Bowmount Electric & Sounder Options

[Deanmac74]

Hi,

New to the website. Chasing some valued opinions on a couple of items;

Am nearing completion of a 13' Pride restoration / transformation into a estuary luring outfit.

Trying to decide which bow mount leccy to fit. Definitely want to keep to a 12v system. On current tinnie use a 55 Riptide stern mount fitted on the bow. On new boat pretty certain of going with foot control - but not sure what brand or type of control eg:(cable steer or servo). My fishing is in the tropics (all saltwater) - tight creeks, snags etc. Can the 'fresh water' units be used with an anode fitted? Any opinions appreciated.

Also - chasing a new sounder / gps combo to install on the stern. Like the look of the Lowrance 337 unit over all others so far. Any pro's & con's? or other units to consider?

cheers,

Dean

[Guest]

Hi,

New to the website. Chasing some valued opinions on a couple of items;

Am nearing completion of a 13' Pride restoration / transformation into a estuary luring outfit.

Trying to decide which bow mount leccy to fit. Definitely want to keep to a 12v system. On current tinnie use a 55 Riptide stern mount fitted on the bow. On new boat pretty certain of going with foot control - but not sure what brand or type of control eg:(cable steer or servo). My fishing is in the tropics (all saltwater) - tight creeks, snags etc. Can the 'fresh water' units be used with an anode fitted? Any opinions appreciated.

Also - chasing a new sounder / gps combo to install on the stern. Like the look of the Lowrance 337 unit over all others so far. Any pro's & con's? or other units to consider?

cheers,

Dean

Hey there Dean ,We have been using the rp 55 bow mount with foot pedal for around a year now ,after a few small hiccups and a couple of trips back to BLA for some warranty work its been great

The saltwater model is definately the way to as it is all sealed

Just as a side note BLA are very quick with thier warranty work and get you back on the water ASAP

I know a few people have cable steer in these forums and they may be able to shed some light on how thier electrics are performing

Cheers Swordfisherman

[mitch]

Dean,

As far as the leccie goes, I have been using both the riptide (servo) and minn kota Maxxum (cable) for a number of years now and they are both great leccies. As with Stewy I have had problems with the RT model (mainly the foot pedal) but BLA are switched on and turn around is around a week. I have also had a fair bit of exposure to the Motorguide leccies but am more partial to Minn kota. for the 12v system and the size of the boat a 55lb should be fine.

With Sounders I am a massive fan of Hummingbird, have used Lowrance and Navman but just seem to find Hummingbird easier to understand although they all make great sounders / plotters.

Mitch

[The Iceman]

My preference is for a cablesteer bowmount especially if you are fishing snags as the cablesteer is a lot faster to manouver which you need in tight situations

[Deanmac74]

My preference is for a cablesteer bowmount especially if you are fishing snags as the cablesteer is a lot faster to manouver which you need in tight situations

Thanks to all responses regarding my questions. Have visited a few retailers today and will definitely stick with the minnkota. Feels to be better product understanding and service in the district. Will give the 55AP Riptide a run. Can always revert back to a tiller steer if needed.

Thanks again,

Dean