we're looking to put a trolling motor on our 2000 GW 226 Seafarer and are wanting opinions on the best types/sizes etc...we are docked in Marina del Ray CA so will be using it on the ocean, mostly around Catalina. Any info is helpful and appreciated. Thanks!
Looking to add trolling motor to boat....
- Thread starter jw_dogfish74
- Start date
I just bought a suzuki 9.9 HT 4 stroke - they come standard with power tilt and electric start......priced really good right now too.
I went with suzuki over yamaha because the alternator output on the yammie is only 6 amps - the Honda 9.9 and Suzuki 9.9 both have a 12 amp alternator....which to me is important if you're trolling all day and running radar, plotter, and downriggers.....
I went with suzuki over yamaha because the alternator output on the yammie is only 6 amps - the Honda 9.9 and Suzuki 9.9 both have a 12 amp alternator....which to me is important if you're trolling all day and running radar, plotter, and downriggers.....
Whatever you do you must purchase a TR-1 Autopilot for the Kicker!!! Just take my word on this, it will change your Universe and make trolling the easiest thing you have ever done! We increased our catch rate with our Downriggers by75% with the TR-1.
trolling motor
If you can, try to mount it to the opposite side that your two batteries are located. If the driver, batteries and kicker are all on the same side the boat will lean that way...........Tom
If you can, try to mount it to the opposite side that your two batteries are located. If the driver, batteries and kicker are all on the same side the boat will lean that way...........Tom
ADDING A TROLLING MOTOR
Actually I also am about to add a trolling motor (Johnson 15 hp two-stroke) to my 82 Seafarer 226. I already cut the dash and I am about to add a dual binnacle control so I can control it from the helm. I was going to mount the engine on the driver's side and now that I took my VRO pump off (don't trust it) I mix my oil and gas so I can use the same tank for the trolling motor. Plus I took the oil tank out and have a second battery there now.
Not sure about how the auto-pilot works for the trolling motor ?
Was also unsure about what would be the best kind of transom bracket to use for the 25 inch kicker ?
Actually I also am about to add a trolling motor (Johnson 15 hp two-stroke) to my 82 Seafarer 226. I already cut the dash and I am about to add a dual binnacle control so I can control it from the helm. I was going to mount the engine on the driver's side and now that I took my VRO pump off (don't trust it) I mix my oil and gas so I can use the same tank for the trolling motor. Plus I took the oil tank out and have a second battery there now.
Not sure about how the auto-pilot works for the trolling motor ?
Was also unsure about what would be the best kind of transom bracket to use for the 25 inch kicker ?
Doc Stressor
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The Yamaha T and HT series engines are generally regarded to be the best kickers and trolling motors available.
I have an 8 hp Honda trolling motor on a boat that I keep on the west coast for salmon and trout trolling. It's a nice engine, but I've fished with many friends with Yamaha's and they are better motors for trolling and for use in emergencies.
The Yamaha T series (and the Mercury Big Foot) were designed to push heavy sailboats. They have heavy duty lower units, low gear ratios, and they turn large diameter low pitch props. This allows them to troll all day at very low speeds as well as providing high thrust when used as a kicker in an emergency.
Horse power is not that important unless you will be running in very strong currents. A kicker won't you much over hull speed no matter how many hp it can produce. An HT 9.9 would be about perfect for a 226.
I have an 8 hp Honda trolling motor on a boat that I keep on the west coast for salmon and trout trolling. It's a nice engine, but I've fished with many friends with Yamaha's and they are better motors for trolling and for use in emergencies.
The Yamaha T series (and the Mercury Big Foot) were designed to push heavy sailboats. They have heavy duty lower units, low gear ratios, and they turn large diameter low pitch props. This allows them to troll all day at very low speeds as well as providing high thrust when used as a kicker in an emergency.
Horse power is not that important unless you will be running in very strong currents. A kicker won't you much over hull speed no matter how many hp it can produce. An HT 9.9 would be about perfect for a 226.
Actually my 15 hp Evinrude kicker is at least 10 years old, maybe 12.
I don't think I even finished breaking it in yet. I got it for the boat (Aquasport 19) I had right before I got my Grady-White and then found the great deal on the boat so I took it off and sold the boat. It has been in my garage since. It is the twist-grip one with an electric start / heavy amp batt charge kit I got for it (still in the box). I also added the wide blade thrust prop for it. It should be great for my boat.
I don't think I even finished breaking it in yet. I got it for the boat (Aquasport 19) I had right before I got my Grady-White and then found the great deal on the boat so I took it off and sold the boat. It has been in my garage since. It is the twist-grip one with an electric start / heavy amp batt charge kit I got for it (still in the box). I also added the wide blade thrust prop for it. It should be great for my boat.