Rigging New Alumacraft Competitor 185 Tiller

[bigrog]

I finally took the plunge and bought a new 2012 Alumacraft Competitor Tiller with a 90 4 stroke Yamaha. This is a big jump up from the 14' Lund I've been fishing out of for 11 years. Looking for ideas on what to rig for a bow mount trolling motor and electronics. I do have 2 Marcum LX5's. Would it make sense to buy new transducers and mount in boat. Bow or transom?
Whats the best option for GPS? Any input would be great. I primarily like to jig and troll for walleyes.

Thanks,

[8086bruce]

Congrats on the new boat! You should post some pics of the new ride!

[1860Angler]

I'm great at spending other people's money!! Without a doubt go with a Terrova 80 with iPilot on the bow, if you plan to back troll at all then a Vantage 80 in the back with splash guards. At least an 8" finder/gps in the back and depending how much time you spend in the bow a 5" will work, but if your in the bow a lot go with another 8" in the bow. Network them together and go with StructureScan/SI. Humminbird or Lowrance is up to you, go push buttons on both and pick the brand you like the best. Most of all, have fun with it!! I told you I'm good at spending other people's money!!

Originally Posted by 1860Angler

I'm great at spending other people's money!! Without a doubt go with a Terrova 80 with iPilot on the bow, if you plan to back troll at all then a Vantage 80 in the back with splash guards. At least an 8" finder/gps in the back and depending how much time you spend in the bow a 5" will work, but if your in the bow a lot go with another 8" in the bow. Network them together and go with StructureScan/SI. Humminbird or Lowrance is up to you, go push buttons on both and pick the brand you like the best. Most of all, have fun with it!! I told you I'm good at spending other people's money!!

I just got my Pro Guide rigged as follows:

Vantage 80
Terrova w/iPilot 80
HB 998 rear
HB 858 bow, both networked
2 bank
Wave wackers

Love all the electronics.

[Grawler]

i bought a 165 competitor this year. As stated, 80lb 60" terrova w/Ipilot. It's awesome and you don't put hours on your big motor. No need to backtroll if you can forward troll at .1mph increments with cruise control, spotlock, gps steering, etc.

Since you will be some distance from your electronics (assuming mounting them on the opposite side of the boat from where you sit) go with a big monitor. I have an hds10 and you need it when you have quad split screen.

I put cargo nets all along the side of my 165. cheap and greatly increases storage on the sides of the boat.

Good luck

[BW]

Originally Posted by Tbob

I just got my Pro Guide rigged as follows:

Vantage 80
Terrova w/iPilot 80
HB 998 rear
HB 858 bow, both networked
2 bank
Wave wackers

Love all the electronics.

TBob has it spot on! Don't skimp and try to save a few dollars. You will pay a lot more later on, so just get it rigged right from the start and love your boat! Saving money at the beginning by using old electronics is gonna cost you big later. You have your dream rig, get it set up right and enjoy!!!

[walleyeguide]

i would check into putting a TITAN steering system on your new boat!!

[bigrog]

Thanks for the suggestions. I pick the boat up on Sunday. I'll post pics soon. I'm new to multiple locators, so what do you mean by networking them together. What does this do? I do want to get boat set up "right" from the beginning!

[BW]

Networking them means they will share information. If you set a waypoint on the back locator, it will be on the front one too. Very good deal. Like I said, have fun, but don't shortcut your awesome new boat by putting old technology in it. No one ever complains that they put too nice of a depthfinder, too much HP or a nice bowmount on their rig. You only live once!!!!

[IronFisherman]

I have the same boat and motor, love the ipilot, feel it is just as important as the graph, you get precise boat control with it. Also the captains chair is a must, only problem is now everyone wants one. Good luck and enjoy it's a great boat.