Things to Consider While Getting a Trolling Engine
When you want to turn in the water skis and get out the rods for a spot of fishing you will not want your outboard kicking up a load of noise and scaring the fish, like wise if you just want to potter around an electric trolling motor is just the thing, quiet, smooth and with a range of power outputs any boat can be turned into a fishing boat.
Why would I want one?
The major advantage of an engine mount trolling motor is that it can be fitted to the lower unit or cavitation plate and so no space is taken up on the transom and once fitted it can be left in place so there is no fiddling about mounting and demounting it, it is always ready to use.
A Minn Kota is one of the best electric trolling motor available these days, it will enable you to control your boat easily and quietly through tight spaces such as a marina with a minimum of fuss and also allow you to sneak up on the prize fish in the lake.
How much power do they give?
The Minn Kota is available in a wide range of power bands from the 55/EM Single prop which will give 55 lbs of thrust, suitable for an 18' boat up to the mighty 202/EM Dual which is a twin prop job delivering 202 lbs of thrust, recommended for boats of 22-26 feet.
Can you use them in saltwater?
Yes you can. Minn Kota produce two ranges of motor, freshwater and saltwater, for saltwater use choose the RT model which use the saltwater technology of their renowned Riptide trolling motors, composite materials and engineering to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater immersion.
The MK versions are for freshwater and although you can use a MK model in saltwater it should always be rinsed with freshwater as soon as possible and it is not recommended.
How much do they cost?
Prices vary with suppliers but a MK 55 will start around $550 and the RT 55 will come in at about $600. Prices as we say do vary and some motors can be found at lower prices. We source Minn Kota engine mount trolling motors on eBay which is generally the cheapest.
What You Need to Know About Parts of Trolling Motor
A trolling motor is used to control the boat when fishing as the noise level and the surface disturbance level is low and allows the fishermen to keep their presence unknown to the fish. Trolling motors also make pulling and pushing of the boat easy.
A trolling motor is comprised of many small parts. These include motor switches, propellers, motor cables, engine indicators, bearings, circuit breakers, yokes, micro switches, tubes, multiple speed switches, cable housings, cable assemblies, cores, drive shafts and many more such small parts. The major parts are classified as switches, pedals and steering, control box covers, mounting brackets, electrical items and props.
Motor switches help in controlling the speed and are available separately for forward speed and reverse speed. Some boats have 5 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds while some have two speeds each in forward and reverse. Parts of the switches are foot control on / off switch, hand control speed switch, choke and splice kit, reverse switch and rotary speed switch.
The pedals and steering are used to move the boat in a particular direction and are can be done by pressing down on the pedals with your feet. The pedals and steering have a directional indicator drive pin, foot control gear (crescent shaped), foot control kit with a pinion gear and top bearing, an arc suppressor, speed controller and diode module assembly.
The control box cover is used to cover the foot control box. The mounting brackets parts include column support door screws, Bow Arm Tension cable in 3 sizes 47 – ¼” long, 55 – ½” long and the 61” long, bracket base and pin and column support.
The electrical items consist of a manual reset breaker, a floor switch with a constant on option, a 3 prong with dual voltage or the 4 prong with built in jumper.
Of all the trolling motor parts the propeller is one of the most important. This has two blades and is what causes the thrust that pulls or pushes the boat. The current propeller models come with a weedless design that helps you move the boat easily without getting entangled in the weeds.
Conclusion
There are other various trolling motor accessories like the replacement rod mount, replacement transmitter, wrist-belt strap, wireless system, quick release bracket bulk pack, extension handle, mounting adapter etc., The above mentioned parts are the most common and major parts that make up a trolling motor.