Outboard Trolling Plate

[Slameye]

I have a 1775 Pro-V Tiller. I mainly use my trolling motor when trolling, but as you know this can be difficult when wind and waves become a factor. In heavily fished local waters I have noticed a substancial advantage to trolling without an outboard. Getting to my question, I am wondering how effective trolling plates are, in the event that I could not use my T-motor. I have used a drift sock tied off the front eye of the boat to slow down, but I don't like the side to side pull of the sock. I am running with a 75HP Merc. What idle speeds will I be able to obtain, and lastly, what are the pros and cons of just buying a kicker versus a troll plate. I really don't want to put a kicker on the boat because of the amount of back trolling I do early in the year. I feel it would be in the way, especially of the splash guards. Having price not be an issue, what are your favorite plate brands and models?


Thanks in advance for your input!

[Beechnut]

I have a 16' Starcraft with a 70 and really like the Troll-a-matic. Spring loaded versus cables and shear pins etc. Will get down slow. As it is spring loaded their is no action necessary. As you like to back troll, would require taking it off specifically for that but only 4 bolts. ONLY negative is that some reverse thrust is lost as it blanks out the prop in reverse a bit. Cabelas etc has them.

[Eyellaw]

I purchased the Hydro Troll last spring. This is made of a composit material. I put it on my 50hp Merc. It gave me great speed range and control in high winds. There are some draw backs associated with these plates. Weedy boat landings cause weeds to pile up on the plate which cause it to trip down and then reverse won't work. Backtrolling speeds are achieved only in ultra slow and snails pace. I had to raise the plate to move any substantial distance. And also you will need extra shear pins and a scewdriver for that big "oop's! I forgot the plate down".

Good luck
Bob

[Slameye]

I have a 74LB MKota on the transom for backtrolling, so that shouldn't be a problem.

[slameye]

only two people use trolling plates?