Either the Motor Guide Xi5 or the Minn kota. A lot of guys went with the ulterra to self deploy if you can swing it. As long as you spread the weight you'll be ok. You may still be back heavy from the outboard so adding weight up front might be good. You could also go with lithium batteries and cut that back. Depending on what you want to use it for you may not need the 100+ ft lbs. If you're going to chase open water redfish or fish on a strong current then get as big as you can afford.

 

Minn Kota would be my recommendation. What size boat? If you are concerned with weight, then I would guess your boat is small enough to use a 12v model. That wouldn’t add too much weight.

 

$ not spent on a good spot locking minn kota is $ poorly spent. My 190DV Redfin has a 60” shaft 80# minn kota and it holds it in great in heavy current.
You will feel the weight, especially if you get 24 volt or higher. The best fishing tool in a long time.


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if your boat is over 19 you need a 24v .. unless you NEVER plan on trying to troll upwind .. lol gL..

i have the motor guide xi5 for one reason .. its go the same features and costs 1/2 of the similar features in a minnkota .. so i can blow one up and buy a new motor and still be spending the same $$ as on a motor guide..

for the record the Xi5 runs perfectly, has awesome battery life, and with the $1100 i saved over a mini kota i bought a new burn bar and front casting platform for my 19..

but everyone still LOVES minnkota ..

 

if your boat is over 19 you need a 24v .. unless you NEVER plan on trying to troll upwind .. lol gL..

i have the motor guide xi5 for one reason .. its go the same features and costs 1/2 of the similar features in a minnkota .. so i can blow one up and buy a new motor and still be spending the same $$ as on a motor guide..

for the record the Xi5 runs perfectly, has awesome battery life, and with the $1100 i saved over a mini kota i bought a new burn bar and front casting platform for my 19..

but everyone still LOVES minnkota ..

How did you save $1100? These 2 models are nearly identical with features and price?

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/motorguide-xi5-saltwater-trolling-motor-with-pinpoint-gps

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/minn-kota-riptide-terrova-bow-mount-trolling-motor-with-i-pilot

 

Gulf Coast Trolling motors told me they sell 100 to 1 of the Minn Kota over the Motorguide.

You will never regret the investment in the Ipilot.

 

I have the Minn Kota Terrova 24V-80# with spot lock on a 20ft bay boat. All you will ever need. I can stay spot locked in 20+ winds with no problem. I have not used an anchor in almost 3 years now.
Motor guide - connects to Lowrance
Minn Kota connects to Hummingbird

I have not found the need to connect to the Fishfinder. Just saying if you want more waypoints etc.

 

I have the Minn Kota Terrova 24V-80# with spot lock on a 20ft bay boat. All you will ever need. I can stay spot locked in 20+ winds with no problem. I have not used an anchor in almost 3 years now.
Motor guide - connects to Lowrance
Minn Kota connects to Hummingbird

I have not found the need to connect to the Fishfinder. Just saying if you want more waypoints etc.

I don't believe ya without some pics of that 20 mph wind and waves.
Now if people would use them crossing my drift instead of their big motor life would be great.

 

Love my terrova riptide 80. Total game changer.

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The Terravo and the X15 w/spot lock are just about the same price, the Ulterra with self deploy is the expensive unit. As others have stated the Terravo w/ipilot is hard to beat. I ran Motor Guides for years and switched to the Terravo 3 years ago and never looked back.


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helpful

Extremely helpful! Appreciate all the info. Looks like Minnkota is way to go. Bay boat is 18' but is a New water with not much weight. Most folks are telling me go with 24 volt anyway.

 

Extremely helpful! Appreciate all the info. Looks like Minnkota is way to go. Bay boat is 18' but is a New water with not much weight. Most folks are telling me go with 24 volt anyway.

You can get away with a 12v. But if it’s a really windy day or you fish all day on the trolling motor, you’ll want a 24v

 

From experience, trolling motors are typically priced and sized in accordance with the size of the boat. For example, a single person would be more likely to use a trolling motor that fits within the hull of their kayak or canoe, whereas a larger boat with multiple passengers would require a larger and more powerful motor.
Unfortunately, choosing the right one can be a tricky task and it is all too easy to end up with a motor that is not powerful enough, too slow or too loud. Make sure to do your research to ensure you get a trolling motor that will suit your needs. This article help you with a few tips and tricks and reviews on how to choose the best trolling motor for your boat.

 

Ive got the 112# minnkota terrova and spent a bunch of money on a lithium ion battery.

I dont regret either purchase

 

I upgraded to an Ulterra, and after hard wiring it to the battery bank with a breaker it works flawlessly, in saltwater too.
When I tried to run it through the old wires and plug in, it blew a motherboard pretty quick, technology with motherboards have to have constant flow of juice with no surges or drops, else they freakout. G&S Trolling motors did a very fast turnaround on the warranty work and when I got it back a friend stripped out the old wires and ran new wires skipping the plug and going right to the battery bank that has a breaker.
We used those heavy duty wire connectors with the epoxy/sealant that breaks open and waterproofs the connection to tie the motor leads to the new wires. I kept the old Rip Tide that I replaced and put a quick mount on it as well, should the Ulterra need work I'm going put a connector block underneath where the plug was and splice flat connectors to both motors for easy swap out.
Pay close attention to how the plug is mounted so it doesn't get bumped or kicked.
Get a spot lock motor from either maker and plenty of # and volts for your boat and it's money very well spent.

 

I am going to change my post to 25mph as I am just that certain. Fishing Whitebass in Lake Livingston - jigging. They bite better when its rough. Holds the cable in the current very well too at the LL Dam.
great motors. I got the long shaft to keep from bouncing out the water.

 

55lb won’t be enough. I’ve got a boat similar to your and have a 24v 80lb ipilot and it does well but there’s still days I want more but 98% of the time it’s great. Go with the shortest shaft available for that rig. The curlew will carry the weight just fine but you can always go with a single or
Dual battery 24v lithium system and be lighter and stronger.


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I wonder if he's still looking, it's been a few years since the post.

stumpgrinder I'm waiting on the prices to come down before I get one, but it's on the short list.

a lot of older threads here on 2cool continue to reappear, huuhh. 🤷‍♀️