Trolling Motor for R21-EC?

[Texas Steve]

I'm sure someone has tried mounting a trolling motor on an R21-EC. We like to fish in a fairly large lake close to home and being able to maneuver in close quarters without firing up the diesel would seem to be a desirable option. I'm curious about size of units, where mounted, what to look out for. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Steve Frisch
Savannah, TX

 

[rustednail]

A deck mount type trolling moter might mount on the swim platform, or a transom mount motor bracket on the stern. Something like this (if the link works that is). http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...L=true&storeNum=6&subdeptNum=625&classNum=784

As for size, not sure... One of the things I wish I did have installed on my R21EC is he bow thrusters. I haven't gotten used to docking with side winds and currents with inboard power.

Bri

 

[Stella Maris]

Steve,
In the past I have pushed my Catalina 25 with as little as a four horse Yamaha. The main engine was a 9.9 Yamaha. The Catalina 25 weighs in just over 5000#. I would suggest a 5 horse Honda or 6 horse Merc. Long shaft would be preferable. Getting much larger increases the weight dramatically on these motors. I have seen motor mounts made that bolt to the swim platform in a way that you do not have to drill holes.
David

 

[Tom Ray]

Solitude, I think he means electric.

TX Steve, get a big one. They have variable power, and you can throttle down a big one to slow down and reduce power consumption. You can't throttle up a little one past "max"! 😉

No matter which electric motor you buy, you'll find yourself operating it at full power and wishing it had a bit more at some point. That will happen less often with a big one.

As for specific brands, I'm not familiar enough to say. But I know some folks who are! 😉 You might try asking over there.

 

[Texas Steve]

Thank you, gentlemen! I knew I'd get some great advice. I wasn't specific enough in my original post, but I was indeed thinking electric. For open water trolling, I can idle down the Yanmar to a pretty slow speed, but trying to maneuver around a bunch of bass boats presents a different kind of challenge. I didn't know if it was even practical to consider an electric trolling motor on the R21-EC.

 

[Texas Steve]

One of the things I wish I did have installed on my R21EC is he bow thrusters. I haven't gotten used to docking with side winds and currents with inboard power.

Bri[/quote]

I know what you mean about the docking. The secret I discovered is that the back end will swing around to the starboard when you throttle up quickly.... kind of kicks the back end around. I like to back into my slip and that trick makes it oh so much easier to maneuver. In my experience, counting on steering in reverse is impossible. If you haven't got a copy as yet... Chapman's Guide to Piloting is a great resource for learning how to handle an inboard. Slow 'n Easy is my first and Marc at Wefings suggested the Chapman book. It is a wonderful resource. You can pick up a copy at Half Price Books for little or nothing for an older version which still has all the basic information you need.

 

[captain's cat]

You'll find that when going ahead, the stern will "walk" to starboard as a result of the prop rotation. Short bursts will help that motion.

The only way you'll steer much in reverse is to get moving fast enough for the rudder to have some effect due to the water moving past it. It's not like an outboard where you can direct the thrust to one side or another. Practice makes perfect, or at least makes one not look too dumb!! 😱

Charlie