I'm getting ready to purchase a Trolling Motor and would like to see the thoughts from others.
The motor will be going on a 13" 4" Gregor. The plan is to use the boat on various lakes in my area. Many of these lakes are on a Reservation with no docks and really no ramp, just an area with enough room to get called a launch. All of the Reservation lakes are electric only. The area is in the mountains and is subject to high winds that can catch you by surprise at times, most of these lakes are small in size, but still big enough when the wind kicks up. I have a really bad back so that plays a major role into the choice as well.
I was all set to pull the trigger on a Ulterra because the auto deploy is a must for me, so other models are not really in the running. I don't think I need 80lbs of thrust, but I'm fine with it for those times I might get caught in those winds. One of the problems is your choice is a 45" or 60" shaft length. 45" might be a bit on the small side. Another Gregor owner has a Minn Kota with a 54" and told me that he wished it was longer. A 60" shaft represents a 72" Motor ~ thats almost half the boat when stowed. 80lbs when in anchor mode on that little boat will provide a bit much power and might not be the most pleasent, getting overpowered corrections. Minn Kota told me to scale down on the remote but it still might be too much power and could cause someone standing to loose there balance?
My other option is a transom mount with a Auto Boat on it. I don't know a lot about Auto Boat on a Transom and am currently awaiting a return phone call on some questions. The Auto Boat adds some GPS functions to a Transom mount, slick little on. Auto Boat only works on a limited number of 12V motors so I would be at 55lbs with a Minn Kota.
I am concerned about both launching and recovering with a Bow mount as my only real means of power - with my back rowing isn't much of a option. I'm not wild about a Bow mount that takes up so much area for those days I'm on waters that I can use the outboard. I can not turn and run a transom mount all day, so the Auto Boat is a must. Besides I want GPS stuff with either. I am at the point in mods on the boat that I have to make a decision. Fishing will be Multi-species.
So finally off to the questions: Thoughts on which will provide me with the best set-up. Is that bow mount on getting in and out going to be an issue or am I over thinking things? My back plays a huge role in all this, it will keep me off the water more times then I can get out and I need a set-up that is super back friendly. What do you recommend and thanks in advance for the insight.
