2013 270 Dauntless Trolling Motor

[jfaisten]

Greetings. I just put a deposit on a 2013 270 Dauntless. I want an electric bow-mounted trolling motor added. The sales folks and the technician are not giving me a lot of comfort that a bow mounted trolling motor will work on a boat this big--although the 2016 catalog shows a bow mounted trolling motor on a 270 Dauntless.

In any case, does anyone have first hand knowledge?

I know I'll need the longest shaft and highest power -- 105 [lbs of thrust].

Will [an electric trolling motor] handle a boat as big as a 270 DAUNTLESS with dry weight 6,700-lbs?

Any comments or suggestions on where to look are appreciated. (I searched this site, visited the Boston Whaler site, the Motorguide site, and the Minnkota site.) Thanks

[Phil T]

It could be that Whaler realized the 2013 option for a trolling motor did not really work very well and discontinued it.

Without the "option" there will not be any the wiring, distribution panel, batteries and outlet in the hull to the bow. An aftermarket retrofit is not practical so the power cord will need to plug into the exterior wall of the console and lay on the deck.

Have you considered using one of the main motors for slow trolling? Some Mercury engines have a trolling feature.

Check with Boston Whaler Customer Service. They respond to phone or email.
https://www.bostonwhaler.com/contact-us/

[jfaisten]

Phil T -- thank you. I'll try customer service

[jfaisten]

Just talked to Chuck in customer service--he is super friendly and helpful.

The only way to run a trolling motor on a 2013 is with a cable running across the deck from the bow to wherever the batteries are located.

Just like Phil T indicated. I'm not going to do that. I may buy a small aluminum boat for the times I need a trolling motor. --Thanks

[Phil T]

There are many owners who buy a Boston Whaler and add a trolling motor later.

Typically they add:
- battery(s) to the console,
- On/off/both switch
-outlet receptacle to the forward face of the console near the cooler
- extension cord of heavy duty marine wire with plug ends for receptacle on one end and trolling motor on the other. It is stored out of the way in the cooler or console when not in use.
- starboard or composite mounting block on the bow orientated so motor can slide forward and tilt up even with bow rail.

[jfaisten]

Phil T
Thanks

[Ridge Runner]

I have heard of some boaters reporting good results with the Minn Kota Riptide engine mounted trolling motors: https://www.minnkotamotors.com/Trolling ... ine-Mount/

[jfaisten]

There are some positive results with the Riptide -- some report a lot of problems with them when you're trying to run at cruise or above. A lot of disturbance behind the engines which might affect fuel economy and performance.

The Dauntless 240 is a better option if the trolling motor is a must. But I really like the 270 with the hard top.
Thanks

[Jefecinco]

A trolling motor is all about the use you intend for it. For trolling they are pretty useless. To troll effectively usually requires covering a lot of water. A better way to troll is with the primary engine pulling a drag chute behind to minimize speed or for the most dedicated trolling anglers a dedicated stern mounted trolling outboard.

The better use for a trolling motor is to be able to maneuver around structure or to get into shallow water. Another very useful feature of some new trolling motors is the ability to hold on station for short periods thus avoiding the need to anchor every few minutes.

An engine mounted trolling motor seems unable to do any of those things well.

If you fish primarily in shallow water an electric "power pole anchor" will allow you to easily maintain station.

If you are a serious angler get a bow mounted 36 volt long shaft trolling motor with a fob control and GPS chip. Power it as suggested by Phil running the power cable to the motor from the front of the console. A 36 volt power cable is not objectionably large and no control cable is required due to the blue tooth controller. You should carefully check out the capabilities of the new trolling motors before proceeding.

[jfaisten]

Butch -- thanks for the thoughts. My use is more for boat orientation in the river. I jig now and then for walleye and depending on wind direction and speed have to use a trolling motor to slow or speed the boat up in order to keep the bait vertical.
I think I'll have to go to a Dauntless 240 or buy a small aluminum boat. Really want to stay with one boat so the 240 may be the better option.