How slow can you troll with Twins on C25

teedidy

Hi all, As I am trying to figure out between twins and single vs kicker I had a specific question I could not find a specific answer on. With a C25 or V26 with modern twin 90's (with troll option Honda|Yamaha|Suzuki) how slow can you consistently troll (assume no wind or current) with a single engine? I realize one can drag items (socks, buckets) to slow down, but I would like to understand what is possible with just single engine.

2nd Point, I know it would be possible to re-prop for trolling if my desired speed is not able to be reached and I could use a "High Altitude" (different pitch) prop to slow down further. My preference would be not to need to change props depending on the days activities, but I would do what is required.

Is it possible to get down below 1 MPH with a single twin on a C25/V26? Thank for your consideration. If this specific question has been answered, I looked for it and was unable to find it, please direct me to the specific thread.

-T

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 2:45 pm Post subject:

My experience is only with a single 130 on a C Dory 25, and even with with an 11" prop which we put on for Powell, we could not get below 1 mph.

I believe a better solution would be a "Troll plate", which can be adjusted, and does not require a prop change. Some of these are "automatic" and will deploy at speeds of less than 4 mph--and also have an associated foil--to improve getting on a plane, and bow down trim.

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 4:00 pm Post subject:

With one motor you should be able to get down to 1.5. We troll for salmon at about 1.5 to 3.5 depending on conditions. My 27 with a single 225 hp will troll at idle just fine.

teedidy · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 4:37 pm Post subject:

I had not seen the Troll Plate before, that is interesting. Appears to have mixed reviews in the short amount of time I searched on it. In my searching I have found "Trolling Bags" that appear to be a decent solution if I am unable to slow down enough. One on each side of the boat attach mid boat.

starcrafttom · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 4:55 pm Post subject:

I had a troll plate on a 75hp on a 16ft boat. I would not use one again. you loss a bit of steering and controlling speed is not good. You just have the one speed and thats it.

thataway · Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2017 6:13 pm Post subject:

I used the "Troll plate" as a generic term. There are some better than others. I have seen some which have "fins" which allow for good steering response.

My personal opinion is that if you are going to troll, get a kicker, with linked steering or autopilot, and separate remote controls--I think if I was outfitting a C Dory specifically for trolling, I would consider a set of controls in the cockpit for the kicker and a jog control on the auto pilot for steering. Many of the larger boats today don't have any wheel, and steer entirely with a remote hydraulic steering.