trolling plate

[chucky]

I am running a 1900 pro-v with a 200HPDI. The slowest I can go is 3mph and I want to be able to get down to about 1.5mph or even slower. I'm wondering if there was a mfg. who makes a trolling plate for larger motors? I know that a kicker motor would be my best option, but I dont plan on using it enough to justify buying one. Any thoughts on using a 200 hp for trolling long periods and would a plate slow me down enough? Thanks in advance!

[PJM]

chucky


To keep thing going, what prop are you running and have you ever trolled with a drift-sock?

[icatcher1700]

Chucky:

I have a trolling plate I used on a 120 Force on my old boat. It slowed an 18' glass boat down to about 1.2mph from about 3mph without it. It is a composite plate that flips up automatically.

My new boat has a kicker so I don't need it anymore....if you are interested, let me know.

[FreeByrd]

Chucky,
Do a search on walleye central on "trolling bags" - or just go to www.amishoutfitters.com and order two 22 inch bags and be done with it for less than $100. Check them out online and call Capt Frank to order on 800 473 1748. They can double as "driftsocks" No holes to drill in your motor for the plate. I troll on my twin 200 HPDIs (one at a time and switch motors every 2-3 hours) and have no problems. I use Ring Free fuel additive and Yamalube oil.

Here is what you need:

www.amishoutfitters.com/buggybag.htm

Good Luck,
Steve Carlson

[chucky]

I have a 19 pitch prop and yes I have tried a drift sock. I tore my magnum up to shreds while trolling. I am going to look into the amish trolling bags. It sounds like there alot more durable. Any idea on how big of a bag I would need to go with? I know they recomend a 22" for boats upto 24'. I wonder if I should go bigger if I decide to go this route?

[FreeByrd]

Chuck,
For your boat you want to go with TWO bags - one rigged on each side of the boat - from the middle / springline cleats so they aren't in the way when setting lines, netting fish, and can't possibly get into the props. The bigger boats can get away with running one bag a side, but running one bag on the smaller / lighter boats like yours will cause your boat to turn towards the side the bag is out as soon as you take your hands off the wheel unless you have a powerful autopilot. My boat is a 28 footer and I use two 28 inch bags. For normal summer time trolling I run either no bags or one bag and the weight of my boat doesn't allow the boat to get thrown around by one bag. Last weekend on Erie I used two bags to get speed down around 1.4 to 1.6

I'll stick by my earlier recommendation of two 22 inch bags for your boat.

Good Luck,
Steve

[nebrwalleye]

Cabela's (who announced they are going "public" by the way) offers the Troll-A-Matic trolling plate for $55.00 I've used this - fits on any outboard 50HP and up. It's a great unit. It's a spring loaded plate - the springs keep it pulled down when trolling. When you "give her the gas" to get your boat up on plane, it also helps do this a lot quicker. What I really liked about it was you put it on and never have to do anything with it again. Theres no putting the plate down when you want to troll, or having to remember to pull it up when you want to go fast.

[icatcher1700]

Chucky;

The Troll-o-matic is what I got. As Nebrwalleye says, it works great.

Let me know if you are interested in my used one (excellent shape).