Trolling motor for Carolina skiff

[pattyboy]

Man, I just realized what I have been missing without having a trolling motor. By next season, wanna buy a trolling motor for my j 16 and have some questions. Interested in the 12 volt 55 lb thrust. I am pretty mechanically inclined can I install this myself? What other things do I need that are not included with the motor? Etc hardware, wiring, battery, etc. And what price range am I looking to complete the job on my own. Thanks pat!

[justinb]

very easy to install. I bought the 80lb with ipilot. all said and done it was close to 2000$ . Thats 2 batteries, battery charger, wire, lugs,heatshrink, anderson powerpoles for plug, circuit breaker, and minn kota quick release bracket. If you would like to check it out im docked in north wildwood.

[Spadefish]

Whoa, no offense to PB, but he's talking about a 55 lb. on a J16, all said and done, should be less than a grand.

[justinb]

i didnt say he would spend more than a grand, although its not hard to do...i did.... the new minnkotas arent cheap.. a new minnkota st 55 lb with ipilot is 1179. 55 sp w/ ipilot is 999$ a regular old handle model is like 600. not including battery charger, battery, wire ,breaker ect... this stuff adds up. looking like 1000 to 1500 for 55 lb minnkota

[BayRat]

You didn't mention if you wanted a bow or transom mount. A transom mount 55lb 12v is $250 new and you can get by with a $70 battery...that is all you need and a monkey can install it, no wiring or hardware needed.

Bow mount is a lot more, and basic install is needed. If going the bow mount route I think the ipilot would be overkill on that small of a boat. A simple tiller model is all you need.

I use both bow and transom mount MinnKota's and the both have their place. A transom mount would be my choice for a J16 unless you always fish from the front.

[justinb]

not trying to hijack the thread just curious why you think an i pilot would be over kill? i have a 17' and love the ipilot and didn't even begin to scratch the surface on its capabilities.

[pattyboy]

Thanks justin. Was out with Dan, I'm hooked, thanks for your input. Way more easier with the trolling motor!

[pattyboy]

You didn't mention if you wanted a bow or transom mount. A transom mount 55lb 12v is $250 new and you can get by with a $70 battery...that is all you need and a monkey can install it, no wiring or hardware needed.

Bow mount is a lot more, and basic install is needed. If going the bow mount route I think the ipilot would be overkill on that small of a boat. A simple tiller model is all you need.

I use both bow and transom mount MinnKota's and the both have their place. A transom mount would be my choice for a J16 unless you always fish from the front.

Thanks buddy, may just do it. Next seasons project.