I'm hung up. I need a bigger bow mount. I can't afford to just go buy a new one, (in hindsight should have done this instead of some of the other upgrades on this boat)
Anyhow my choices are narrowed to a factory re-conditioned MinnKota, Maxxum, Allterrain, or PowerDrive.
I think I have a bargain price lined up on a hand control bow mount M/K also, but need to confirm shaft size, and lb thrust.
I absolutely HATE the powerdrive mount. It's a royal PITA in AND out of the water. But I do like that I can move the pedal anywhere. Since I picked up a kicker, I think high wind situations might dictate, for best control that I fish from the back. Use the kicker in conjuntion with the bowmount, and maybe even back into the wind, using the bow mount for precise corrections. (All the while on the back deck by the kicker)
OTOH I like the allterrain, or maxxum mounts much better. The steering is quick and precise, and I think I would like the pedal itself better. With a cable motor, I'm stuck on the deck.
Hand operated bowmount will be the same deal as the cable as far as on the deck or not.
Will a cable motor hold the position you set it at if you remove your foot off the pedal? I've used an Evinrude cable motor on a Sylvan boat, and it seemed to hold it's position. But I never made any kind of commitment to NOT let the wind beat me.
What do you have, and why? What would you change? If I could get a powerdrive with a different mount I'd be golden.
I'm also interested in pro/con of the bow mount tiller handle electric motor for my 12' aluminum. I'm setting up my pickup for smaller road ending launches where I can access and use single space parking. The more powerful electric motors of today should speed my little 12' boat around just fine for walleye & muskie trolling. A bow mount would be better for trolling control. I will be selling a 9.9 Merc outboard and using that money to buy the electric motor.
I think I may rule out the hand control. It is a saltwater series. Good motors I'm sure but will look funny (don't bust my balls to bad for that one)
So now I have to decide if I want a pedal that I can move anywhere in the boat, or do I go with the all terrain or maxxum. I prefer the mount and I think I'd like the pedal/steering better. Just don't like how the pedal/cable only goes so far.
Hamilton Reef I'll let the motor I have go for $225 that is in the classified section. Would be plenty strong for that boat.
I have two 9.9 Mercs and both are mid 1980 models. I don't need two. I'd like to get a newer four stroke someday, but can't financially justify it right now. I also have a 4 hp Merc. An electric motor would fill the option for my puddle jumping. I can also fish steelhead behind my house. It will take me another month to pick my option because I really don't want anything too bulky on the front of a small 12-foot, decisions-decisions…..
Lon – You may want to look at the Motorguide. Thier PD type unit has a scissor type mount similar to the cable MinnKota. I also LOVE the idea of the Motorguide pedal that lets you feel which way the motor is pointed, similar to a cable drive. To answer your question about being able to point a cable drive and turn it on, that would be a NO. The torque from the motor will make it spin.
Hamilton – On a 12' I would mount an electric on the back next to the 9.9, you'll have good control from the back. I wouldn't want to do too much trolling with the electric, for that you'll still want the 9.9.
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