fishnguy Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 After a lot of searching and deliberating, I'm the proud owner of a 2011 Sylvan 1700 Explorer with a 115hp Yammy pushing it. It happened pretty quickly. It was a sweet deal and I jumped on it. Pretty excited to pick it up tomorrow. It doesn't have a trolling motor so I'll have to add one to it. Any recommendations in terms of thrust and shaft length and also thoughts on which makes are best? Thanks and a great thank you to all the helpful replies in my previous posts. They were very helpful in the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bacon Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 What type of fishing do you plan to do? Cable steer gives better control for fishing tight cover. Power steering models allow you to control the motor from anywhere in the boat; which is better for trolling. Automatic pilot type models include features such as memorizing trolling routes, anchoring the boat (if get a hit while drifting just press button to keep your boat right there). A longer shaft will keep the prop in the water when the waves pickup and when you are standing in the back of the boat. More power full is better. You don't have to use full power when it is not needed. You will be glad to have it when you do. Higher voltage gives better performance but requires more batteries. Do you have a place in the boat for the extra batteries? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishnguy Posted April 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 What type of fishing do you plan to do? Cable steer gives better control for fishing tight cover. Power steering models allow you to control the motor from anywhere in the boat; which is better for trolling. Automatic pilot type models include features such as memorizing trolling routes, anchoring the boat (if get a hit while drifting just press button to keep your boat right there). A longer shaft will keep the prop in the water when the waves pickup and when you are standing in the back of the boat. More power full is better. You don't have to use full power when it is not needed. You will be glad to have it when you do. Higher voltage gives better performance but requires more batteries. Do you have a place in the boat for the extra batteries? I do a lot of working shorelines and some jigging over reefs. I looked at the ipilots but don't think I'd use the features enough to justify the price. Leaning towards a 24v, 70 lb thrust, 50" shaft sort of setup. Just a "standard" bow mount trolling motor without the bells and whistles is what I'm thinking. Any thoughts on Minn Kota vs Motorguide? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 As big as you can afford. I've got a 60in, 8olb Terrova with I-Pilot Link and it's awesome.. Especially when it's hooked up to the HB 898c HD SI. I can control everything from the drivers seat. The longer shaft is great when it gets bouncy out there (keeps the prop in the water even in the rough stuff) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leaf4 Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Personal preference here, but minn kota, the girlfriends father has a motor guide and it does the trick but can be a nuisance especially when your foot pedal batteries decide to die on you with no warning lol. also the pedal doesn't have an option to plug into a 12v or anything to run off of that instead of the batteries once they are dead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Also, unless you want to keep you foot on the trolling motor 100% of the time, you don't want a cable steer. Leave those for the bass boats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeontroller Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I was going to recomend at least 24v/80 lbs trust. Don't make the mistake of getting an underpowered electric. Shaft length is important too, 48" might be ok on perfectly flat water but will be popping out of the water in a chop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 I'd agree with a few comments... 80lb/24v system would be plenty for that boat. Minn Kota - hands down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckhorn250 Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Another vote for the Minnkota Terrova...great unit with a ton of features...but its the construction that impressed me. Its a much more solid unit then the Motorguide I replaced. Definitely worth the extra bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lew Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 (edited) 80 pound Fortrex with a 62" shaft for me, outstanding motor. Edited April 25, 2014 by lew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wannabefisherman Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 80 lb, 60" shaft for sure. when the wind picks up, or fishing current, you will be glad the extra thrust and shaft is there. and despite what you think about the ipilot - get it. you will appreciate spot lock and autopilot. once you use it you can't go back! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 50" shaft will be too short on that boat. 70lb thrust will be adequate but not ideal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dracokaos Posted April 25, 2014 Report Share Posted April 25, 2014 Hey There, not sure where your located but on the Lake Simcoe Fishing board theres a guy selling a used minokota 24v 60inch 80lb. upgraded to gps model. http://www.lakesimcoemessageboard.com/index.php?topic=10223.0 cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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