new guy here.. im getting all my shit together before i order my first surface drive rig. i think ive decided to go with an 18 48 with gtr 35. boat will be either a gtb, or uncle j. my questions are 1. are u guys running 24volt trolling motors. concerned about weight but really want 24v. this boat will be used as an all around fishing/hunting rig.2 what speeds can i expect with 3 batts.(1 rear and 2front ). 3. any recomendations on light troll batts? 4 with this setup will it be best to put fuel tank up front with the 2 batts or in rear with crankin batt. i know i have alot of questions but i want to set this boat up right cause i plan to keep it for the long haul. im set on an 18ft the width is still open for debate though... thanks for any advice.. oh and this forum kicks ass

a 12 v system should be plenty on a boat this size unless your in some strong current as long as you get a good batt

If your worried about weight and have deep pockets check out Odyssey batteries, they are lighter and have a smaller footprint.

If your dead set on 24v I know guys that have run a 24v system using 2 PC925's (25 lbs each) with good results but they are not trolling all day either....

Good luck on your build, nothing better

well i have a riptide 55 12v now i could take off my current boat and use but could use a lil more in the grass current boat is an 18 44 with a 40 merc tiller and the riptide just isnt enough sometimes in the marsh

I run have an 1848 uncle j with a 12 volt 46 lbs thrust motor guide and it spends more time in the mud than in clear water. It is plenty for the boat

What kind of speed u get out of that uncle j Considering his hull

I have a pd and at 3100 Rpms with me ice chest 9 gallons of gas 2 batteries and required safety equipment 27 deep water 29 shallow

sounds like i need to give him a call.. has some good looking boats and is spoken highly of