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A trolling motor is a marine propulsion system consisting of a self-contained unit that includes an electric motor, propeller and controls, and is affixed to an angler's boat, either at the bow or stern. A gasoline-powered outboard used in trolling, if it is not the vessel's primary source of propulsion, may also be referred to as a trolling motor. Trolling motors are lifted from the water to reduce drag when the boat's primary engine is in operation.
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Uses
- Trolling for game fish; a motor used for this purpose is usually a secondary means of propulsion, and mounted on the transom alongside the primary outboard motor or on a bracket made for the purpose.
- Auxiliary power for precision maneuvering of the boat, to enable the angler to cast his bait to where the fish are located; trolling motors designed for this application are typically mounted in the bow.
- Primary source of propulsion for smaller water craft, such as canoes and kayaks, and on lakes where the use of a gasoline-powered engine is prohibited; usually transom-mounted.
History
The electric trolling motor was invented by O.G.Schmidt in 1934[1] in Fargo, North Dakota, when he took a starter motor from a Model A Ford, added a flexible shaft, and a propeller. Because his manufacturing company was near the Minnesota/North Dakota border, he decided to call the new company MinnKota. The company still is a major manufacturer of trolling motors.
Design
Electric Trolling Motors
- Modern electric trolling motors are designed around a 12-volt, 24-volt or 36-volt brushed DC electric motor, to take advantage of the availability of 12-volt deep cycle batteries.
- The motor itself is sealed inside a watertight compartment at the end of the shaft. It is submerged during operation, which prevents overheating.
- The propeller is fitted directly on to the propshaft.
- Hand-control: tiller for steering, with speed control either built in to the tiller or a control knob on top of the unit. Hand controlled trolling motors are attached to the boat with a clamp.
- Foot-control: on/off and speed controls are foot-operated, and built into a pedal that also controls the steering mechanism. Steering may be via electronically controlled servo motors, or in early-model (and late-model low-end units), a push-pull cable. Foot controlled trolling motors require a specialized mounting bracket that bolts horizontally to the deck.
- Wireless remote: available on high-end late-model trolling motors. Servo-controlled steering and speed control both respond to a wireless device, either in a foot pedal or a key-fob transmitter (similar to an automotive remote keyless system).
Gasoline-powered Trolling Motors
- Small outboard motors are frequently used as trolling motors on boats with much larger engines that do not operate as efficiently or quietly at trolling speeds. These typically are designed with a manual pull start system, throttle and gearshift controls mounted on the body of the motor, and a tiller for steering, but in a trolling application, will be connected to the steering mechanism at the helm.
See also
References
- ^ Williams, Matt (2008-08-20). "Trolling motors 101". FLW Outdoors. http://www.flwoutdoors.com/article.cfm?id=148958. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
External links
Media related to Trolling motors at Wikimedia Commons- This site offers an easy do-it-yourself repair for broken skegs.
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