Anyone use a bow mounted Riptide trolling motor out in the sound? Just wondering if they are powerful enough to work against the current??? I have a 15' whaler and the Riptide comes in thrusts in thrusts up to 74lbs (although, I'm interested in the 65lb thrust model).

Thanks!

Dan

I used a 3hp Minn Kota on my 17' Whaler last year. It worked great as far as noise and speed, but the battery life was terrible. I would guess three hours tops. That was with a standard 12V RV battery.

Good luck

Okay.. thanks! The motor I am looking at is a 24v set up... hopefully the batteries would last longer than 3 hours.

Anyone else with experience using a Minn Kota Riptide?

I have an MK that works great in lakes but I wouldn't even consider it in the sound. Sure at slack tide with no wind it will get you around but for the dollars your'e going to spend, providing you buy a new one, you might as well just get yourself a good kicker. When the tides ripp'n with a lil wind a 9.9 yamadog harldy gets you going unless your going with the current. I think you will find yourself fighting the batteries more than you will be fishing. Spend the extra dough get yourself a good kicker..My 2 cents.

DOGOFF!

I had both the 12vlt model (3hp) and the 24 vlt model. Both motors worked great and I can honestly say that I used both all day and never had to charge the batteries. Of course, I did not use them for trolling as I have an aux gas engine for that, but for motor mooching, they are hard to beat. The instant on and no gas fumes are the best! It was nice to have an angle on your line at any time, with out haveing to start the kicker everytime.
The reason I changed from 12 to 24 was, I had a guy who wanted my 12 volt and had the chance to go to 24. I used to use this on my 18 ft. Alumaweld. Figured the 24 would be better in the satsop or chehalis with currents or a river.
Sold the sled, but still have the 24 volt unit, gonna save it for my future drift-boat.

Steve

FSNG1, good point! I was thinking for trolling as that is what I do. I guess for a moocher who occasionally moves around for line angle and such it would do the job.

DOGOFF!