Just bought a boat!

[JerryC]

So my buddy had a Tracker Tournament TX 17 sitting in his driveway for 2 years. I was lucky enough to be able to take if off of his hands for him and to a mechanic who can ensure everything is working properly. While he had his boat in his driveway one night someone stole his trolling motor and he doesn't remember how many LB thrust it was or the shaft length. I will need to buy a used or new one for it but I am confused on the shaft length & type of trolling motor I should get for it. Does anyone have any suggestions for the type, i am assuming a Minn Kota would be a good option - 55lb-80lb thrust maybe? How about shaft length?

Anything helps.. thanks guys!

[BucketHunter]

long and strong cant go wrong

[Nickk]

Sweet!
Trolling motors are surprisingly expensive, whatever you get; make it a 24 volt and run 2 batteries. You'll want the shorter model that is offered(42" for Minn Kota, 45" for Motorguide). A trolling motor is a key piece of equipment, you spend more time using it than you do the big motor.

[JerryC]

Sweet!
Trolling motors are surprisingly expensive, whatever you get; make it a 24 volt and run 2 batteries. You'll want the shorter model that is offered(42" for Minn Kota, 45" for Motorguide). A trolling motor is a key piece of equipment, you spend more time using it than you do the big motor.

Thanks Nick, I was thinking the same. Price wise motorguide looks best but Minn kota seems to be the most trusted. I've searched locally but haven't found anything great for a cheaper price. Might end up biting the bullet on this one. Thanks for the help

[mitchct]

I have had both. My Motor Guide was cable steer and the Minn Kota I have now is electronic steer. I will never go back to the cable steer.

Also check out the iPilot on the MK - huge convenience. Do you have to have it? No. Will you think it's about the best upgrade you've ever done to your boat? I sure do.

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/ ... water.aspx


Trolling motors can be pricey, but as Nickk pointed out you use them constantly, so to me it's worth paying for.

[JerryC]

Let me tell you guys, this bass boat thing is taking a lot out of me. I've been working on my boat since I got it on Saturday and have come a far way as it is. I am dropping it off to a Evinrude tech at a local lake this weekend to have him do maintanance to the engine in case something is wrong that I initially didn't know about. So far so good, doesn't look like ill be selling or buying anything on the board anytime soon.. lol

[BucketHunter]

Sweet!
Trolling motors are surprisingly expensive, whatever you get; make it a 24 volt and run 2 batteries. You'll want the shorter model that is offered(42" for Minn Kota, 45" for Motorguide). A trolling motor is a key piece of equipment, you spend more time using it than you do the big motor.

why short, so it can bust out of the waves when running it on a rough day? you always buy the longest one you can afford. if you don't want it deep move it up but you can never move a short one down!

[wiscmike]

Dont buy the longest you can afford , I've seen a guy that just bought a motor that on his particular boat could not be adjusted high enough and he could not go into shallow water. Talk to someone knowledgable on measuring and get the proper length and you will be much happier. As far as electric steer vs cable steer , it really depends on your fishing style. If you fish alot of open , deeper water electric steer would be fine. In water that hvy vegetation , nothing beats the cable drive. Most bass boats would opt for the cable drive. Congrats on the new to you boat !

[JerryC]

I got the 42" shaft and it works perfectly.. thanks for all of your help!

I just picked up the boat from getting the engine repaired and rewire for my new 24v TM... once all is done i will post up pics!

[JerryC]

She's practically finished! I put her on the water on friday and sunday.. christened the boat with a nice 2.11 LMB on friday and then a 3lber yesterday! Everything is working perfectly as should! The boat was completely rewired, new fuse box, new TM & recessed TM foot pedal tray, new FF's on both front and back and lastly installed LED lights for at night. For my first bass boat, shes gorgeous! Now for those who saw this boat before i put my time into it, there was a foot of water inside the boat when i got it and most of the cables were old, shot out, black and the fuse box was completely corroded. It just made sense to fix everything the first time around. A lot of parts in the engine were replaced, but now it runs great! Enjoy..

PS: Bonus 3lb lmb from sUNDAY..

[Ranger 619VS]

Jerry,

Looks great! What lake were the pictures from? You still ul fishing at all?

Ranger 619VS

[zodiak311]

Nice! Looks like a lot of labor of love has been put into it. More fishing, and less tackle hoarding!
What are you hauling her with?

[JerryC]

Jerry,

Looks great! What lake were the pictures from? You still ul fishing at all?

Ranger 619VS

Thanks.. i was at Pompton lake... Yea still doing some UL fishing but not too much.. more on the medium heavy side now with all the weeds all over every lake

[JerryC]

Nice! Looks like a lot of labor of love has been put into it. More fishing, and less tackle hoarding!
What are you hauling her with?

Yeah tell me about it! lol.. spent like 3k just on crap for the boat already but its practically brand new minus the carpet... im trailering her around with my jeep wrangler unlimited... its a beast!

[TeamDaiwaRick]

Jerry the boat looks geart! CONGRATS