converting tracker to electric only

[rlb8s]

I am purchasing a used 2011 Tracker Pro angler 16 that is almost like new. It currently has a 30 hp mercury on it that has less then 20 hours on it. I am purchasing the boat to use in the many local electric only lakes in my area and I am looking for opinions on the best way to modify it.

Option 1 - sell the gas motor off the back and add additional batteries to the bilge where the gas tank is currently and use the $ to upgrade the TM to a 24 volt and add a 24 volt motor to the stern where the motor was.

Option 2 - keep the package as is and simply add a trolling motor to the stern to the port side of the gas motor.

Option 2 seems like the best option for resale of the boat, but option 1 seems more conducive for making it a true electric only platform.

Here is a good description of the boat for those not familiar - http://www.boattest.com/review/track..._pro-angler-16
All opinions are welcome. Thanks.

[Wayne P.]

When I got the PT 170 TX, the first thing I did was remove the gas tank to make room for batteries. I wanted room for 5 batteries, three for a bow 36V trolling motor and one each for two 12V transom trolling motors. I later changed to a single 24V transom motor.
I use a portable gas tank to run the outboard when I fish waters that allow gas motors.
I removed one of the batteries when I went all electric to make room for the gas tank.
I have since then had my bow motors (have a spare) converted to 24V so I don't have to do the battery/gas tank change.

[berudd]

https://www.torqeedo.com/us/en-us/products/outboards

[rlb8s]

Wayne - Any issues with the single transom 24v TM and do you find it matters what side of the big motor you put it on? Also, do you have any pics on how you arranged your bilge? thanks.

[Wayne P.]

Wayne - Any issues with the single transom 24v TM and do you find it matters what side of the big motor you put it on? Also, do you have any pics on how you arranged your bilge? thanks.

No issues with a single motor. When I was using two, I made a raised transom extension for the starboard side to clear the steering cable for the motor clamp. I use that location for the 24V motor.
I made a mistake with the two 12V 55# thrust motors thinking they would equal the 105# thrust 36V motor. All I was doing was dragging them with the bow motor with very little extra boost.
Did have some pictures, but deleted them with the Photobucket debacle.

[slonezp]

https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...motors/vantage

[rlb8s]

https://minnkotamotors.johnsonoutdoo...motors/vantage

Sweet. I haven't seen that one. I wonder how it would hold up for there aren't any reviews that I can see. thanks for the link.

[slonezp]

Sweet. I haven't seen that one. I wonder how it would hold up for there aren't any reviews that I can see. thanks for the link.

big followingt in the walleye market. Might want to ask over at walleyecentral

[Wayne P.]

I use this one, same thrust, same voltage for a lot less $

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn-...tor/701484.uts

[Wayne P.]

IF you want to get serious about electric-only:

http://www.qis.net/~jmgraham/rr500.htm


http://www.rayeo.com/motors/

[jyu87]

I agree with Wayne P. We have a ton of electric only lakes by me and the tournament circuits that run them have some serious Electric outboard setups. Ray and Torqeedos are a must if you want to be competitive in range, distance, and speed to hit your spots. It really does make a big difference compared to those putting around with trolling motors rigged. My tournament partner just upgraded his 19 foot to a torqeedo cruise... We should be going right around 10-11MPH at full throttle. Previous engine was a Ray at 7.5MPH.

[Wayne P.]

I agree with Wayne P. We have a ton of electric only lakes by me and the tournament circuits that run them have some serious Electric outboard setups. Ray and Torqeedos are a must if you want to be competitive in range, distance, and speed to hit your spots. It really does make a big difference compared to those putting around with trolling motors rigged. My tournament partner just upgraded his 19 foot to a torqeedo cruise... We should be going right around 10-11MPH at full throttle. Previous engine was a Ray at 7.5MPH.

I saw a picture on one of the MD sites of a jon boat with two Rays.

[jyu87]

I saw a picture on one of the MD sites of a jon boat with two Rays.

yeah my other buddy has 2 torqeedos on his Vt18. Pretty crazy.

[rlb8s]

I'm keeping my glass boat for tournaments on the rivers and larger lakes. This one will be for fun half day trips with the kid without any pressure of finding tournament fish. It only has a 9 gal live well and not much storage. Trying to decide what to do w/ the gas motor since I can't use it on the lakes and I don't see ever launching it on the river.

[JDeeDotGee]

Sell the 30 HP then put a 9.9 on it. then downsize the gas tank for more batteries so you can put 4 trolling batteries in parallel series for all day running. Then you will be able to use the boat on all the small electric lakes plus you will have the 9.9 for the Suffolk lakes. I live near you and I can fish most of the electric lakes around here with just my 24v fortrex on my 175 with no problems, but I wish i had a 9.9 for Suffolk.

[rlb8s]

Sell the 30 HP then put a 9.9 on it. then downsize the gas tank for more batteries so you can put 4 trolling batteries in parallel series for all day running. Then you will be able to use the boat on all the small electric lakes plus you will have the 9.9 for the Suffolk lakes. I live near you and I can fish most of the electric lakes around here with just my 24v fortrex on my 175 with no problems, but I wish i had a 9.9 for Suffolk.

A 9.9 would be a good option. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Wayne P.]

A 9.9 would be a good option. Thanks for the suggestion.

Lots of Trackers with 9.9 outboards where I fish, including mine. Just changed mine last year to the Mercury Pro model to have power trim so I can easily adjust for transducer lengths with Imaging.

[rlb8s]

Decision made - will sell the 30 and replace w/ a 9.9. Hopefully I'll have enough $ left over to upgrade the trolling motor on the bow to a 24 v model.

Next question - is it possible to put in a recess TM tray? I'd also like to install a day box on the front deck. Any issues w/ doing either?

[BOATS]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/prod...eb6f2424fc538a

Mounts to cav plate on outboard