70# Minn Kota Riptide on Pro Angler

I just purchased a 2023 Pro Angler 14, on clearance. I think I got a great deal and it should be delivered this next week. I already have a 70# Riptide with gps and spot lock on my full size boat with a quick release mount. Has anyone else ran a 70# bow mount motor? I searched for weight differences between the 70# and the 55# motor, but couldn’t find it. It would be real convenient to be able to move the motor between boats.

I'm sure you could figure a way to make the motor fit - I think the space requirements are similar for most bow mount units. Plus, a PA has a huge weight capacity, so that isn't likely to be an issue when looking at the motor itself.

Powering it might be tricky. 70# motors are usually 24 volts, which means either two mediumish 12v battery or one large 24v battery. Deck/hatch space will likely be a factor, and you will probably want lithium, which gets expensive fast in sizes appropriate for big trolling motors. 

Definitely curious to see what you end up doing with it though - would be a pretty sweet ride if you get it sorted out!

I'm sure you could figure a way to make the motor fit - I think the space requirements are similar for most bow mount units. Plus, a PA has a huge weight capacity, so that isn't likely to be an issue when looking at the motor itself.

Powering it might be tricky. 70# motors are usually 24 volts, which means either two mediumish 12v battery or one large 24v battery. Deck/hatch space will likely be a factor, and you will probably want lithium, which gets expensive fast in sizes appropriate for big trolling motors. 

Definitely curious to see what you end up doing with it though - would be a pretty sweet ride if you get it sorted out!

Weight capacity is 600# hopefully I stay away from that! I already have 1 12v 100ah lipo mini smart battery and planned to buy a second one to run in series. The aftermarket bow mounts for the PA do not list a max thrust size.

Yeah, I didn't look it up, but I figured the capacity was pretty big. I was thinking closer to 450lbs, haha.

Sounds like you have a plan, just gotta put all the pieces together. 70# motor will be zippy for sure! 

No one could give me a response to this and I posted it on several different sites. I decided to order a 55# riptide tonight. Ordered the remanufactured unit for about the same as I could sell my 70# Minn Kota for. I was not crazy about the extra motor weight and torq on the kayak and having to deal with an extra battery, every time I load and unload my kayak out of the back of my truck, typically.