Help - need to slow down a twin diesel

[Neurodic]

Gentlemen - I fish with a friend on his 31' sportfish w/twin diesels. Use the boat mostly offshore but also use it for the trophy striper season on the Chesapeake. Fish 13-14 rods w/planer boards. Idling one motor gets us 4 knts. To get to 2.5 - 3 we need to drag a sea anchor. I am sure this spooks the fish a bit. Anyone else have this problem and if so whats your solution. Trolling valves are not being considered. Lookin for ideas. Thanks

Paul

[baitkiller]

get a small set of props for striper season

[CB Haws]

Drag two sea anchors off the bow. One on each side. Just use short lines to keep them out of the running gear. If the hull does not spook the fish this will not.

[tkbsurf]

What make / model gearboxes are you running? Maybe trolling valves would be an option.

[Cracker]

I also assume you leave the non running engine in gear to create drag? I used to use a sea anchor on my old boat and would catch plenty of fish. Use it off the bow as CB Haws suggested.

[Neurodic]

Thanks for the replies guys.

CB - as stated in original post we already drag a sea anchor from the stern cleat. Dragging 2 from the bow is an interesting idea but I have some concerns about the anchors coming in contact with the hull and rubbing the bottom paint.

Paul

[Capt John1]

You need a trolling valve on one of the gear boxes or swap out the props during striper season.

[PtJudeRI]

Trolling valves is the way to go....don't mess around with the anchors, it will get boring really fast. Plus you are just dumping fuel at that point as well... the trolling valves will work better in that regard as well. This is the proper action, other than getting a new set of wheels, for your dilemma.

[Cousin Eddie]

Amish Outfitters trolling bags are the standard for Great Lakes Salmon trollers. One off each side.

http://www.amishoutfitters.com/buggybag.htm

[jimbo62]

it is a fairly common problem. unless you have trolling valves or a low idle switch, you are looking at bumping one engine in and out of gear. It's a lot of work - you have to keep an eye on your speed and the depth of your lines all the time.

[TunaCrazy]

I have the same problem and looking to put a hydraulic plate on the back to slow it down.

can I add a trolling valve to a new volvo D-4 225 HP? If so what are the effects on the motor?

[tkbsurf]

TunaCrazy, trolling valves have no effect on the motor. They are part of the transmission and safely drop the pressure to "slip" the clutches. Therefore slowing down your propshaft speed. Engine speed is untouched. Let me know what transmission you have on the back of your D-4 and I can tell you if it is possible or not.

[TunaCrazy]

Well I guess they will not work for my application. I have an outdrive.

With those buggy bags, what size should i get to slow a 8K lb boat that idles at 4 knots? I would like to slow it down to 2 knots. Should i get two smaller ones or one big one like a sea anchor or something? Can you guys recommend one?

[Curmudgeon]

Should i get two smaller ones or one big one like a sea anchor or something?

Get two smaller ones, makes the drag more even and steering less problematic. I use Minn-Kota bags on a 22' that work great, 3 kts down to 1kt ...

[OnaRampage]

How about for striper season we trade boats? Mine will troll down to about 2.5 knots with no modification.

[marcus220]

did you say you have an outdrive?,like sterndrive?if yes,just get a trolling plate.happy troller makes a good one.

[marcus220]

Happy Troller® for your outboard engine

For the Fisherman who thinks he has everything!
Slows even big motors down to that “ever-so-slow” fish tantalizing speed.
A significant invention in the sport of troll fishing, Happy Troller® mounts on the anti-cavitation plate to allow fine control of trolling speed. At cruising speed, your boat’s stability is enhanced.

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Installs in 15 minutes

Stainless steel mounting hardware and installation & operating instructions provided with each unit
Two Models:
460 Large Troller.


Fits inboard/outboards plus all outboard motors 50 hp and larger.


461 Small Troller.
Fits outboard motors from 20 to 50 hp.

For boats under 20 hp, use Lil’ Fella, shown below.


(enlarge product image)



Order
Part No.
Product Name
Price

00460 Happy Troller® - Large more info
$ 135.99

00461 Happy Troller® - Small more info
$ 135.99

00468 Troller Kit more info
$ 10.99




Lil' Fella Trolling Plate™
Little brother to The Happy Troller for outboard motors up to 25 H.P.

Made of highest quality polycarbonates with stainless steel hardware.

Small Troller: Fits outboard motors through 50 H.P.

(enlarge product image)



Order
Part No.
Product Name
Price

00462 Lil' Fella Trolling Plate™ more info
$ 71.99



This item is available in more than one color or size. To order, click one or more of the checkboxes in the chart, then click the ORDER ITEMS button. This will add one of each of the selected items to your Shopping Cart. You can change the quantity for each item ionce you are n the Shopping Cart itself.

[CB Haws]

Oh yea run right and get a set of trolling valves for thousands of dollars or run a couple of sea anchors for $60 bucks or so. Oh stop crying about a little bottom paint Geeeezzzz