Troller on a Puma?

This topic has 9 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 9 months ago by clownshoes.

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September 11, 2009 at 5:07 am #338739

jpeiserich
Participant

Guys, I am trying to figure out what size and make troller I should get for a new Puma. I like the 24 volt system because the will still run even on 12 volts, so you are just dead in the water, but I am concerned that a 36 volt is necessary to drag around a Puma. Because MG and Mercury were running a special where you got 5 year warranty on both if you bought them together, I had a motorguide. What make and models work best on a Puma? John

September 11, 2009 at 8:07 am #338758

ClintB
Participant

I have the T82 on my Puma and it does great…even in high winds. I got the 24 volt so as not to have the extra weight of the 3rd battery (36v). As long as youve got two good batteries youll be fine. The only advantage I could see with the 36v would be if you fished river systems with alot of current.

September 11, 2009 at 10:50 am #338776

Mike Whitten
Participant

Got to disagree on this one. The TE 109 MG is much stronger, and more efficient on battery use than the 24v. The TE 82 is a good motor, and if you never have to fish in strong winds, current or with a fully loaded boat, then it will work for you, but the additional power and battery life on a 109 is worth the difference to me And, you DO NOT have to run 4 batteries in your Puma to run a 36 v trolling motor. If you will run 3, 30/31 series batteries( I use SCS 225 Trojans) you will have all the power and reserve capacity you need to handle a 250 Optimax and still fish all day. Just be sure to properly charge them every time, and to check water levels in the batteries. Ive run this setup for over 15 years with no problems at all. Mike Whitten/Germantown, TN

September 11, 2009 at 1:14 pm #338795

txpuma.basscatowners
Participant

I second Mikes comments 100% I have the same setup now on my 2008 Puma and had the same on my old Jaguar as well. This is really the best the way to go. Scott Callaway

September 11, 2009 at 1:19 pm #338816

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Guys, Thanks for the input. Mike addressed one of my primary concerns, if I run 3 batteries will I have problems with the high amperage requirements in a 250. So that leads to another question. If you run three, how to you feed out of the alternator to charge when you run? Thanks again. This is always the best place to figure out your options. John

September 11, 2009 at 1:28 pm #338833

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It is a matter of your preference, though if you fish in a river current would effect our decision also. The 80-82 is more than probably 80% will ever need, and the 101-109 is overkill on all of the 20 models and below. The three battery system does work fine on any with a good strong cranking battery in AGM style we have found. BCB

September 11, 2009 at 1:55 pm #338849

DDittrich.basscatowners
Participant

I do not fish current often up here in the land of 10,000 lakes. I have an 07 Puma with a 80lb MinnKota and have been more than happy with its performance.

September 12, 2009 at 12:27 am #338865

Puma Jim
Participant

My 08 puma has the mk 101 36 volt and I love it. I will never go back to a 24 volt system and like Mike said it is easier on the batteries because they do not work as hard. I have four batteries and never notice it. I won a tourney recently fishing in 40 mph winds on the windy side while everyone else got out of the wind because their 24 volt system would not last all day or they could not control their boats.

September 12, 2009 at 2:18 am #338887

Mike Whitten
Participant

John, To answer your last question, your alternator will ONLY charge the cranking battery, it has NO impact on the trolling batteries, whether 2 or 3. There are charging systems which will charge on the run, and I have used one for years. BassCat does not offer or support them, but Ive had good service from them. IF you want to discuss those options privately, shoot me an email at mdwhitten@comcast.net. The key to making a 3 battery system work is to use big batteries–at least 27 series, and 30 or 31 is even better. Let me know if you have questions. Mike Whitten

September 12, 2009 at 4:18 pm #338906

clownshoes
Participant

What is the net difference in a battery and an onboard charger? I dont have an onboard charger but have 4 batteries. The real debate here is speed right? The weight of the troller on your nose means more than anything in the rear.C.O.D. Jr. III
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