Bowmount with spit lock

[bluefin59]

Ok so now I’m investigating a Bowmount with spotlock , boat is 5.1 mt with a 75 HP motor without spending 6k for self deploy or that . I’m wondering will 65 lb be enough as id prefer to have 12 v only , I see myself maybe using it 4 hrs in a day to anchor in the bay , open water and in creeks . I don’t particularly care if it can be linked to the sounder which is a lowrance but I don’t want to spend a fortune setting something like this up . Are the Jarvis walker ones worth looking at or are minkota and the like my only real option . Thanks Matt

I meant SPOT LOCK

[Dignity]

Ok so now I’m investigating a Bowmount with spotlock , boat is 5.1 mt with a 75 HP motor without spending 6k for self deploy or that . I’m wondering will 65 lb be enough as id prefer to have 12 v only , I see myself maybe using it 4 hrs in a day to anchor in the bay , open water and in creeks . I don’t particularly care if it can be linked to the sounder which is a lowrance but I don’t want to spend a fortune setting something like this up . Are the Jarvis walker ones worth looking at or are minkota and the like my only real option . Thanks Matt

I meant SPOT LOCK

By specs 65 lbs should be fine although generally the more the better. I don't know about Jarvis Walker (is that the watersnake). I have an old MK 55lb 2013 model in my 4.2 tinnie and it is sufficient although when the tide is running fast and the wind is blowing in the same direction it struggles, I've heard more recent models hold better.
On the Allison I run a 36v 108 lb Motor Guide and it holds surprisingly well in choppy seas however it's big downfall is you need to be able to aee the lights on the unit itself to know what it is doing, even then you don't know at what speed setting it has been set as the remote doesn't have a screen umlike the MK.
Whichever you get it will be a game changer to your fishing.

[bluefin59]

Yeah 65 lb water snake is what I’m thinking and the gps puk which is another $200 , does anyone have any experience using one of these long term . I went looking at minkota which I had on the bluefin but the prices are out the window for me at this stage .

[kingtin]

For the price I can't fault my 65 geo spot apart for one problem. It tends to let go of spot lock if it doesn't have much work to do, ie in a near flat calm. I've mentioned this elsewhere and apparently it doesn't just apply to the watersnake as a couple of minn kota owners said they experience the same problem occasionally. Shouldn't be a problem in the salt as it will likely have the current to work on.
If you're going to invest in a lithium battery for it, make sure you look for one that has higher then 50amp draw rating. I bought into lithium early on when they only had 50amp draw on the market and I can't run at full throttle as the battery management system cuts in and the motor cuts out. I had to wait around 20 minutes for a reset so nowadays I run at less than full throttle. That said, lithium and the spot lock are the best money I ever spent.

[bluefin59]

For the price I can't fault my 65 geo spot apart for one problem. It tends to let go of spot lock if it doesn't have much work to do, ie in a near flat calm. I've mentioned this elsewhere and apparently it doesn't just apply to the watersnake as a couple of minn kota owners said they experience the same problem occasionally. Shouldn't be a problem in the salt as it will likely have the current to work on.
If you're going to invest in a lithium battery for it, make sure you look for one that has higher then 50amp draw rating. I bought into lithium early on when they only had 50amp draw on the market and I can't run at full throttle as the battery management system cuts in and the motor cuts out. I had to wait around 20 minutes for a reset so nowadays I run at less than full throttle. That said, lithium and the spot lock are the best money I ever spent.

Ok thanks for that, do you have the gps puck for it as I would have thought that would help that . I’m not sure which way to go with battery as that’s all expensive as well and I want to have a bow mount bracket welded on the bow . It all builds quickly hmmmm .

[tunaticer]

It will struggle with currents about 5 knots and above....In the bris River at certain spots I can not spotlock mid tide with my 55lb on a 4.5m tinny.

[chris69]

Ok thanks for that, do you have the gps puck for it as I would have thought that would help that . I’m not sure which way to go with battery as that’s all expensive as well and I want to have a bow mount bracket welded on the bow . It all builds quickly hmmmm .

Kings just had 200amp lithiums for $699.

For your size boat and plate size a 80lb 24v might be the go Matt and yes it adds up very quick,im up for a new one as soon as mine dies so ill be waiting to see how you go if you get the geo spot and gps puk.

[bluefin59]

It will struggle with currents about 5 knots and above....In the bris River at certain spots I can not spotlock mid tide with my 55lb on a 4.5m tinny.

It will struggle with currents about 5 knots and above....In the bris River at certain spots I can not spotlock mid tide with my 55lb on a 4.5m tinny.

Oh ok that’s not good I’m going to have to investigate a bit further if it’s not going to hold in the Brisbane river , it’s an expensive investment but I want it to work properly in all circumstances in Qld whether it be the river or on the reef in FNQ

[Dignity]

It will struggle with currents about 5 knots and above....In the bris River at certain spots I can not spotlock mid tide with my 55lb on a 4.5m tinny.

Mine will move around 5 metres away but does find it's way back which can be a nuisance mostly when windy but as mentioned my MK is now 10 years old and I believe newer models are much better at holding spot lock. Watersnake did have a bad name when they first expanded into GPS etc but over a couple of years they no doubt have improved. The other thing is that there are 3rd party props available, there is a 3 blade one for the MK which my mate has on his MK of similar vintage and works so much better as does my bigger 108 lb Motorguide yet another mates 112lb MK is not as responsive with it's 2 blade prop. Another mate used his 55lb on his converted 19' Haines Hunter (from cabin to CC) and offshore in good conditions it worked but not once the swell got up.
As to lithium batteries you shouldn't run them at full speed due to the constant high voltage rate.
Matt is talking 65lbs which is 10lbs greater, could make a difference.
The whole scenario is quite frustrating but I do agree that the higher sized motor would be better.

Edit: Kings doesn't specify that their lithium batteries are suitable for marine purposes, yes I know they are not the same as lead acid or AGM but if mot property sealed and protected will cause problems. My 36v is from Green Marine and has performed perfectly so far.

[chris69]

Ha Matt annas got a 80lb geo for $2199 and if you wanted to make a battery theres a 24v 130amp eve kit for around $1400 from Vic,or weight untill kings have a sale and get 2x200amp and have 24v x 200amp so thats a $3600 for 80lb geo with lithium package but thats a bit more weight up the bow too the 80lb geos are 27 kg.

Its a tough one when you dont want to spend these toys are getting all a bit to dear id love a live scope come on lotto.

[Lovey80]

I hate to say it but I think 24v 80lb is probably a must. My 54lb on the 4.2webster is only adequate for creek and bay fishing and offshore on a glass-out. Any wind where you’re getting wave action with it (and if you have current with that) it won’t hold. Your boat isn’t a small tinny. It’s a decent plate boat.

I won’t comment on brand because I have had my issues with Minnkota but if I were in your position I’d strongly consider going to a house battery like the PowerPaul Australia 300a 12v ($2150 if you pre-order). And then use the revolution power 12-24v converter ($498). This way you maintain a simple 12v system, will have a nice and easy on board charging scenario with say 20-25amp DC-DC charger. That battery will run all your TM needs, sounders, pumps and even a 12v fridge no worries. I’d expect that battery to last you a decade at least. If not a life time battery.

https://revolutionpoweraustralia.com.au/store/

This is not a cheap exercise but it gets very expensive if you chose the wrong option and have to upgrade the TM or battery. Naggs bar crusher is in the same league as your boat and 24v is a must and 100Ah/24v didn’t last a full day.

[NAGG]

Ok so now I’m investigating a Bowmount with spotlock , boat is 5.1 mt with a 75 HP motor without spending 6k for self deploy or that . I’m wondering will 65 lb be enough as id prefer to have 12 v only , I see myself maybe using it 4 hrs in a day to anchor in the bay , open water and in creeks . I don’t particularly care if it can be linked to the sounder which is a lowrance but I don’t want to spend a fortune setting something like this up . Are the Jarvis walker ones worth looking at or are minkota and the like my only real option . Thanks Matt

I meant SPOT LOCK

Hi Matt

If you go with a JW it will likely end up as SPIT lock

We all know that electric motors are problematic ....... doesn't matter what brand .

Hands down you will get the best results going with a Minn Kota ...... under warranty or out of warranty. For salt water usage ..... The white MKs are built for that environment

A couple months back I spent some time with a guy that repairs electric motors (particularly Minn Kotas) ....... he did the repair then & there because they have parts . We spoke of the alternatives - Motor guide come second in build quality but it's a distant second. The rest incl the new Lowrance & Garmin have little local support .

JWs end up in the bin - they are not well made & are subject to corrosion

Back to MKs - the remotes & foot pedals are better by a long shot .

It's a big investment ..... but it will save you in the end.

Chris

[NAGG]

Re batteries & motor size ....... 24 volt / 80lb will serve you best .
If you end up offshore .... & the wind blows the 80lb will be of real benefit . If you have a normal day - your batteries will last longer & the power draw is lower.

Batteries ..... LiFePO4 is the go ..... 2 x 125 amp is preferable if you are going offshore - As Chris mentioned ...... my barcrusher experiences show what is real world reality.
A battery build is a great option if you can afford it.

Off the shelf ....... I would go with Fusion batteries - They are quality batteries & very well built - prices have come down considerably. I wouldn't look at cheap batteries like a Kings - not for a boat & particularly not for boat that will go offshore ........ they are subjected to too much of a pounding

One thing that hasn't been mentioned in shaft length ....... 60" is the minimum & 72" is preferrable for offshore. Holding on spotlock into the wind will see the prop blow out continuously in a 2 ft chop

Hey best of luck ....... get it right & you'll see the benefits in your fishing. Get it wrong & it's bloody frustrating

Cheers

Chris

[bluefin59]

Re batteries & motor size ....... 24 volt / 80lb will serve you best .
If you end up offshore .... & the wind blows the 80lb will be of real benefit . If you have a normal day - your batteries will last longer & the power draw is lower.

Batteries ..... LiFePO4 is the go ..... 2 x 125 amp is preferable if you are going offshore - As Chris mentioned ...... my barcrusher experiences show what is real world reality.
A battery build is a great option if you can afford it.

Off the shelf ....... I would go with Fusion batteries - They are quality batteries & very well built - prices have come down considerably. I wouldn't look at cheap batteries like a Kings - not for a boat & particularly not for boat that will go offshore ........ they are subjected to too much of a pounding

One thing that hasn't been mentioned in shaft length ....... 60" is the minimum & 72" is preferrable for offshore. Holding on spotlock into the wind will see the prop blow out continuously in a 2 ft chop

Hey best of luck ....... get it right & you'll see the benefits in your fishing. Get it wrong & it's bloody frustrating

Cheers

Chris

Ok thanks for all that , I don’t want to invest in something that just isn’t right or have no warranty. So it looks like I’m going to have to save a few more dollars and spit right as I thought , I was trying to do it on the cheap but that just doesn’t work with boats so I will put this idea in the future area of my life and just get by for now . Thanks so much for your respected opinion Matt

[Dignity]

Matt, when you do go down the path of a leccy have the plate angled slightly forward the reason being that as you are fishing down the back mostly the nose of the boat lifts and the the shaft angles outwards. There is a SS busiess here on the sunshine coast that has made and installed hundreds of bases and they experimented with the angle side of things and found an improvement overall. It doesn't need to be much.

As mentioned I run the 108 lb 72" Motorguide on the Allison and on the last trip out I spent quite a considerable time of around 7 hours using the leccy, the conditions were 1 - 1.5m of seas with generally 15 knots blowing except for the last 2 hours when the seas and wind dropped. The battery I have is a 36V 120 amp and at the end of the trip I'd used 49% of the battery capacity so I was happy with that, I'm still learning how best to use it offshore and getting the most out of the battery. I haven't gone down the path of solar or DC/DC charger from the motor as the boat will be sold this year but I certainly will be looking at it on my replacement boat as there are the odd trips I would use more in one day.