trolling setup

[mike]

I am an avid fisherman from shore and just recently
purchased a
pontoon type boat made by godfrey. I am interested in purchasing a
trolling
unit but, here's my dilema. I am a wheelchair user with little to none
hand
control, which also eliminates the use of feet. I am looking for a bow
mount with removable plate. I know that there are remote control
operated
units out there probably very expensive. Please direct me in the right
direction here. Thank you
> Mike

[CJW]

Mike you could just use a regular bow mount trolling motor and put the foot control in your hands instead of stepping on it. I used to do that all the time when my foot got tired. Not sure of your range of motion in your hands but that would be the cheapest way. You can even lighten up the pressure it takes to push on them. Usually just loosening a screw does it. Cabelas or bass pro carry the plates that you can remove the motor with. Just a thought. Good Luck Craig

[Gumbo]

The MotorGuide Lazer II RF Control motor ($500 - $600) has an optional hand control module ($100). That might be worth looking into.

Other options are the AutoPilot models which track a straight line, and the Pinpoints which offer shore and depth tracking capabilities. I'm not sure which you'd be most comfortable with, but Cabela's and Bass Pro catalogs both show them.

Good fishing.

[chadk66]

Mike,
I don't know how well you'll be able to deploy the bow mounts but minnkota makes a bow mount called the genesis that will stow and deploy itself. It's kinda spendy at $1300 for the autopilot version. The other thing with them is that the foot pedal could possibly be a little big to operate with your hand. Maybe somebody on the board that owns one can comment on that.