to update the thread with my results. Thanks to all who contributed and my apologies for this lengthy post, but was hoping that someone else would find it useful. Recall that I was looking for a trolling motor for my 2013 Bass Tracker 175 Pro Team. After too much study and some guilt swallowing, I decided to go "bigger" than I originally thought. I'm pretty happy with the results so far and have put a few keepers in the boat that I would not have without this setup. I went with:

- Minn Kota 52"/24V/80lb Ultrex with iPilot Link with Mega Down Imaging: I didn't really know how I would like it, but so far, I like it a lot. I wanted something with a foot pedal, had to have spot lock, and wanted to connect it to a fish finder. That is working GREAT! I'm glad I didn't go with 36V anything because I had a tough time just getting the batteries in for the 24V. The previous owner had 2 red tops, both cranking type, 1 for the engine and 1 for the trolling motor - not a good thing. So, I replaced 1 of the red tops with 2 29 series from Wally World. I considered stepping up 1 more size, but am very glad I did not do that or I could not have fit them in my compartment, without some major rework.
The previous owner had already installed a Humminbird 7" Mega Down Imaging unit at the bow. I decided to avoid the Mega Side Imaging for the trolling motor, because the transducer on the motor is so big. I thought if I ever had trouble with the MDI, I could fit an external transducer on there without issue. The one thing I would likely do different is drop back to the 45" shaft. I read all the comments about the different situations that 52" would be handy, but ultimately, in my opinion, it is too long for my boat. I have to push it all the way down when loading on the trailer or it clips my guide pipes on the trailer. If I leave it all the way down, it is more than 20" below the water surface. My opinion is that for 95% of my fishing 45" would have been perfect. Spot lock works very well so far, better than I was expecting, but my bar wasn't set too high considering the stories I heard about the 1st gen models. The motor guidance system is a little louder than I expected, but I couldn't justify jumping up big time to the new ones that are out that are apparently much quieter. It's not bad. I use the remote alot more than I thought I would. Very convenient to allow me to go anywhere on the boat and still have control over the motor. Additionally, it is very useful to easily use the features of the motor.

- Humminbird 10" Mega Side Imaging: The bottom line is that bigger is better in my opinion, absolutely no doubt! I couldn't justify going any higher in $$$ to go bigger than 10" though. I love the networking between the Ultrex, the 7" at the bow, and the 10" at the seat. I live about 1 hour from High Rock, Lake Norman, and Randleman, so when I go, I want to make the most of the trip. The Mega Side Imaging allows me to do a wide sweep, mark "stuff" then come back later to that exact spot with the trolling motor - Go to Marker, Go to Spot Lock, or several other options. This is AWESOME! I'm still learning to identify objects on the side imaging and hope to get to the point I can actually see fish under docks and such. Time will tell.

One small warning: The cables, adapters, and switch for networking the units together are extremely pricey for what they are. Humminbird is definitely ripping people off on the accessories, but I knew that going in, because I had done the homework.

I ended up with ~$4500 invested for everything (Ultrex, 10", 2 batteries, cables, adapters, switch), plus a few evenings of sweat equity, taking my time during COVID lock down. I shopped for deals, got some price matching, and did the full install myself.

Hope this helps. Thanks again for the advice. If you see me out there - holla!

olJD