View Full Version : trolling with a kicker and bow electeric
when you are trolling using a kicker for thrust and speed, using a bow mount electric with auto pilot for steering, how do you know how fast to run the bow mount electric ?
if the prop is turning too slow will the forward movement of the boat turn the prop and cause the electric to act as a generator and have feed back ?
rebs
K Gonefishin
10-04-2007, 09:46 AM
I have a Terrova 36 V 101 and a pro kicker, my Terrova is usually on a # 4 power setting when using auto pilot, can't answer your other questions but would think since the prop on the bow mount is engaged I doubt it will spin fast than it's suppose to due to the kicker propelling the boat.
perchjerker
10-04-2007, 10:04 AM
I run it just fast enough to allow it to steer but not to affect the speed. you just have to use your judgement, it isnt that hard to figure out
the answer to the other question is
no
teaser
10-04-2007, 11:42 AM
Once you get the heading lined up, you'll get a feel for the bow power needed to compensate for the wind, otherwise keep it low.
Terry
Toolman
10-04-2007, 02:29 PM
rebs- I use my MK AP65 that way quite a bit. I usually set it at 2 or 3 setting on the speed and it works for me. I'm not an electric motor expert (heck-I'm really not an expert on much-come to think of it) so I can't answer the feed back question. It's never caused mine any problems, though.
Tim
thank you guys for the replies, I appreciate it
rebs
Mr. Sauger
10-05-2007, 03:13 PM
I try to use the lowest speed setting on the bow mount electric that conditions allow. In other words, the speed setting varies with the wind and waves. My 55 lb autopilot can have a setting as low as 2 in calm conditions, but I may kick it up to 4-6 with swells or swirling winds. If I need any more control I might as well pay more attention to the outboard and skip the bow mount.
When fighting/landing an especially frisky fish, we may even put the main motor in neutral and kick the bow mount power up to 8 for max control and keep forward momentum so the remaining lines do not tangle.
Even with low power, it still acts like a rudder.
rspahr UL
10-05-2007, 06:59 PM
What he said. Don't worry about it running too slow. If it is running too slow you won't be able to turn fast enough. Sometimes if you are going against the chop you are going to have to speed it up.
T Mac
10-06-2007, 10:08 AM
In this windy country...the guys I know who do it, do thus:
Set the Minnkota on a fairly high speed setting... but in "MOM" (momentary) mode.
Press the pedal when you want the prop to turn.
reelxtc
10-07-2007, 09:54 PM
Hi,
I do a lot of contour trolling on the reservoirs in Missouri and Arkansas. I have a MotorGuide PTSv 109 lb thrust up front and a Yamaha T8 Kicker with a Troll Master. I set the bowmount at 4 to start with then adjust it up or down based on the wind conditions. On a calm day 3 works just fine, but in the wind sometimes I use 5 or 6.
...REELXTC...
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