Steering A Trolling Motor – Many Options

Different steering options available for electric trolling motors give fisherman greater manoeuvrability and freedom of movement on the boat which then creates more opportunity to catch plenty of fish.

Transom Hung

Trolling motors with transom mounts are controlled by using a tiller handle that is connected to the motor. Used for small boats and kayaks the popular type has a thrust of 30 lb. or 40 lbs. and a shaft length of 30 to 36 inches. These tillers are available with some extra variations which allow you to tilt, twist and even extend them. In a smaller boat this type of hand steering is more than adequate because you can’t move about anyway.

The Bow Mount

With bow mount motors there are more options to choose from. The kind of steering method you get can depend on many factors i.e. the type of boat you own which can either be a mono deep vee hull, pontoon boat or maybe you have a custom built bass boat. Whether you use it for fishing, leisure boating or rafting up for partying all are factors which help to make a good buying decision.

Steering By Hand

The least expensive steering option available is the hands on tiller version. They are also available with the same variations as your transom mount type, but you will now be steering the boat from the front (bow).

Steering With Your Foot

The more expensive trolling motors use a foot pedal with which to steer the boat. Some foot pedals also have a speed control switch so you can control your boat direction and its propeller speed from a single station on the boat.With foot pedals there are 3 practical options to choose from.

a) You do occasionally hear complaints that the cable which connects the foot pedal to the motor is very stiff and can get in the way when moving about the boat, however for most boaters this is not really a big problem.

b) The electric steer foot pedal has a long electric cable connected between the motor and foot pedal. This pedal is not fixed to the floor of the boat so it can be placed in any convenient steering position or wherever you or crew want to fish or steer the boat from, using your foot.

c) With the growing acceptance and convenience of using the modern option of a wireless foot pedal available with some motors, is a great way to go. Place the foot pedal anywhere on the boat and foot steer it completely cable and wire free, so now there is nothing to trip over.

Using A Wireless Remote

Another popular choice is the co-pilot option. Using a hand held wireless remote with which to steer the boat and control the propeller speed, you now have complete freedom of movement which allows you to present your lure from anywhere on the boat. Keep the small remote on a lanyard and hang it round your neck or from your belt so that with the press of a button you can change the speed and direction of the boat.

GPS

Last of all, if these various steering options do not light your fire then there is the best option of all, the new wireless i- pilot remote. With accurate GPS positioning the wireless i-pilot has functions like “spot lock” so you can electronically hold the boat steady at a fishing spot instead of anchoring every time. You can also steer on auto and get the boat to retrace a previous recorded popular fishing path, plus there are many more really cool functions to play with.

So now there is really are no reason left for boating and fishing without using an electric trolling motor.