Minn Kota 12' Talon Install - Pics

[Nova Kaw 650]

amazed with how short they actually are! very nice....

But pricey.
I was thinking about a 12' until I saw the price difference between the 8' and the 12'

[blackgts2002]

I am not a fan of how you soldered those wires. I would have twisted them together first and then heated/soldered them. You left yourself with a hard joint that will break easier than if you twisted and soldered it together prior to heat shrinking.

[cglenn]

I am not a fan of how you soldered those wires. I would have twisted them together first and then heated/soldered them. You left yourself with a hard joint that will break easier than if you twisted and soldered it together prior to heat shrinking.

While there are numerous ways to make a soldered joint the lap splice as illustrated in my photo is completely allowable for use on stranded wires. If the conductors were solid in lieu of stranded I would have opted for a Western Union splice which requires wrapping. FYI the lap splice is not only more than sufficient, although it may not be your preference, it is even space ship approved by NASA

Check out the excerpt from NASA-STD 8739.4 with Change 6 CRIMPING, INTERCONNECTING CABLES, HARNESSES, AND WIRING

https://www.sugarsync.com/pf/D7439430_830_896646910

All bs in hindsight I wish I would have lashed them for a much neater job but the functionality will be just fine.

[96MrBass]

Do the 10 and 12 foot talons weigh any less and could anyone tell me if the old tilt brackets will still work?

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Weigh less than what? The old tilt brackets for the 6 and 8' will work, but the stabilizer post will not. The 10 and 12 have a longer stabilizer. This is the reason for the different part number on the tilt brackets. If I can help, call me.
John

[96MrBass]

Thanks John I was wondering if they were lighter than a 8' talon?

[CSTskeeter]

Cant wait to get mine! Looks great by the way!

[Jonestrollingmotor]

Thanks John I was wondering if they were lighter than a 8' talon?

They're not going to be lighter, but don't know right off how much heavier. They have an extra stage inside to acheive the depths.
The additional weight will be apx the weight of this extra stage.
John

[Dantzx190]

Just curious, is there a reason you chose to install the talon on one side as opposed to the other?
I was just wondering if it would be in the way when you have a co - angler on board.

[cglenn]

Just curious, is there a reason you chose to install the talon on one side as opposed to the other?
I was just wondering if it would be in the way when you have a co - angler on board.

Hopefully when I explain my thought process I do not realize I made a mistake. Having said that, I had two main concerns which were weight distribution and co-angler impacts.

Typically when fishing grass lines, banks, timber lines etc I tend to fish from the starboard side of the boat. By placing the talon on the port side this negates the unit being an impact to side casts etc for the co-angler.

Balancing weight. For this one I will use a photo with some overlays to hopefully negate my inability to convey my point textually. in short when fishing solo the port side mounting provides a better balance to the vehicle(boat).



All weights are approximate but w/o co-angler port-side weight (no calculations for eccentricity etc) is 228#'s based upon my assumptions. Starboard side weight based upon assumptions is 365#'s so this is much closer with the talon's opposing weight on the opposite side. Delta is 137#'s

of course this inequality is offset when you add the co-angler (300#'s in my case) but then I don't fill the side tank which brings me to a delta of 80#'s.

Just made better sense to me to try and keep things as balanced as possible plus keep things out of the co-angler's way.

[Dantzx190]

Thanks for the explanation, makes sense to me!
You put alot of thought into that

[cglenn]

usually I over think everything down to the smallest detail for VERY MINIMAL benefit.

Thanks

[TritonTRXV8]

cglenn, you did a great job on your install and that is one awesome looking boat. Not to get off topic but where did you get that nifty little vise for holding the wires while you soldered them? I always wished I had something like that just never knew where to look for one. Thanks!

[cglenn]

cglenn, you did a great job on your install and that is one awesome looking boat. Not to get off topic but where did you get that nifty little vise for holding the wires while you soldered them? I always wished I had something like that just never knew where to look for one. Thanks!

That is a harbor freight special "Magic Fingers"

[Dantzx190]

usually I over think everything down to the smallest detail for VERY MINIMAL benefit.

Thanks

You and me both!

[Jonestrollingmotor]

I see you think things out. Just curious though, most boats are rigged with the trolling motor batteries on the port side and the cranking with the oil tank on the starboard. Is this some more of the "thought" process?

[cglenn]

I see you think things out. Just curious though, most boats are rigged with the trolling motor batteries on the port side and the cranking with the oil tank on the starboard. Is this some more of the "thought" process?

Bcb thought it through due to the optional 10 gallon "kicker" tank with space, access, servicability and balance in mind. I have to give them credit as they REALLY think about their boats from multiple vantage points.

[dagumhwgsnatcha]

the 12 footer is 75 pounds ddd damn might have to drop a pitch or two on prop to get out of the whole if you did dual talons lol good looking boat for sure I like the thought process on the install . my old nitro is very sensitive to weight

[cglenn]

the 12 footer is 75 pounds ddd damn might have to drop a pitch or two on prop to get out of the whole if you did dual talons lol good looking boat for sure I like the thought process on the install . my old nitro is very sensitive to weight

I am guessing on the talon weight inclusive of tilt bracket and jackplate bracket.

[dagumhwgsnatcha]

im sure it is good thing he thought the install out and put it on the port side