aquasport 170 trolling motor

[aviator8]

My brother and I just bought a 1976 170.  It is in pretty good shape.  We are cleaning up a few things and patching a few problem spots, but want to do a few modifications so I though I would look for some advise here.  

First we want to add a trolling motor, preferably bow mount.  This boats bow rides pretty high off the water in comparison to a bass boat.  do any of you have bow mount troller, and if so what do you recommend?

Second, we have a Johnson 115 motor.  We are only getting about 50% of the full range of steering out of the motor.  I beleve this is due to the piston size on the steering arm.  The boat has the turning radius of a 747 like it is currently setup.  I'd like to fix that but I think it would require a longer steering piston, which then creates a problem with room and getting the piston cable to bend back down into the floor channel.  Have any of you run accross this?

Third we have a Todd cooler/seat, that we want to turn into a bait well.  if any of you have made a modification to do the same how did you go about doing it?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

[GoneFission]

I've had MotorGuide and MinnKota - I like the MinnKota, especially with the quick removal plate and the wireless remote.  24 volt models do better than 12, but you gotta have 2 batteries.  Here are a couple pics - note the whole thing comes off if you want...








See ya on the water!

[aviator8]

That looks like what i would want.  what is the thrust on that one?

[GoneFission]

RipTide 70; the current model is called the Riptide SP70.  70 lbs thrust.  I have a 60" shaft model for my CCP - I would guess a 170 would use a 54" shaft or maybe even a 48...

Hope this helps!

[JustLucky]

I went out and took some pictures of my 88 170 and they're posted below.  I added an 80lb 24V trolling motor that has worked out well.  I rarely have to us it at 100% power and when I do it throws a nice wake .  

I toyed with using the cooler seat or the seat on the front of the center console as a livewell for a while and decided on a 27 gal poly livewell to replace the cooler seat.  I used the existing holes in the deck for the starboard supports for the livewell so no additional holes needed to be drilled and the cooler seat could be easily replaced if necessary.  I didn't want to put any big holes in the deck so I rigged everything above deck.  I spend most of the time at the helm or on the bow with the trolling motor so it doen't get in the way that much.  

Not sure what the shaft length is on the trolling motor is as I bought it used but I'd be glad to measure it for you.

[striper 17]

I installed a motorguide 52 lb thrust with a 48in shaft you should go with at least a 52 in shaft mine will come out of the water in choppy conditions. I seem to like my 12 volt just fine it wil last me all day on the water fresh or salt but I rarley ever use it on full speed so that probally helps. Heres som pics of my set up not very quality but they should help a little.

[aviator8]

thanks, that does help.  have been taking measurments and have been leaning on a 60" shaft to be sure the motor stays in the water.  It is good to know I could get by with a 54" on a 170 if needed.

[fitz73222]

Hey Mike,
I hope I`m reading the right thread here. Does your boat have the old style non tilt tube steering system? If so, it has a gimble ball and clamp system that clamps around the support/guide tube that the inner piston runs through and is bolted to the transom. Does the boat turn like a 747 in one direction? The tube can be adjusted so that there is a equal turning radius from center (engine square to the transom). One other idea; does the boat have rack and pinion steering or a rotary helm? Perhaps the pinon gear and rack are out of phase from center (thats a problem). This should also show up as the engine steering more in one direction than another. Hope this helps

Fitz73222