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Electric trolling motors

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Poolie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Poolie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Electric trolling motors
    Posted: 13 May 2013 at 8:02pm
It's almost time to put an electric on Kermit he's a 3m Polycraft Tuff Tender with a 15hp Merc the seats have gone to make way for more casting room and replaced with outdoor chair cushions, it's very stable with 2 people casting. I wanted an i-pilot but for 2K for the set up including battery and charger I'm not convinced, there has to be a saltwater unit a bit more reasonable and remote operated out there. I don't really need the GPS it would be handy but not necessary it would be used for adjusting distance from the bank on the drift and the occasional trip in a couple of the local waterways that don't allow petrol motors. Anyone tried the Watersnake Shadow SWRT or SWDR? Or is there another type out there?
Cheers, Poolie.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Darby Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2013 at 8:14pm
Poolie, keep an eye out for run out specials in MinnKota dealers, there's a bunch of new models just come out and you might pick up an old non GPS model Riptide. Some of the later ones have a wireless available as an option for upgrading later.

Brad
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wahootim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2013 at 8:49pm
Mate if you can afford it get the I-Pilot [you can always take it off to put on a new boat if you ever upgrade aswell ],  if you get a chance to use one [i-pilot] and you brought the other you'll kick yourself you didn't get the I-Pilot, spot lock is the best most awesome feature on it i just love it, it is a huge advantage in current on you favorite snag, the return feature is awesome also, plus may other features,  if funds are limited there is nothing wrong with the Watersnake remote model. but the I-pilot does rock, im sure other I-Pilot owners will back me up. cheers Tim
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BTD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2013 at 9:10pm
WinkI AM STRONGLY WITH TIM,DONT FART ABOUT JUST GET  THE I PILOT IT WILL BE THE BEST PURCHASE YOU WILL HAVE.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lure-Nut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2013 at 10:36pm
My son works in an outlet that sells Watersnake's and the quality and backup service is simply atrocious from the Distributor. Their retail outlet were forced to offer replacement Minn Kota options recently to 2 customers's who's Watersnake's broke down and could not be repaired under warranty.

After being in for 2 months for repair the Distributer had done nothing re service or support for the defective product - the Retailer was left to carry the can.

Be warned


Cheers

Rob
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bignanny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 1:33am
Definetely go the Minn Kota, I have owned 3 over the years and haven't had a single problem. My current Saltwater Bow mount has never let me down and its seven years old and had a fair bit of use. Regards Chris
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bluey View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 6:45am
have had a watersnake 55lb for the last 6 years purchased it second hand
they have made changes to the board it is fully coated against water ect
 
i hit a lot of submerged timber rock ect, retrieving lures fish ect,  the strength in the shaft ect
is A+
 
yes i would buy a Minn Kota for the options Tim spoke about, they still have there problems as well
 
or there are a few other top of the line brands out there as well
all comes down to dollars
 
 
regards George
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Jeff Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 8:59am
Got my Watersnake second hand , only problem with it was the micro switches in the foot control had worn out , replaced them myself and havent had a problem since .
I like pretty painted sticks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alistair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 11:01am
I will be up for a new one myself this year as my minnkota powerdrive 55lb which has done a great job for 9yrs in all sorts of salt and fresh is dying, slowlyUnhappy. I have done the right thing by it by rinsing, silicon spraying etc when finished but still given it a hiding when in use, especially on extended trips in the salt (this is a freshwater model)
 
1 thing I will definitely get next time is the Ipilot. Last time I figured I would not care much not having it and whilst it is usable not having it, I really kicked myself for not going with one for the above mentioned reasons. Holding a spot over a snag in current, running a line along a bank or reef. Fighting with wind. All things you can do yourself but at times very frustrating when you would rather just concentrate on landing that cast in the perfect spot.
Alistair.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote doccod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 4:31pm
Personally I've owned 4 minn-kota's,one bow mount and 3 transom mount motors.I'll never own one again! The reason being they all performed like crap. Backup service was atrocious and some service jobs were not even started let alone completed before sending motors back to me. These days I have a Moto-Guide Freshwater bow mount 54lb up front with remote control and a inbuilt transducer to run a sounder from the front.This motor has seen salt water as well as fresh water for no problems what so ever. Most blokes I know have freshwater 80lb moto-guides that are used in salt water daily and have never had a problem with them. Just recently I also bought a watersnake 80lb thrust transom motor to put on the same boat as I don't always like standing up front when I can sit down at the back. It's a real hoot to use the remote from the back when your fishing partner thinks he's getting first cast over new ground and you turn the boat 180 degrees so he cannot get the advantage over you. Also twin electric motors gives you more versatility when it comes to shallow water hunting. regards B.J.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lure-Nut Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 8:08pm
My 65AP 24v Minn Kota has worked like a dream since 2002 - the co-pilot was added later .... not one service issue ever Thumbs Up

There is however another electric motor that I'm looking for that unfortunately not available at this moment .... ConfusedLOLQuestion  


Cheers

Rob
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ando 1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ando 1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 9:03pm
I took the cheap option and got a watersnake, i've had nothing but problems with it since the day i got it, luckily my father inlaw is an electrician who has been able to fix most problems but now it is totally buggered, kick myself all the time for not spending the extra and getting a minn kota. if you get the chance to jump in a boat and use the ipilot features the decision will be easy and immediate.
Nathan   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hazmail Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 May 2013 at 9:49pm
   'RAYNA' ---Free Range Lures
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote NB96 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 11:38am
I had a 44lb SWRT Watersnake Bowmount on 1 of my old boats...asolutely loved it...only problem i had was it was quite stiff to push off the bracket when deploying it and after dropping the foot control in the drink 3 times it had to be reuilt (Which was my fault)
 
i now have a 44lb WaterSnake PSB Freshwater Bowmount (Scissor Bracket) and love it...although it is freshwater it is still made out of alloy, composite shaft and stainless bearings...doesnt have the anticorrosive paint like the SW models so i have fitted a nut anode on the prop....
 
if you look around on the net at the net at Cabelas Outdoorrs and Dinga.com.au you will pick them up at less than 1/4 of the price at a local store!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote NB96 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 11:41am
This is the one i have now...if you join as a member (free) you get free shipping!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wahootim Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 2:34pm
just watch out there are saltwater and freshwater models.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bluey Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 6:20pm
Hi Nick put a bit of white lithium grease (in spray can) or lanolin on all your hinge points
and the motor will move freely everytime
 
i had the same issue
 
regards George
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hazmail Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 May 2013 at 6:33pm
Some good prices there Nick.
Pete
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote wrapper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 May 2013 at 2:44am
I have a watersnake on my 429 stacer , it does the job gets me around the snags here and trolls good , cost about $1200 set up with an extra battery ,cheers wrapper
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Digitalis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 9:16pm
Have just fitted the i-pilot, it is brilliant! like having some to drive will I fish. Best value for dollar I have spent!
Cheers Matt.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Jun 2013 at 9:46pm
Nice rig Poolie - I miss my little Poly, awesome weapon of stealth Cool


Cheers, Tony

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Poolie View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Poolie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Jun 2013 at 11:51pm
Nice setup you had their tony, I don't think I'll ever get rid of mine the boy will take it off my hands at some stage I'm sure it will need a new floor configuration like yours at a later date.
 
Righto I went with Nick and got the Watersnake PSB freshie just looking for a Minn Kota prop anode 607031 for a reasonable price the cheapest postage I've found is $12 for a $10 anode Thumbs Down and no one down here likes to stock them Thumbs DownThumbs Down anyway I've got to mount this monster I was gonna make a mount but as you can see in Tony's pic there aint much room to d@%k around and this scissor hinge is much bigger than the Minn kota one can anyone recommend either the alloy or nylon quick release mounts? Coz I don't want this thing bouncing around when we drive.

http://www.dinga.com.au/quick-release-bracket.html#

http://www.dinga.com.au/access-watersnake-qr-bracket-nylon.html

I really would have loved the i-pilot but with another bub on the way that left over $1400 will go a long way when the wife is off work, I'll get a light anchor and an extra small sea anchor for my spot lock Wink 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ringo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 12:22pm
How's the Watersnake Poolie?  I'm also looking at getting an electric motor but I have a dilemma.  I can afford a Watersnake SWRT now and be fishing straight away or do I keep putting away money for the next couple of months and save up for a Minn Kota I-pilot?  I'd love the I-pilot but I don't think I can wait that long.  I have heard good and bad reports about the Watersnakes.  I guess you only get what you pay for.  Another option is the Motorguide but I think the nearest dealer to me is 3 hours away.  Their price seems to be in the middle of the Watersnakes and Minn Kotas.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Poolie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 12:38pm
Nick has his running he'd be the one to ask, I found the scissor hinge a bit big for my little boat, I can actually touch it while I'm steering and its a tiller steer. I've got it on the back burner at the moment lots of things happening here. Nick can put you on to a cheap website too I don't want to give everyone his resources. I would've liked th I pilot too but the motor Nick got me onto was only $200 and would rocket my little boat I'd just prefer the older smaller hinge.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote horrorhead Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 6:19pm
I know people with the watersnake and they love them - for the price. They do chew through the batteries though. I have Minn Kota tiller steer and had a Motorguide tiller steer and recommend them both. If I had another boat, I would really like the ipilot and my mate had one on his tinny when we were up Princess Charlotte Bay and the absolute ease it made the fishing in the wind and current was outstanding.
Martin-

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Strangalures Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 7:19pm
Nice set up Poolie , it looks like a great cost effective fisho

Tony was yours the exact same shape as Poolies boat ?

Cheers Rick
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote norc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 9:03pm
Hey guys, has anyone seen the cheapies from Fx Larkin? http://www.fxlarkin.com.au/trolling--sea-scooter.html

I'm considering one for my yak but 24 amp I'll need a pretty pricey battery to get some good distance out of it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote norc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 9:29pm
or http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/40LBS-Electric-Trolling-Inflatable-Boat-Motor-Outboard-Fishing-Game-Rod-/390425581144?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae72d9658
with 1 yr warranty im considering giving it a go
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rob1968 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 11:13pm
Went to a reputable dearler at gold coast easter enquired about the watersnake they told me save the extra600 4 the i pilot and dont look backthey said they werent after the sale they were over the watersnke after sale abuse
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ringo Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23 Aug 2013 at 11:20pm
Unfortunately Rob, the I-pilots are a lot more than $600 over the price of the Watersnake.  The Watersnake SWRT is just under $700 while the Minn Kota I-pilot is around $2300.  But thanks for the feedback.  You're not the first person that I've heard mention the poor after sale service from Watersnake.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rob1968 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Aug 2013 at 6:23pm
Yeah sorry more than 600 more. I purchased my ipilot in march at ch smith melbourne for $1649 in march this year this was a fantastic. Price
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Adwatanow Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2018 at 3:13pm
After some photoes mounting Minnkota bracket to the bow of polley craft tuff tender
Please
Thanks Clint
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