Aux O/B R21EC Elec or gas

[bjp447]

In giving some thought to my thread on mounting an o/b on my R21ec
Kinda of a get home in an emergency. I have 5 batteries - would an electric
trolling motor work better than a gas o/b? A strong trolling motor will
give the same power as a 4 or 5 hp kicker without the need to carry gas
(which might never be used) - plus there is the weight consideration?
Any thoughts? Any one tried it?

 

[Catch22]

Considering the same thing. My experiences with Minn Kota motors over the years have me looking at their 2019 catalog . I have fished 22-24 foot bay boats and walleye boats with 24 and 36 volt bow mounts. My pontoon fished well with a 55#thrust 12 volt......

It seems that a 21EC would be a candidate for a Minn Kota.....I'd rather stow and charge batteries than carry gasoline onboard. Usage would be trolling as well as back up........I can image how nice one would work as a stern thruster..!!!!

I have considered the 70# (24 volt) powerdrive bow mount adapted for stern use because of the remote control possibilities...both corded and wireless Co-Pilot option.

The other interesting possibility is their EO motor...not rated in terms of thrust , but it is listed as a low draw, highly efficient motor listed for sole source propulsion on small boats. I know of one used on a inflatable and they loved it. It is hand controlled and would be a simple swim platform mount...especially for emergency use.

Then , there is their E motor that is 48 volt and 100 plus pounds of thrust and has a binnacle control for permanent mounting. Often used on pontoons on "no gas" waters.

Check out Minn Kota site/catalog. Motor Guide has possibilities too, but I am not familiar with them personally.

I , too, am looking for user input here, if anyone has used electric on their 21 tug or similar boat.....pounds of thrust and batteries used??

 

[bjp447]

Good info
How would you hook up for 24volts?

 

[hames57]

I just use my 5 hp Honda as an auxiliary. I go way up Lake Powell 40 miles from any services and want an auxiliary engine that can get me all the way back if necessary. The electrics have a finite battery life that wouldn't get me home that far away. I carry my fuel on the swim platform area. No muss and no fuss. My Honda also has auxiliary charging capability to bring the house battery up if needed or to charge the starting battery. So, it is my auxiliary long distance power and my auxiliary generator. I can push the 21 at 5 go 6 mph with the Honda.

 

[Catch22]

Currently use for day use and fishing here in Sturgeon Bay ...24 volts would come from a pair of deep cycles wired in series and recharged each day at dockage...........

interesting from Poopsy: next year I may trailer to AZ to Lake Pleasant (N of PHX)and I will reassess electric vs. petrol/propane if marina does not provide shore power........

input invited from Auxilary power users.....

Thank you for your responses....

 

[knotflying]

Not to sound facetious, Boat US insurance gold plan is another option instead of a get home kicker. I say this is more appropriate on the east coast where we tend to cruise in shallower waters and often protected. Just drop anchor, call on the vhf and have a beer and wait.