Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Trolling with a Dauntless 15

Posted by Tig on 03/13/09 - 1:19 PM
#1

Hi, new member here.
I'm looking around for a boat to take me pickerel fishing and for occasional day trips down lake Ontario. I've found a 15' Dauntless with a 50 Honda that looks real attractive. I like the center console, self bailing deck and four stroke engine.
The only thing I can't figure out is trolling. From what I have read I think the Honda may be too quick for a real slow troll. From the wood diagrams and the pony bracket files I found here it seems that any sort of auxiliary engine should be on the port side, where the swim platform is in the way. For the past 15 years or so I've used an electric motor for a nice quiet slow troll. Can a small electric motor be mounted of the starboard side of the transom? Thanks.

Posted by burtim on 03/13/09 - 2:22 PM
#2

Yes. Several people have fabricated brackets. Just use your search tool on this site or others and you will find photos of some examples. You will usually need a bracket on a Whaler because the normal transom mounted motors won't mount directly.

You might look at one of the Minn-Kota engine mounted trolling motors. The trim tab motors are really cool too.

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/13/09 - 2:28 PM
#3

It depends on the model of Whaler whether or not you can put an electric trolling motor right on the transom or if you may need a bracket.

Here is an example of one member that made his own bracket.

[img]http://www.whalercentral.com/images/ppimages/427/Bracket.jpg[/img]

Posted by Tig on 03/17/09 - 6:36 AM
#4

Thanks for the advice guys. A bracket may be the cleanest way to go. Lack of wood in that side of the transom was my biggest concern. I guess I'll see what I have to work with when I get it.

Posted by womms on 03/17/09 - 8:10 AM
#5

Tig, you may want to go for a test run in the Dauntless before you even consider adding a bracket. The Honda may be perfect for your needs. It is only a 50 hp, so idle speed may be just right for trolling.