yukiginger Posted April 9, 2008 Report Share Posted April 9, 2008 A friend of mine plans to buy a Tracker Targa 185 for trolling and still fishing in the Finger Lakes region of NY state, mostly trolling. Estimated package weight per manufacturer's site is 3,000 lbs. A Merc 115 Optimax and 115 EXLPT EFI Four Sroke are the same price. They have trolled before with another boat employing bags and buckets to get the speed down. Will they be able to troll down with either of these? Is one a better choice for fuel economy (a 7 mile run to the deep waters where they troll and then some hours trolling). Which one would you choose? Thanks for any advice. MarkG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbo Posted April 9, 2008 Report Share Posted April 9, 2008 (edited) 4-stroke, plus a stabilizing-fin/wing for better hole-shot. Add a drop-down trolling plate too. Edited April 9, 2008 by danbo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irishfield Posted April 9, 2008 Report Share Posted April 9, 2008 Slowest I could troll my 115 2 stroke Johnson on a 17' Glass boat was 2.3 MPH.. dragging two 5 gallon pails..2 downriggers down and 4 lines out. ..oh and I'd go the 4 stroke route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yukiginger Posted April 10, 2008 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2008 Thanks for your help. MarkG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moose72 Posted April 10, 2008 Report Share Posted April 10, 2008 I would go for the 4 stroke. I had the problems trolling slow enough with a 125 Merc on a 18' aluminum so I use a kicker motor and save fuel and engine life on the expensive motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Bob Posted April 10, 2008 Report Share Posted April 10, 2008 My partner's boat is a 18.5' Lund and he has 115 4 Stroke Yamaha outboard. PLENTY of power and it trolls down to 1.7 mph without towing any buckets or wind socks. Get a FOUR STROKER, I know I will someday when I need another boat and motor. Just my honest opinion but I wouldn't get a Mercury motor. Had two and never again. Good Luck, Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookinforwalleye Posted April 10, 2008 Report Share Posted April 10, 2008 If he`s doing a lot of trolling I would go with a kicker. Better on gas and less wear and tear on the main motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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