Trolling Plate

[Knotwish]

I am thinking of installing a trolling plate on my 140hp volvo
motor on 21ft.bayliner.I would like to know of a good brand name
one that is easy to install,but still does the job.I am trying to get my speed down to 1 mph,at the moment the slowest I can troll is 1.7
thank-you for any suggestions.

[FreeByrd]

I'd recommend buying two Trolling Bags, rather than a plate. Same concept as a drift sock, just heavy duty material to withstand the pressure of trolling. Run them off of each side of the boat, from the middle/springline cleat. They won't be able to get into your prop this way or be in the way when you bring in fish or set lines. They can double as driftsocks or more importantly sea anchors if you lose power and need to keep the bow into the waves in an emergency.
Good Luck,
Steve

[Wallygetter]

Free Byrd is right, it will do the job and a lot cheaper than some of the trolling plates. I had a 27' Sport Craft C-Eagle with a Beaver Tail on it, it would practically stop the boat, it is probably the best there is, operates on a hydraulic cylinder, helps you get up on plane faster,also. I also have ran a Happy Hooker plate, much simplier but does the job. It has a cord you can trip it with to either the up or down position, just don't forget to bring it up before you give it some gas to take off. I don't think the Happy Hooker trolling plate is to expensive, around $80-90 and east to install. It would be easier to operate than throwing to bags out and then pulling them back in, but they both would work.

[Chevy4sur]

I, too, would recommend trolling bags rather than a trolling plate.

[Ken]

Best to use bags, and the best are at www.amishoutfitters.com

[Fishun Mishun]

I know that most on this site recommend the bags, however, I installed the Happy Troller brand of trolling plate last year. I have a 23' Pursuit with a 230 hp i/o. Most of the plates on the market that are either spring loaded or have shear pins were not large enough for my boat. The Happy Troller works great but as mentioned in one of the earlier responses don't forget to lock it in place before you take off. I've also gotten in the habit of checking it anytime before moving (even if not trolling). I've had it release a few times while bobing up and down with the drift. Over all I'm pleased with it and can achieve < 1mph if necessary. Good luck

[Husky]

A little tip I used when I had a boat with a trolling plate. When checking to see if the plate is up (before powering up) it is often difficult to see the plate if the water is murky, or it is getting dark outside. Painting the plate white and putting fluorescent orange tape in an "x" across it, will allow you to discern its position more easily. When the boat is on the trailer in tow, it also serves to alert the driver in back of you that your motor is sticking out from the boat.

[spa]

Where is the best place to hook up a single bag ?Do you hook it off the bow eye hook or offf the back..