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I test rode a 212 CC Hydra Sport this morning, bout froze my behind off too. Anyways I like the boat ALOT. As most of us know there is no perfect boat which brings up my problem. Once or twice a year my wife and I like to go to Smith Mountain Lake in VA. It is a huge lake and offers some attractive fresh water fishing. I would love to take my new boat up there and have seen many saltwater boats on the lake. The problem??? Trolling. Is it feasible/effectively possible to mount a transom mount 74 lb 24 volt thrust trolling motor just for lake use? It would temporarily clamp on nicely by the looks of the transom. I know it wouldn't steer as well as a bow mount but that is not an option. Bow is too high and rail would interfere. I feel the the 74 lbs MAY just be suitable.(not chasing the fish on the lake) I just need it to poke around the coves and little inlets the lake has to offer without firing up the outboard and scaring away the fish. I have considered the Navigator brand trolling motor kind that mounts to the cavitation plate of the outboard but I am not a fan of drilling holes in a brand new outboard C plate. The cost would be outweighed from renting a little crappy bass boat that goes 20 MPH and does not have enough room for the wife and 2 dogs. They want $400/week for a rental. They only rent 17 footers there, unless I rent a pontoon. Two trips and the T motor would be paid for. Please don't respond and tell me to buy a second lake boat either. Silly idea or not? The boat weighs 2500 lbs dry. Motor, gear, and fuel,etc. more like 3500lbs total. Thanks guys...
bronco-I have a HS Baybolt 2300. Bowmount 65lb. MK autopilot 24V. This motor came off my last boat. Yeah a 101 lb. 36V would be ideal, but the 65 is more than adequate for my usage. On high I can make way into a 20 mph wind with no current. Add a little current and I'd need the 101. But for your useage the 74 would be fine. I think you would be pleased. JMHO.
A lot of flats/bay boats use two trolling motors set up on the trim tabs. They are angled in such a way as not to cause any drag when running. If you take the big water boat to the lake, have a little fun with the locals. Set up your outriggers and ask the guy at the gas dock, in your best fake New York City accent, "Hey Buddy, how far out do I have to go to catch a marlin?" He'll think you're the greatest. Good luck with the troll motor.
It'll work, better than you might think, but only if the wind is fairly calm. Much wind and you'll change your mind untill another day. Controlling the boat from the rear isn't the problem we might imagine though and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
I was just wondering. Was the wind blowing much when you ran that boat? Did you try running it into a stiff quartering wind?
Tom Marlowe, sales at Summerville Marine. Past Master Tech.
Bronco, what's up??? I thought you were pretty die hard for the sailfish 218?
I think that these are two really nice boats and I am glad that you liked the way the 212 CC rode. I was pleased with it also... actually please enough that I bought one.
"May your poles be bent and your lines stay tight!!!"
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2003 Hydra Sports 212 CC w/trailer
2003 Evinrude 200 Ficht
LMAO @ Captainrich...The trollin tabs appear to be nice but I don't want to spend $1600.00 for them plus batteries and indicators.
Grady-I thought the Sailfish was beautiful and I am sure it rides a little better, I like the Hydrasport better.....this week. Thanks guys any more comments???
Why wouldn't it work? I would think it would work fine as long as it's not too windy, but I also think it would work better if you had the main engine tilted up and the electric motor had its own helm/steering. While I'm drift fishing it makes a big difference which way the outboard is turned and would think it would be tougher to turn if it was still "down". This might be one of the reasons why they put "most" electric motors on the bow in the first place if you think about it. Then I guess it would depend on where you plan on fishing from the boat. Don't think it's silly at all, especially after you listed rental rates.
So, just why do you need the T/M for...your not going to be a speed demon with it..Why not do what folks up-north have been doing for years before there were T/M....they went speeding across the lake and slowed down a few hundred yards from the place they wanted to fish and just glide in and set out the anchor. Oh! you gonna play BASS FISHERPERSON...then you need a 500 HP Fire-breathing Dragon on the back and at least a 500lb thrust t/m....
Broncobirdy, I get questioned pretty stiffly when I say anything negative about a boat that I do not sell, so I'm trying to soft pedal a bit here. I've ridden in the 212 in a stiff, quartering breeze. I'm betting it was a calm day when you tested it.
Tom Marlowe, sales at Summerville Marine. Past Master Tech.
Boatdood- I understand your question. I was on one in August, 20 miles out and I would tend to agree. For me looking at the big picture, Price, dealer reputation, layout, outboard setup, and my needs, along with being safe (most important) I think it is great. Like I said in the first post. I don't think there is a perfect boat, of course that depends on $. I could find a better riding boat, but it would probably not provide the beam of this one? I am not trying to tie up 50K of my money for a boat I may use 100 hours a year on. I appreciate your candor and the tactfullness of your approach. If it is ok I would like to mention you in my book that I am writing....
So you're writing a book too? Great! I'd be glad to pose for pictures. Thanks for the laugh.
That boat is a fine boat as far as layout and construction. It is a good candidate for those spray rails I've seen lately. My old Sea Craft benefits from them nicely and I've done the same to a little creek boat of mine. The creek boat planed out quicker, ran faster, and drier.
Tom Marlowe, sales at Summerville Marine. Past Master Tech.
I totally agree with your last post Bronco. I have a 2 year old and I feel plenty safe with the 212cc. I would not purchase it if I didn't. It has great freeboard for our little one and a great beam for all of us to move around. Plus I really like the layout!
For me with the price I paid it made perfect sence, yes I could spend more and get another boat but I am perfectly happy with what the one I bought offered.
You have to give and take a little and I feel this boat gives a lot and does not take much away.
NOW BRING ON SPRING SO WE CAN GET OUT AND ENJOY IT!!!
"May your poles be bent and your lines stay tight!!!"
<*{{{{{><
2003 Hydra Sports 212 CC w/trailer
2003 Evinrude 200 Ficht
I'd just invest in a small yamaha high thrust kicker 4 stroke. They weigh about 80 pounds are quite and you can use it in the Salt water when you are not fooling around on the lake. I was recently quoted 2500 for one and it came with electric start, power trim and tilt. It seems like a more useful investment.
Ok guys ...silly question or not? 
