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I stumbled on your website while doing research on repairs / reconditioning my 1982 Striper 17. What a great website! I hope I'm posting this in the right section....
I'm looking to put a new trolling motor on my boat. I spend 95% of my time in fresh water but I anticipate fishing in the gulf / Carolinas some this summer and hopefully much more in the near future. So, I'd like to put a saltwater trolling motor on the boat. Does anyone feel strongly about Minn Kota vs MotorGuide? Is 80 lb thrust enough? The old motor was a 8V and the new one is 24V... do I need an inverter? two batteries? any help is greatly appreciated!
I have always used minn kota and been happy with them. I don't know much about motor guide, but I have heard from people that have that minn kota is better from some. Not all have said that though, so I would do your research. They have been around a while, so I am sure they are fine. I just have experience with minn kota, and I would always trust them.
As far as a 24 volt motor, yes you would need to dedicate 2 batteries to the trolling motor. If you have the space go for it. I am going with a 55lb 12volt system on my montauk. For most situations that should be enough unless there is a strong current. I am only using mine for fishing situations though, so that will be plenty. Either way you will be fine, just consider how many batteries you want to use.
My experience has been that the Minn Kotas do not last as long in salt water. I like their units, but they have not lasted as long as the MotorGuides in the group.
For your boat a 55lb riptide would do the trick. 1 12 volt battery would suffice but minn kota told me you can daisy chain two batteries together if you want to.
