Minn Kota and a Tabs

[Still Lurking]

Hi - I am considering putting a Minn Kota on my Tabs 540 Bowrider - I wonder if any one has done this and what size motor - do I go 55 lb thrust and 12 V (easy and cheaper) or 80lb thrust and 24 volt (more expensive and needs 2 batteries). I am conscious the boat is probably a 1000 kg all up and it is high sided - looking to use it Port Philip Bay and off Townsville - trolling ,anchoring and tracking reef edges etc. Thanks Jim

[eyeskeenas]

hi Jim, I just fitted a 54lb Ipilot to my 4.9mt blue water CC. its short but super heavy for its size, 200lt kill tank, 170lt of fuel, 115merc 4 banger, 5mm bottom 4mm sides from memory. it is probably about 1000kgs, took it out into some gnarly current in moreton bay and tried the anchor function. it tried very hard but just wasn't able to keep up. but it was a good test. not sure what speed the current was but it was mid tide on the run out at the inner beacon. someone on here might have a better idea of the speed that water runs at that point. apart from that cruising about as the current dropped the Ipilot performed ok and I am not disappointed. if I didn't want to swap it between the blue water and my stessco I would have gone the 24volt 80lb

[Dantren]

IMG_3212.jpg This is a 80lb with the 60" shaft. Should give you an idea of how little prop is in the water. That said, it does work ok in chop, as long as it's wind against tide and the boat is sitting parralel with chop. The thrust is fine at places like curtain and harries, where the current rips.

[perko]

Go the 80 lb - 60 inch. You won't be disappointed.

[Still Lurking]

Thanks very much for that Eyeskeenas - the anchor facility is a prime purchase criteria - being able to sit over a small bommie or reef - I expect your current might have been pretty strong but if it is windy that could have a similar effect - many thanks again Jim

[Still Lurking]

Thanks Dantren - yes bow height is another issue - I might get away with 54" but will have to put boat in water to double check - it seems the 80lb will give me a good margin but the 55 might be on the edge except in good conditions Thanks Jim

[Still Lurking]

Thanks Perko - what sort of boat is your MK on ? Thanks Jim

[fin101]

I had the 80lb on my tabs, long shaft kota and 24volt powered by 2 agm batteries, the tabs gets a bit of windage so the bigger kota the better, cheers.

[Still Lurking]

Thanks Fin101 - that seems to be the consensus - will start to save the bickies as 2 AGMs will be $500 plus!! - just as well I don't work out cost per kilo of fish!!