Bow Mount Trolling Motors - Hand or Foot Control - Opinions Please!

Codedog	I would like to hear your opinions & preferences and/or Pros & Cons of foot steering versus hand steering for a bow-mount trolling motor.	2002-04-30
Dman	This is the best article I have found concerning your question. http://bassdozer.com/articles/crawford_trolling_motor.shtml It covers everything you will need to know. D	2002-04-30
martyscher	I've never used a hand steered troll on a bow, but I am getting spoiled with my new Minn Kota AT bow mount with foot control. Fortunately, I have a foredeck and pedestal seat A foot control gives you the freedom to actually fish while you are controlling the movement of the boat with the troll motor. I think I would want a foot control even if my troll was mounted on the stern, but I am naturally lazy. Good luck.	2002-04-30
Fishbusters	Depends upon the application. I have used both and my personal preference for a small boat is a hand controlled on the front. I like the speed I can change direction and rapid response time in case of passing over a stump or other object is shallow water. For bigger boats or ones I will not be needing to turn fast/run shallow I like foot control because of the fact it is easier to control the boat and fish at the same time.	2002-04-30
Fishbusters	Also let your battery be your guide. A foot control takes more power IE batteries to use all day than a hand controlled as you have more motors to run off of it.	2002-04-30
tcube	Peterfishbuster, I'm curious - why does a foot control use more battery? My foot control is pure mechanical - it's cable steering. tcube	2002-05-01
Codedog	Perhaps P-F-B is thinking about an Auto Pilot version that I think would have "power steering"? For those that use a hand steer version, can't you just bump or move the tiller with your foot? I know you can get foot switches for the on/off function. For those that use footpedal, have you found the long cables to be an inconvenience (i.e., tripping)? I will be placing this on my new Crestline Angler 1600 (16 foot) that does have a platform & seat up front	2002-05-01
Fishbusters	Your foot control is actually a modified hand control. A real foot control uses a motor to turn the motor right and left. What you have is great for a small "sneak" boat and offer all the advantages of hands free fishing. We used to run the motor to get to the fishing area then never ran the motor till the trip home as we would use the trees and push the boat through with our hands. I call that jungle fishing where the trees are so close and low you got to duck in the sneak boat.	2002-05-01
Codedog	Thanks Peter, My problem is that where I will be fishing normally is usually windy - esp. afternoons and there aren't a whole lot of trees to push off. Mostly reeds. And the wind an currents and tides pretty much require a trolling motor! I'm just trying to find out (mainly) the pros and cons of foot pedal (cords/cables) vs. hand steering or moving the tiller "stick" with your foot. Thanks everyone!	2002-05-01
Fishbusters	My response was to the question as to why a foot control uses more battery power. As to cabels and such I never had mine get in the way but on my other boat I found myself using my hand to turn my motor more than the foot in order to make a fast turn. Hand controls can be turned by a quick push by any body part including the hip if needed. I would let my style of fishing be my guide more than what others use. For shallow stump filled not so clear water use a hand control because you can even turn it 180 and put it on hi to reverse into a quick stop so as not to hit anything. In more open water a foot control excels because you don't have to make the quick turns but still can if you have to but it is not recommended. My style of fishing has changed as has my quarry over the years and so have the boats I have run. Now I have a pontoon and would love a foot control but happen to have a hand control which was on the other boat. I used it because instead of buying a new one all I had to do was switch it.	2002-05-02

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