Trolling Motor for 2004 203 DCX

[jluigs]

Hey guys. I was fishing my club tourney yesterday and my trolling motor had zero power half way through. Im sure my batteries are on the downward swing, but I was wondering if you guys think I am underpowered for my boat. I currently have a 24 volt 82 lb tour edition motor guide. Do you think with this size boat I should upgrade to a 36 volt system? I am new to owning a boat so don't really know much on this topic. Thanks for the help. Also if you think I should get a new system would you go with Minn Kota or stay with Motorguide?

[jcfd129]

Dont know if your year is one of the rear gas tank models but my 2001 is and it sits pretty bow high while fishing and catches alot of wind in the process. I just bought a 101 fortrex just so I know I would have enough juice when I needed it! Most will say when it comes to TM power you can never have too much
~~Matt

[jsix321]

What size batteries are you using? Same thing happened to me this past weekend. From what I was told a 36 volt system would be nice but a 24 volt system should last you the day with no problem with the right batteries. Bought me some big ones today and ready to try them out. Went this route after running the numbers on a new 4 bank charger, trolling motor and battery. Was a lot cheaper just to buy the right batteries.

[jluigs]

Not sure what size batteries they are but they are Interstate and were installed August of 2009. I guess if I upgrade I will have to get a new on board charger along with another battery. How much do you think all of that will cost? Also how much do you think I could get for the 82 lb motorguide?

[Champ203]

Unless you fish in current all the time 82 ought to do it. I am on year 5 of my Delco manta free batteries and can fish all day no problem. Keeping you batteries fully charged is the secret to making them last...

Peace,
Don

[jsix321]

There are two expensive items to upgrade, charger (estimate $375) and trolling motor (estimate $1,100). You can probably get $300-$400 for yours if it's in good condition and a newer model. Other than that you just have to add a battery and wire it in. I decided to just get better batteries but may at some point down the road upgrade to a 36 volt system.

I fished a tourney Saturday in 20-30 mph winds and my 2 smaller batteries lasted until 1:00 and had to weigh in early. With these new batteries I should (from what I'm told) have more than enough juice to make it through a full day. It gets really windy here sometimes.