Gonna replace the trolling motor on a Champion 198 I just purchased. Which one do you recomend? I have a 80 on a 181 now. And is the universal sonar, lift assist worth the extra cash? Also is the 52" shaft the right one for this boat. Any help would be nice.

Both will work fine on your boat, I would go with the 101lb maxumm 52" with lift assist no doubt.

I might have a deal for you if you wanted a 42" shaft. I have a 2007 MK 80lb Maxxum Pro w/ universal sonar, built in transducer, lift assist, used maybe 15 times. Brand new these retail for $1100. I would let mine go for $850.

This is coming off my Dad's boat that I just bought from him.

Let me know.

Okie

lift assist is a big plus! I have an 80 on my 19 foot boat and it pushes it fine. I guess a 101 would be nice but to me wouldn't be worth the additional expense. If you do go for the 101 make sure you have room for an extra battery.

i got rid of the oil tank got plenty of room now on my 96 champion i nuclear mix by hand by 6 gallon incriments/ if you use optima they are a lot smaller

I have a 101 on a 21' boat and it works great. The three batteries are now two years old but still give it all the kick you would want. Just make sure the motor isn't pointed sideways when you hit the button, otherwise you might get wet. Get all the bells and whistles you can afford. They make life easier.

To me the simple rule is to run as big of a trolling motor as you can afford and or fit. I have never heard anyone complaine about too much motor!


ML

53" is correct if you fish big water and fish in rough water. Lift assist is worth its weight in gold! universal sonar 2 is very nice as well... no cords running up the shaft. i use 80# thrust on my 202zx... its more than enough even in rough water, plus it keeps me from having one extra battery (~ 65 pounds)....

I always go for bigger and better. Get all the power you can....

I have a 101 on mine and its never been challenged. Its never even slowed down so I am thinking of putting an 80 on it to save weight. Most guys in an Allison run either 12 or 24 volts and I think I'm overdoing it with the big boy.

thanks for the info guys,

Okie thanks for the offer, but I'm gonna go with the 101.
I like my 80lb that I have now but I do like to fish in the wind in open water cranking and carolina rigging.

I have just what your looking for and it is new in box. Minn Kota 101 us2 42" shaft with lift assist. Check the trading post for more info.

I have a 80---wish like heck I had a 101...matter of fact I will!

When the wind gets up it makes all the difference in the world and in that cas so does the 52" shaft---there is no way I would go with a 42" shaft unless my boat was a smaller boat (in that case a 80lb motor might work too!)

I have a 42" on my Ranger Z20 and its plenty long and matter of fact I keep it raised up a minimum of 4"

I have a 196 ChampN ... you want the longer shaft because of how high your Champ sits at the bow. Especially with open water rollers.

I have a Maxxum Pro 101 with a 42" shaft on my Ranger Z21 and I believe a 52" would be too long. Mine never cavitates and I think a 52 would stick up too high.

ChampN sits higher out of the water by quite a bit.