View Full Version : Which motor on 20ft tiller.
Looking at a 2004 20ft tiller boat with a 150 opti-max and would like to know if this motor is a good choice or should I look for a four stoke in this same HP. I do alot of trolling and do not want to put a kicker motor on just for trolling. Thanks for any info.
ZDan
Hot Runr Guy
09-23-2009, 01:34 PM
ZDan,
Welcome to Walleye Central. I'm "tiller guy" myself, albiet in a little smaller rig. After watching this board for the last couple of years, it seems as though most tiller guys, once they hit the 150 and higher hp mark, are no longer trolling with their main motor. If you prop a 150+ for top end, they tend to troll too fast for some presentations. It seems to me the best "trolling" motor for a 20' tiller tends to be a 115hp 4 stroke. Yes, it may be a little slower on the top end, but if trolling is what you're after, then set the boat up accordingly. Or, drag some bags, the anchor, run a transom TM in reverse, whatever, to slow the 150 down.
HRG
Btfrk
09-23-2009, 06:10 PM
What he said, except I prefer a 2 stroke 115hp to get the 20ft tiller on plane easier.
Bigfishhunter
09-23-2009, 07:33 PM
are you comparing a 150 4 strk, to a 115 2 strk? I know that a 150 even in a 4 will get on plance way faster than a 115, 2 stk or not.
back on topic, you will need a kicker to do any trolling with a big rig like that. Why do you need such a big boat? I am assuming that you fish big water and want to bring a bunch of gear or people and get there fast?! I wouln't recomend pulling bags, I mean you are going to be paying a good chunk of change for the boat and motor, why not put in another 2500 for a kicker?
Denis
09-23-2009, 08:05 PM
I have a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke on a 2095 Yarcraft. I love this motor for trolling. If I need to slow down turn the Minnkota vantage on 2-3 and I'm going around 1.6 - 1.8. in forward. It doesn't get much easier than that. I can troll for days before the batteries are dead. I wouldnt want a noisy, stinky 2 stroke on back. I've had a few of them. After having my first 4 stroke I would never go back. It sure is nice to have the extra horse power fighting the rollers going accross the lake.