24 volt or 36 volt trolling motor for 23 HPS?

[East Coast Dave]

I have a 36 tiller M K and think I want to switch to a Rhodan spot lock type. I see a lot of  discussion with people using 24volt on Pathfinders. I would love to go with one less battery but wouldn’t don’t want to make a mistake and screw things up. 

 

Thanks. 

[smilemaker]

Not much  thought needed. Go with a 36 volt.

This weekend I was fishing with /against friends in a friendly tournament.  A friends boat 22 Sportsman was in a spot that I normally  fish. We we had to set up further down than ideal. As we were approaching he started to leave and as we talked he said they were leaving as his 24 volt motor could not hold. We set up with my 36 volt minn kota fished awhile and caught a sheephead that won some money. 

Always go with max hp feasible and as much voltage /thrust possible. 

[BradM]

I couldn’t imagine a 24v on my 23, that’s a lot of weight and hull to pull around all day. I guess it depends on how much you use it and the tide/current you fish against. I would think the extra 65 lbs. from one more battery is negligible...If I’m by myself with half tank of fuel and a few rods, I run 62.5. Loaded out with more rods, cooler, extra fat person, and live well, I run 62.5. 

[Bamaskeet]

If you fish in heavy current or tide you will be happier with the 36 volt.  But don't be afraid to buy the 24 volt if you don't see a lot of fast moving water.

[George Seither]

Not using a Rhodan but MK Terrova 80 Lb, 60" shaft, 24V, works very well on a 2300, not sure how stiff a current or wind you plan on fishing in as Brad has mentioned above, same set up on a friends SH BX24 and the issues I've seen with the taller gunnels and Carolina flair are the sail effect from the wind when it's blowing pretty good on the hull till you get it straightened out into the wind, again I'm not familiar with Rhodan but MK spot lock I'm a believer. I do a bunch of inside/ bay fishing winds hit 15/20knt. I'm on the inside     

[East Coast Dave]

It already setup with 36 so this just confirms what I was thinking.  I plan to do some inlet fishing and I fish docks all the time in the current. I’ve been kicking around the idea of starting to bottom fishing a little too. My buddies say the spot lock in a game changer. No anchoring.

[BradM]

5 hours ago, East Coast Dave said:

It already setup with 36 so this just confirms what I was thinking.  I plan to do some inlet fishing and I fish docks all the time in the current. I’ve been kicking around the idea of starting to bottom fishing a little too. My buddies say the spot lock in a game changer. No anchoring.

Spot lock IS a game changer! I am not a one who likes a lot of change and thought I’d never go away from the tried and true tiller handle, but I did and I love it! I see 5-6’ tides up here in NE FL, and we do go out and spot lock over wrecks. Looks like you’re already heading the 36v direction, which when inlet fishing for any period of time, is the right choice. 

[Robert3]

Mine has a 36V system, Rohdan, and my only complaint is that i was talked out of the longer 72" version.. 

Spot lock is fantastic, except under bridges.. 

I use the track mode all the time.. 

Best service in the business, IMHO 

Made in FLA

[SCFD rtrd.]

Don't want to derail, but I'm thinking of upgrading my 82 lb. hand control trolling motor. Do all of these new trolling motors hand over the front of the boat? In the pics that I see, they seem to hang over the bow about 8 inches. Do they make a mount that allows the motor to stay within the confines of the boat.

[East Coast Dave]

My MK on my old Pathfinfer hung off a good 4 inches or so and the shaft was pretty close to the nose of the boat. I used to worry when I was parking the trailer that my wife or kids would step on the boat and bang it it up against the dock or get it hung-up on edge and break something. I always thought there had to be a better way. I had a buddy that had an Intrepid and the trolling motor had it own compartment that lowered into. It was different....  maybe that’s why they stopped making bay boats. 

[finbully]

36 volt for sure. 60" shaft works for that boat. You are certainly on the right track going with Rhodan - also supporting a Florida business.

[SCFD rtrd.]

Didn't get any answers about the trolling motor hanging over the front of the boat. Does the Rodhan hang over the bow????????

[Goatro]

Look at the trolling motor mounts from R&R Design. There is a video on You Tube on how it works and the install process. I installed one on my 2300 and works good. I have a MK Ulterra mounted on the bow. 

[finbully]

Not sure if this will help, but here is a 36 v Rhodan 60" shaft mounted on my 2500 (factory installed).

[SCFD rtrd.]

Thanks finbully, the pic helps. Is there any way for you to measure how far the motor and mount sticks out past the rub-rail??

I Googled (U-tube) the adjustable mount that Goatro talked about and it seems like that's the ticket for keeping the motor within the confines of the boat. Goatro, what is the maximum (in and out) adjustment for the mount? Thanks in advance!

When I drive into my lift, there is a dock built in a "V" shape just like the shape of the boat. I'm concerned about ramming the trolling motor into the dock, so that's the need for all these questions.  

[Goatro]

When I measured the travel. I think it was 9' of travel. I have a video of mine mounted. I'll have to post it. 

[Goatro]

Here’s the video of movement. I have cleaned the boat since video. 

[finbully]

On ‎5‎/‎17‎/‎2019 at 5:03 PM, SCFD rtrd. said:

Didn't get any answers about the trolling motor hanging over the front of the boat. Does the Rodhan hang over the bow????????

Mine extends just under 9" beyond the point of the bow 7" up from the top of the deck.

[SCFD rtrd.]

Thanks for the info.

[fishmanjj]

On 5/20/2019 at 11:12 AM, finbully said:

Not sure if this will help, but here is a 36 v Rhodan 60" shaft mounted on my 2500 (factory installed).

Beautiful rig 👍😎🎣