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I know everyones talking about ice fishing, and most people have put their boats away, but I'm trying to get ready for next year.
For my BIG boat (Family cruiser, 24 foot cuddy) I want to put on a gas trolling motor. I plan on using a remote-troll and I already know I have to get the 5 inch drop plate, AND a long shaft motor.
My question is how big do I need? I'm looking at a 1986 Merc 6 horse. Will that be enough to troll up to 4 mph for wipers?
I would like to know what size trolling motors and what size boats you all have, and how they work?
Thanks
Randy
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I used to N.ot have E.nough T.ime O.ff to go fishing. Then I retired. Now I have less time than I had before. Sheesh.
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A 9.9 will work just fine. Heck, an 8 will work. I don't think I'd go with the 6 though. Look for a hi-thrust.
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Thanks for the reply. I went out on Boattrader today and the smallest size I saw, even on a 20 foot boat was a 9.9, and that seems to be the most popular power size. I have already called the guy and told him I wasn't interested in the 6 hp that he has.
If anyone has a good 9.9 LONGSHAFT that is for sale, I'd be interested for the right price.
Randy
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I used to N.ot have E.nough T.ime O.ff to go fishing. Then I retired. Now I have less time than I had before. Sheesh.
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I have to agree that 8-9.9 hp is what you need.You have a heavy boat,and the smaller hp motor just wont do what you want it to.
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I am not to familiar with trolling motors, but I know one thing, my Dad and I use to fish the Columbia River in Washington and we use to use a 4 hp trolling motor just to keep up with the current, and I tell you what, that current is "a rollin". We were in my (mine now) Tracker Pro Deep V-17' boat, so if that helps any. I would imagine you wouldnt need anything over 5 hp, but once again I could be wrong!!!
J A K
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i use an 8 horse merc on my heavy old 18 foot ski boat. that trolling motor has to be on max to get it going over 3 mph. (gps speed) If i were you I would think a little bigger for trying to troll 4 mph. a 9.9 horse can probably achieve that speed, but it may have to run at a high idle speed.
what about you blazing wiper trollers? what are you guys using to troll that fast?
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LOL! 75 horse ought to do it!
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I believe you have got some great advice from others. I have a 18' or 19' ski boat and I have a 6 horse. My next motor will be a 8 horse Merc 4-stroke.
Most 6 horse and smaller are 1 cylinder, run a little louder. But they work and are a little easier to handle. My suggestion; buy new, 4 stroke, 8 0r 9.9 horse. Good luck!
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Either you have an extremely heavy boat or you need to get that 8 horse serviced. I can move my 19' fiberglass boat at least 4 1/2 mph (gps) with my 4.5 horse Mercury. I was also able to move my 18'6" aluminum boat over 5 mph with an old 6 horse.
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I agree with the 9.9 option. The Mercury "Big Foot" would fit your situation perfectly and depending on what kind of speeds you need, can be pitched accordingly. I also suggest spending a little extra to mount the throttle and gear shift controls with your main motor controls. I set my boat up that way and it's sweet and would still work with your remote troll.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I wouldn't go any smaller because if you decide to troll in windy or snotty conditions a smaller motor won't allow you sufficient control and your trolling motor is your secondary power source in the event the main motor breaks down on you.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]I have a 21 foot aluminum hull and run a Merc 15 hp, 4 stroke auxillary motor. I have had to rely on it when I had problems with the main and that 15 hp goes none too fast. My only complaint is my boat is a lot lighter than a glass hull and slowing it down below .5 mph is pretty tough. A heavier boat, like yours, wouldn't have that problem.[/size][/black][/font]
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have you concidered a trolling plate on your outdrive?
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My 2004 6hp 4 stroke will push my 17' fiber glass boat 4 mph top speed and and if some one stands towards the back of the boat my speed will drop to 3.5 mph.
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Thanks for all the replies. I think I am just going to bite the bullet and get a 4 stroke 9.9-15. I won't have to have an additional gas tank that way. Not only do I want it for trolling, but I also have been out on a bigger boat when the main engine went south. It was good to have an extra means of propulsion. I thought a lot about the trolling plate, and still may do that along with the kicker, but I really like the idea of an extra means of propulsion.
I thought about using my Merc 20 (the one I use on my 14' aluminum boat) for my "kicker"...but I think its just a little to heavy...plus it doesn't ever idle very good.
If anyone knows of any killer deals on a nice 4 stroke...let me know!
Randy
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]Go see Lee at Lee's Marine. 435-245-7727, He's got a 9.9 Big Foot long shaft in the shop right now. They are a little hard to come by. Call him and get his input. He'll tell you everything you need to know right on the phone.This is their slow time so he'll probably work with you. I was eye balling it the other day and it's a sweet motor![/size][/black][/font]
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you know mgb, i hadnt thought about that... usually when we're trolling we have 4, and sometimes 5, guys in the back by the downriggers. (and zero people in front) i imagine the motor could push us a bit quicker if we put some weight in front. i dont think NETO will ever regret going a little bigger, but mgb makes a good point.
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I was there at Lee's the same day as BLM and that big foot motor looks sweet. I was looking at it for another reason, the electric start. We had just come down from Porcuipine and had a hard time getting my 4 horse kicker to start, I'm getting tired of all that rope pulling and cold weather starts. From what I have seen you need to get at least a 9.9 to be able to get electric start, anyone seen a smaller motor with electric start? The electric start might be something you would find nice on your big boat NETO, unless of course that was what you hand in mind. Good luck, I hope you find the right motor for your needs. WH2
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