posted 05-01-2011 10:03 PM ET (US)        

Install was easy (about 1.5 hours). I mounted it to a 75 HP Mercury classic two-stroke motor.

Batteries I used were two (2) West Marine combo deep Cycle/Starting batteries wired to achieve 24 volts. (mounted in my console). These batteries are three years old so I expect that new deep cycle batteries might do better.

Results:
Top speed 3.8 mph.
Batteries lasted for 2.5 hours at full speed. I still was able to run at 1.8 mph but called off the test at that point.

This motor did not affect my ability to get on plane and did not affect top speed of the boat using the main motor.

Convenience factor is excellent.
Just shut off the main motor and adjust the electric motor speed dial which is mounted with Velcro to the console. Start trolling.

With my gas kicker motors I had to shut off the main motor, walk to the back of the boat, lower the motor, hook up the steering bar, hook up the gas line, pump the bulb, adjust the choke and throttle, and pull start it. Then let it warm up, put it in gear and adjust my throttle. Finally I could start trolling.

For a comparison using the same boat (1973 Montauk) these are the other motors I have tried.
55lb Thrust transom mount Electric motor maximum 2.5-MPH.
3hp 2-stroke Johnson maximum 3.5mph.
6hp 4-stroke Mercury maximum 5.5mph.
7.5hp 4-stroke Honda maximum 5.5mph.

Regards, Tim C.

posted 05-02-2011 09:59 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for that report.

I have been considering a similar unit for my 190 Montauk with a 135HP Verado. I've been advised that an engine mounted trolling motor will be much more difficult to maneuver compared to a bow mounted unit with the same thrust. As I've never used a trolling motor I have no idea if that is correct. It seems to me that a bow mounted unit would have a greater range of steering angle if that matters.

Do you have an opinion on the superiority of a bow mount vs an engine mount arrangement. My Montauk is equipped with a forward mounted receptacle just behind the navigation light for ease of a bow mount installation. The 190 was also delivered without the bow rail for the same reason. Therefore I would probably find a bow mount to be easier to install but I'm not overjoyed by the idea of any clutter forward which could interfere with fishing and anchor handling.

Boats seem to be about endless trade offs.

posted 05-02-2011 10:24 AM ET (US)            

For position fishing, that is, moving along a shoreline casting with frequent turns, pauses, changes in speed and direction, a bow mounted trolling motor that pulls the boat along is much more effective. The light bow with higher windage will be blown around and off course constantly with no ability to quickly correct the direction if trying to position fish with rear mounted propulsion.

I mounted a system on my Outrage-18 so that I can quickly set up and remove a 74# thrust bow mounted trolling motor that I use for casting shorelines or mid lake structure for walleye, bass and musky. When I troll Lake Michigan for salmon and trout, it is not installed.

posted 05-02-2011 11:19 AM ET (US)            

Basically if you are operating in fairly calm waters then a bow mount is better. If you are operating in an area of heavier wave action then a transom or engine mount is better.

What I liked most about the engine mount is the convenience factor of not having to raise or lower the motor whenever I want to use it and having the speed and steering controls at the helm. It is also nice that the install is very clean with no additional wires across the deck. For you having a receptacle in the bow is a big bonus.