Fish-Hawk.Net

I bought a Costco inflatable boat "Seahawk II"(650lb capacity) (don't laught at me cuz I can't afford to buy a real boat but like to fish in more wide range). I now want to put on a Minn Kota trolling motor but I was told that I need to put a heavy (probably 40 LB) deep - cycle marine battery for it. I am wondering if I can bring the heavy battery to the inflatable boat and yet keep the stable and room for other two or three fishing guys. Any guy here has the experience? I would really appreciate your comment.

I've never used one but I imagine they are pretty stable...

Obviously to run your motor you will need the battery...I guess I'd try to centre it somewhere in the boat...

Sorry I couldn't be more help..

RJ

Seahawk,

I know what you mean about fishing the "wide range". Lots of little lakes I'd love to fish except I cannot get my boat in there. You're going to have a blast... I'd like one of those boats too however it was hard enough getting the wife to agree to the first boat - asking for a second boat is just trouble.

Did you consider small outboard motors (2 or 2.5 hp). These weigh only about 35-40 lbs which is about the same as the battery alone ?

As to position, for a 40 lb battery, somewhere out of the way would fine but thats a guess. If you add the "typical" fisherman of 250lbs (ok me ) then thats a bigger problem to solve...

Enjoy your boat ...

John

don't laught at me cuz I can't afford to buy a real boat

Seahawk, let me assure you, no one is laughing. There is no such thing as a bad boat (well except for maybe Saskie's till he can get the leaks fixed ).

My only suggestion would be to put that battery into a battery box, whereby you can move it frequently around the boat as necessary. This give you many options depending on whether you fish alone or with a partner.

Good luck
M.T. Livewell

Hey buddy

NO ONE is laughing......
i will just say that you can get a used aluminum for less than an
inflatable.....unless it is the 125$ canadian tire ones ..they are ok but don't use a big battery etc,,,or one at all.....

be VERY care full!!!!!!!!!
you need serious ply wood on the floor.....
yes you do need a battery box....

i wood NOT use the trolling motor and just use oars.....

i have used thses thigs ...they are ok ..just that
the inflatables unless they cost 1000's are not battery friendly and
again be care full

i would say battery...trolling motor=DON'T

I like the battery box idea. They sell them with handles and external connectors for easy access. I would place the battery in the bow and run longer wires to it. I think it would distribute the weight more evenly. Enclosed in a box it shouldnt be any different than having a big tackle box up there..

dana wrote:Hey buddy

i would say battery...trolling motor=DON'T

I am little bit confused about "go or not to go" with Minn kota with battery. My Seahawk inflatable is cheap cost me $130+tax , The Minn Kota 36 Lb will be cost another 230 +tax and then bettery and I have to manage to mount the motor. Thansk your guys suggestion again. Thank you very much.

Seahawk, do you have a pic of your boat. Maybe we could help a little better if we knew what she looked like.

M.T. Livewell

Don't know for sure but I googled this picture of a seahawk 2

Would something like this work?

http://www.majorsurplusnsurvival.com/Me ... ry_Code=66

I am sure it is designed for Sevylor boats, but maybe could be modified for a Seahawk?

Hmmm. Could do without the captain, but love the First Mate!!!

M.T. Livewell

banjo wrote:Don't know for sure but I googled this picture of a seahawk 2

That is exactly the model I bought from Costco. It is not motor mount ready yet. Need some DIY job. But I have to decide if go for motor first! Thanks your guys help again. I am waiting a calm day to launch my first fishing trip with the little dinghy. BTW: I live in Quebec side(Gatineau). Is any regulation to use motor boat like this small boat on lake or river? Do I have to register some where to get a license or permit?

Seahawk, I was at Costco this weekend and saw the boat. Looks like a pretty good deal.

In terms of registration, you do not need anything unless you get over the 10hp mark.

I would caution you that this is probably not the boat for the Ottawa River. When the weather gets roughs, paddles/trolling motors aren't the greatest for getting you home in a timely fashion. However, being in Quebec, and the abundance of small lakes, this set up would be ideal.

Good luck.

M.T. Livewell

You'd probabbly need a boater's card too if you put a motor on it. It looks like its under 4 meters.

Thanks M.T. Livewell and banjo. I will probaply only use it in lakes or small resevior area like Possion blanc in Quebec side. Does the regulation Banjo talked (need boater card) is for Qubec or apply to all area? The only thing bother me is the battery weight and I am not sure if that battery has to be waterproof or put into a seal box. Is the group 24 capacity minimum required by trolling motor?

Seahawk

No matter what motor (electric or gas) you put on it, you'll need the mentioned boaters card. That is a national regulation.

I found a forum where an other user is asking the same question. http://www.myasylum.com/sbf/messages/1522.html

That board mentions that the Sevilor MM3 mount works on your boat.

In my opinion, from what a see on the internet, the Seahawk model 300,400 and 500 had a motor mount available. Whay isn't it available for the Seahawk II model. Could it be because it would be unsafe to fit one on