Looking for advice on trolling motor

[Jeepers]

Hey Gang,

I am looking for advice about what to do with my broken bow mounted trolling motor. I understand that it will take 230 bucks to fix this old powerdrive motor. From the repair shop I understand that this motor is almost at the end of life and parts may be hard (not possible) to find if it needs a repair again.

My questions.

Question #1
Do I put the money toward a new motor or fix the old one?

Price options include $230 fix current motor vs $500 new bow mount vs. $150 bucks new transom mount.

In light of the finanical pressures of having a newborn son may mean I may have to spend the year without trolling motor.

Question #2
Bow mounted vs Transom mounted motor. Do people have a big preference? I found the foot control of the bow mount hard to use, but maybe I am just inexperienced?

Jeepers

[nighttroller]

I can't help you with your decision to fix or buy new, I think that is a financial decision on your part. You may want to call some of the Marine sales stores in your area to see if they have used trolling motors that might save you some $$$ and give you another option. As far as a bow mount or transom mount it depends on how you usually use it. If you want it primarily for casting and moving along structure and you want to stand in the bow you need a bow mount. They do have hand controlled bow mounts if you don't like the foot control but it doesn't take too long to get used to using it and then you have hands free which in my opinion is the way to go. If you use the motor primarily to troll and you are sitting in the boat then the transome mount would be better. Hope this helps and good luck.