I am looking for opinions on bowmount trolling motors for my 1775 Lund Pro-V. Trying to decide whether to get a cable driven like I've had or an auto-pilot model that is wired.

Reasons for considering a new motor:
1-My '95 OMC 56# is getting tired and seems to have lost a fair amount of power.
2-I would like the convenience of continuous and variable speed of which I currently have neither. My foot must be on the pedal to keep the motor running and I have 3 speeds to choose.

Any suggestions as to model,thrust and shaft length would be appreciated.

seasniper

Although we sacrifice the abilty to have continuous spped and control while not having a foot on the pedal, 99% of the pro boats use the old style cable steering. For that boat, I would use a 74lb., 60"/62" shaft Minkota Maxxum. All the power you need with great dependabilty. Simply, you can not control the boat as precisely with the AP bowmounts. That's why we all opt for the cable steering.
Good luck!

You really need to consider two things here before you make a decision. 1. What type of fishing will you mainly be doing with this unit? 2. What is YOUR personal preferrence?

I'm a big fan on the Minn Kota Maxxum with the cable steering simply because it's almost bullet proof. When I need a trolling motor to work I can count on this one. You can get it in a variety shaft lengths and up to 101 pounds thrust. You don't need a 36 volt system, but I would recommend that you go with a 24 volt set-up.
Measure your boat from the top of the bow to the water line, add on about 1.5 feet to make sure the prop will stay submerged when waves bounce you around, and this will give you an idea of what length to get. If you have to choose a length on way or another always go with a little extra length, you'll be sorry the other way!!!!

That said, I have friends on the circuit that routinely use electric steered trolling motors. Those individuals usually spend a lot of time slow rolling spinner's at very slow speeds, and these motors fit their style better. They do tend to have more problems with them so it's a tradeoff.

Hope this helps, feel free to e-mail if you have any further questions.

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

Right now we have a Minn Kota 24v 60 lb Power Drive on our Fisher Hawk 186 (came with it) and I just put my Pinpoint on our 1754 jet boat for the rivers. The Pinpoint has been a favorite of mine for years but in light of the problems I'm hearing about I couldn't recommend it anymore. Personally I'd go with a cable steer like the AT or Maxxum over the power drive Minn Kotas. I can't seem to develop a feel for that silly pedal. Just a personal dislike. For your boat I'd go with a 24 volt, 65 lb thrust motor with a 50 or 52 inch shaft. That should take care of everything you need for your boat.
Take care, Rich

If $ is no object, check out the Minn Kota Genesis. It offers all the benefits of cable steering, but electrically managed. This thing really steers fast, and you can take your foot off the pedal and not go around in circles.
Dave

I agree, if $ is not an issue the Minn Kota Genesis is a great motor. I use it in the momentary mode with the AP on, as soon as I get a fish on I switch it over to constant on with a tap of the foot and fight away. I do not get blow out by the wind and I stay on the spot.