Update on electric Bow motor

[carlz]

Gentlemen,
The boxes keep coming in, Minkota, 80# terrova, Two bank precision 230 charger, (went with it to have the option of AGM Batteries), quick disconnect mounting plate, circuit breaker, quick disconnect elect connection, and last but far from least two optima group 31 blue top batteries. Did not like the thought of the bouncing with lead acid batteries (I have had it airborne a couple times). Having the fishwell in front modified for battery storage next week then off to the lake.

One question remains, to skeg or not to skeg the terrova. Logic seems to point to having the skeg. any arguments against that I should consider?

thanks

Carl

 

[SuperD]

Carl,
My only argument against the skeg is that I've opened my forehead on mine a couple of times passing between the bow and the front of the truck. Other than that, the only pro to adding a skeg is if you are powering with a kicker and steering with the bow mount. Skegs do put undue stress on the motors and not looked positively on by Minn Kota. Using it primarily as a steering unit, the motor isn't really working that hard. But if you don't have a kicker, there isn't a reason for adding a skeg IMO.

 

[flashover52]

I've read other threads where someone has cut their forehead on an aluminum skeg hanging down. How about this bolt on option that would provide a bit more surface area on the electric trolling motor but is in a safer location? http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/301556652381?lpid=82&chn=ps



At $35, I've been tempted to buy one to see if it improves the steering on mine.

 

[jopes]

How does the skeg work when your driving with the motor stowed?

 

[SuperD]

How does the skeg work when your driving with the motor stowed?

What does that question mean exactly?

 

[jopes]

The way the skeg bolts on the shaft will not allow the terrova to fully retracts into the stowed position.

Unless I am seeing something wrong.

 

[flashover52]

Yeah, I gu ss I didn't fully think that through. I happened to see the item on Ebay and tossed outthe link without considering how it would obstruct the ability to stow the trolling motor. Whooops

 

[SuperD]

How about fastening it with thumb screws at those clamps so one could slide it up the shaft when it is stowed?

 

[jopes]

Afree looking at those pictures it looks made for transom mounted motors. Not bow mounts.

 

[SuperD]

Where there is a will, there's a way. 101idea101

 

[flashover52]

One might possibly use a Dremel to core out a couple of slots along the bottom wide enough for a large hose clamp. Then, use a couple hose clamps to secure to the bottom motor portion while leaving enough room for the shaft to slide as normal. I bet if you found a local school with a 3D printer looking for a project, you might modify the 'patented design' enough not to create any issues where it would work better for bow mounts....

 

[jopes]

Where there is a will, there's a way. 101idea101

I think I will just stick with the turn the bow mount and hit the rabbit button. tooexcited

 

[DRM]

So I'm guessing that you did not get the I-pilot ? No remote ?
with a remote I do not understand why or what benefit it would be to install the skag.
not being a SA, but really wondering.

 

[SuperD]

So I'm guessing that you did not get the I-pilot ? No remote ?
with a remote I do not understand why or what benefit it would be to install the skag.
not being a SA, but really wondering.

Some folks add it to steer the boat from the bow motor under very low power while getting thrust from the kicker. Batteries will last days with this technique.

 

[carlz]

Some folks add it to steer the boat from the bow motor under very low power while getting thrust from the kicker. Batteries will last days with this technique.

The theory is to operate just that way, kicker for propulsion, bow mount with I pilot for steereage. long battery life for trips where power is not available for recharge.