Hey guys I have a 2001 193 elite and was going to up grade to a 36 volt system and get a 101 fortrex. Is it worth it or is an 80# motor enough? I am getting a 52" shaft for sure since our champs sit nose high when fishing! any thoughts? thanks ~~MATT
80lb is good. The 52" shaft is needed for sure. If you can do it....go with the 36v 101 though . My friend just put a 101 Fortrex on his Triton and it is a really nice trolling motor. I don't think you will see a huge difference in speed, but the torque is awesome. You can run it on 20-30 and it will go forever. I think the real benefit will be in the grass or heavy current. My next one will be a 36v. By the way,I added a 4th battery to my 198 already and only lost a little on holeshot, top end stayed the same. Go for it!
Depends on what kind of water you are fishing. Rivers with lot's of current take a lot more power. I've had 12,24,36 and my choice for even the 18' boats I've had would be 36 if I could afford it and had the room for the extra battery. But....you are talking an extra battery, weight, on-board charger upgrade possibly and when you add the extra's up it may be money you would rather spend on a different upgrade.
[B][I]Jeff
Aint no such thing as too much TM.
See ignorance daily
I put a 52" Fortrex on my 191 this winter, I don't think in my case I needed to add the expense and maintainance of a fourth batt and wiring and charger setup. But in the waters I fish weeds are pretty much non existent. One small lake being an exception. The 80 lb' has been all I have need so far and I am really very happy with it! When you consider that the boat came stock with a 55 lb. thrust it is already quite an upgrade. I love to fish in the wind and so far I do not think I have gone hardly over half way on the power dial!
If you'd have been fishing around ala 2 weeks ago you'd wanted a 200 thrust, lol It was BRUTAL in all the rivers around here.
I would also say unless you rat fish or are in HEAVY weeds all the time the 80 would work just fine. then you don't need to worry about additional chargers, batteries,etc.
oldjigger
Champion 201
oldjiggers copperhead jigs
Dick Courser
Clarksville Mi
The 101# is definitely probably nice, but the 80# fortrex on my dad's 188 is more than enough with both of us and fishing into the wind!
Be safe then sorry. I have a 101 52" fortrex on my 198 and wouldnt' have it any other way.
It's good!! I have a minn Kota maxxum pro 101 us2 on my 1995 186DC and it goes forever. No more fighting the wind for me just put it on 50 and fish all day in 20mph plus winds
I have an 80# minn kota on my 196 and I never use all of it .
Two things you can't have too much of on a boat:
1) Trolling Motor Power and
2) HP.
If you have room for the 3rd battery, go for it.
__________________________________________________ _______________
2008 ChampioN 198
Well thanks for all the insight fellas but I went big! 101# 52" fortrex is on its way! I am excited. I had the money to upgrade to 36v so I said what the hell! Thanks again!
you wont be disappointed -- runs all day
always had a 24v and the 36v fortrex was on my new boat
what a difference
you'll love it
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