Electric motor options
Submitted by Hudo on Sat, 2015-06-20 16:14
Has anyone tried mounting a Trolling motor like the watersnake GPSmart or minnkota st ipilot on a transom instead of the bow?
I understand that offset bow mounting is an option, however am curious if you can calibrate a bow mount " in reverse" and use it as a push instead of pull.
Im thinking that on auto hold the bow will swing into wind and the motor will just hold in location, whilst if on a transom it may result in either holding into wind with the stern or pulling circles as the bow swings and the motor tries to stay in location.
Mick C
Posts: 607
Date Joined: 26/12/13
Spot Lock
Hudo,
The Minn Kota Spot Lock function is designed to "attempt" to hold the boat within 5m of the designated GPS coodinates when the spot lock is activated. Irrespective of mounting location, wind, or current the unit will seek its primary function.
Whether this is sucessful will depend on a number of factors. The recommended mounting location is obviously the bow as the "normal" condition is to turn into the wind as this offers the least resistance, and therefore lowest power draw to keep the boat in position. With the boat "into the wind" there is also less sideways movement but it does depend on prevailing conditions in relation to current, sea and swell. Also, when environmental conditions are such that extreme pressure is placed on the unit to hold its position, it won't work and will "drop" the spot lock and shut down. The power of the motor (12v, 24v, 36v with respective thrust ratings) has a bearing on probablity of "shut down" in different conditions. Boat mass and "windage" has an influence on this as well
Mounting the motor on the stern will add to the "environmental pressure" on the motor. As indicated above, it will seek its primary function and the effect on the boat will depend on conditions. There is no unique solution as to what will happen in any given conditions, as sea state and meterological conditions seem to vary evey time you go out, and all boats are different.
Would I mount an electric motor on the stern, probably not. It would introduce a number of other varables that would defeat the purpose of finding a good spot and being able to "anchor" right on top of it in a consistent way.
Cheers.
Mick
Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it - LH.
Hudo
Posts: 33
Date Joined: 30/11/14
Thanks Mick,Good info,SO has
Thanks Mick,
Good info,
SO has anyone here used a MinnKota or the new Watersnake GPSmart??