Trying to pick right Trolling Motor

[ripinlips]

I have a Bass Tracker TX-17 Series and I was wondering everyones opinion on what size and even brand to put on it. The boats total length is 16foot without motor. In the past I had a foot control but will more than likely go with a hand control bow mount. Any suggestions or tips on size, kind, type or even where to buy is welcome. Thanks in advance.

[Gerald]

This kind of depends on the type of fishing you do?

Fresh water lakes, river with current or saltwater chasen schools of fish?????

[SaltyShaw]

If saltwater you def wanna go with a saltwater Minn Kota 55
Depends on personal preference
I think a 55 will do fine on it what did you have in the past?

[jchief]

If you really want enough to not worry about strong tides and winds, go with the 80 lb MK. Otherwise Shaw is right on. The 80 is 24 volt; 55 12 volt

[Gerald]

I have the 55 # Rip Tide on a 15' boat. My next TM will be something a little bigger.

[LPfishnTIM]

I like the great white, Motor Guide, as big as you can afford! 24v 80ld is a beast and believe me if you ever upgrade boats you will want to keep your tm!

[ripinlips]

Originally Posted by SaltyShaw

If saltwater you def wanna go with a saltwater Minn Kota 55
Depends on personal preference
I think a 55 will do fine on it what did you have in the past?

I had another 15ft boat with an old, old 37lb thrust motor, so any step up will seem like I am flying I plan on using this boat for mostly freshwater bayous but I will from time to time go saltwater fishing as well. So what I am hearing is 55 or better. Thanks all

[SaltyShaw]

Def want to go with a 55 atleast
now freshwater or saltwater is all you need to figure out.

[ripinlips]

MotorGuide® VariMax™ Great White® Saltwater Hand-Control Bow Mount Trolling Motor 55lb 50" shaft

This is what I am starting to think...any experience or opinions about this one? Thanks

[Ray]

Tell Shaw or Jordan to send you the movie clip of the super quiet trolling motor I sent them. I already deleted it.

[bayoublack]

bigger the better i have 1652 alweld with 75lb motor guide varimax its great in the grass and awesome at chasing birds in the lake

[ripinlips]

This is not my boat but it looks like it. Low profile and not very heavy. Probably will not chase many birds or do lots of open water in general. I do understand that I should go bigger than I think, but I also do not want to put something that is too heavy up there. Is there a downside to getting a trolling motor without a tilt handle?

[all star rod]

Originally Posted by SaltyShaw

Def want to go with a 55 atleast
now freshwater or saltwater is all you need to figure out.

x2...and I would get a minn kota...

[fishinpox]

motor guide

[SaltyShaw]

Minn Kota

[fishinpox]

Originally Posted by SaltyShaw

Minn Kota

FBPPS aka minn Kota

[SaltyShaw]

Originally Posted by fishinpox

FBPPS aka minn Kota

You dirty!!

[ripinlips]

Thanks for all the info guys...still thinking it over, but by this weekend I will buy something

[cmcnabb]

I have a minn Kota 70 sc and it sucks. I've been told by someone on here that that model was a fluke and it definitely is. It has turned me off minn Kota. The main thing I don't like is the little bolt that holds the head on the shaft wallowed out and the head is about to fall off. Yea I know how to fix it but for 600 dollars I shouldn't have to do anything but bolt on and go. That is the second shaft it has done that too. I'll never have another composite shaft again

[ripinlips]

Alright after a near purchase, I am decided on a 55lb 52"shaft Minn Kota Riptide SE Bowmount with variable speed, digital maximizer. Any direct experience with this exact motor/model??? Thanks for all the input