Shipoke 18

[RickK]

For the little he'll use it http://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-on-digital-multimeter-95683.html

[GoneFission]

For the little he'll use it http://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-on-digital-multimeter-95683.html

Sorry Rick, the HF model only does AC amps....   :x

[RickK]

Ahhhh, so it does, sorry.  Guess you have to go with the Craftsman - not a terrible price.

[Capt. Bob]

Bob - maybe you can borrow a tong tester and read the amps you are pulling on that line.  I would loan you mine, but it's a bit of a trip to come over and get it...  Many tong testers only can be used for AC amps, but there are a few that swing both ways...  

Craftsman actually has one for under $60:  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... 3482369000

My Fluke http://www.industrialelectronics.biz/fluke/292.htm does indeed measure DC amperage and I have measured the draw on my motor. That's how I established the 170 amp number.
Using that information and the measured length of my cable run was how I calculated the wire size. I was and still am curious if anyone does this and what current draw the different motors have.

[Capt. Bob]

Here's another question:

Who makes the trim tabs with the trolling motors?
The manufacturer label looks like Lenco.


EDIT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZXgDX8Wrw8

[GoneFission]

Lenco made them, but I think they dropped them form their current product lineup.  You can still find them for sale:

http://www.rivermarinesupply.com/xcart/ ... _Tabs.html

[seabob4]

They call them troll'n'tabs...

Fernando has them on his boat without the motors...

[Group W Bench]

Lenco still makes the Troll-n-tabs. They use Motorguide motors. They work well on high bow boats like Aquasports since long shaft bow mount motors require such a long shaft. 202 lbs of thrust come in pretty handy chasing down pods of fish off the beaches during Tarpon season. The joystick control and wireless remote are convenient features as well.

[daniel123]

I have a set of Minn Kota combo trim tabs/w/trolling motors models I got a couple of years back when they first came out but never permanently mounted them.  I'm considering them for my 200 Osprey, however, it doesn't look like they offer them any more so I hesitate to do so if parts will be hard to find down the road. I may go with an outboard-mounted 55 lb thrust model that they do still offer, which will allow me to maintain the s/s bowrail and keep that bow free of the clutter of a traditional bow mount yet still have silent, remote control, electric power for fishing.  Any thoughts?

[gran398]

Dan, another question independent of you post, thanks.

 Eugene....what are the chances of mounting trolling motors to the new transom bait boxes?

[Group W Bench]

Daniel,

You may be underwhelmed by the performance of a 55 lb thrust motor on an Osprey, particularly in any sort of wind or current. To put it into perspective, we normally rig 55 lb 12 volt Minnkota bow mounts on our 14 ft Microskiffs with 400 lb hulls. You will likely be more satisfied with the 86 lb 24 volt system.

There are pros and cons to any trolling motor system but one of the big drawbacks of the outboard (cavitation plate) mount systems that you are considering is that the outboard needs to be all the way down for the motor to function. This means you will always have to be in 3 ft of water to use the trolling motor. Additionally, the steering from stern is not great. The ability to turn with the dual trim tab mounted systems is pretty good as the twin motors work in unison like twin outboards. The Minnkota system that you have uses standard digital motors, so replacement parts should not be an issue with a little research. If the actuators on the tabs ever fail, you can replace with Lenco actuators. If you already have the system, it seems like a good idea to "run what ya brung" and slap those puppies on.

[Group W Bench]

I think the transom boxes would handle them just fine, but it would be pretty fugly having that much stuff extending aft off the transom. The boxes kind of negate the need for traditional tabs on a 12 degree, but if someone wanted an alternative to a bow mount trolling motor, I think it would work. It would not be the most aesthetically pleasing solution, but it would work. Hell some folks sleep with sheep too. I ain't gonna do it, but I ain't gonna stop them either.  

I have seen some flatbacks down Pine Island way with transom boxes and regular trim tabs. I think the ability to bow down in chop in a flatback is much more important, so that is likely why I've only seen flatbacks rigged this way.

Dan, another question independent of you post, thanks.

 Eugene....what are the chances of mounting trolling motors to the new transom bait boxes?

[gran398]

Gotcha, thanks Eugene.

Knew it would look like hell, but wanted your thoughts on the logistics. Thanks.

We have mutton here too, and empathize.