Considering a Rhodan for the Tsunami
 

Trying to figure out if it is doable.... For bottom fishing offshore it would be awesome but I’m wondering how long a shaft I would have to get. I’m also not digging having to put 2 big deep cycle batteries midship but the thought of being able to hold on structure without dealing with traditional anchoring is very attractive. I would also have to get used to seeing the ugly thing on the bow but it does have a quick release system.

Mount it on your transom? Or put it on a removable mount so you can deploy or stow away when needed? Do they not make trim tab mounted motors that you can Intergrate with this technology?

Hey Ken,

I have one on my flats boat. Can't say enough about it. The remote control makes the thing a breeze from anywhere on the boat. The quick release system is easy and only leaves a small 6x8 plate on the bow. I can measure the shaft length when I get home if you wish.

I have one on my 19'. I'm using a 72" 36v Terrova and it has plenty of reach even in sloppy seas. Best addition I have made. No more anchor issues. find your spot and stay there. or move over 5', or back 5' or whatever you want with a push of a button.

Hey Ken, not sure about mounting anywhere but the bow, these GPS controlled trolling motors are made for the boat to follow. If you were to put on the transom it would pull the boat stern first, not too sure about that. Plus with a 23'er you would need a 36 volt unit, 101 pounds of thrust. That being said I don't see why it would not be worth looking into. No reason it won't work on your boat, especially in calm water it would work quite well.

Don, I just made a few calls and to do it right I would have to spend just shy of $5k for everything if I install it myself. Gonna take a lot of negotiating at home to get that done.

Holy poop!!! $5k is way, way, way above my negotiating skills at this house for a GPS trolling motor!!!!!! I can't believe a GPS enabled Minn-Kota or Motorguide with extra long shaft, three AGM batteries, a bunch of #6 wire would be in that stratosphere!!!

it wasnt for me. I picked up a new, unused 36v 72"Terrova for $1700, got 3 batteries for $300. Some wire and a few connectors and away we go.

I am looking at the 84" Rhodan, three Dekka gel batteries, a compatible charging controller that allows charging from the engine, wire and custom mounting and backing plate for the bow. To add additional injury I will likely go with LI batteries to save 45% of the weight.

There is also talk of a pocket mount version coming that can auto deploy straight down with nothing on the bow. I would absolutely be fine with making the hull modifications for that.

Ken it may be time to shuck the single 300 for triple 150's
Then install the Seastar virtual anchor...:eek:

Not sure if it will work on twins though....

I have seen this system in action in a swift moving pass with trip Vrods. While it did hold the boat on location the motor were revving and shifting constantly. You couldn't have abused the motors more if you wanted too. The shifting from forward to reverse constantly has to take a toll on the lowers and everything else.

Now imagine this system in a 3 foot sea state with a 3 knot current holding position. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKPYoPVmtn0

You should take a red spray can and mark an X on the spot and your boat will drift right next to the spot all day!!😳😳

Ken - did you ever decide on a trolling motor? I know the Rhodan is all the rage on THT and the additional 12" longer than the Minn Kota would be nice. I am just not sure that a 72" trolling motor will fit on a 23' Sceptre, but less once with an 84" shaft.

The Rhodan is the ticket from what I understand. Ken, if you text me the part numbers and info, I’ll run it by my guy, and deliver to Ocala if there is a savings and you’re doing the install. He’s certified by Rhodan.

Michael.

I canned the idea due to the battery and charger requirements. The amount of weight and expense didn’t fit my cost benefit analysis being hook and line is a secondary activity on my boat.

Moose just saw a Rhodan 84" on THT in florida page 2 parts forum .

KMoose - where’d you hear about a newer version that doesn’t mount the same ?
Rhodan provides the base mount template ...and it’s currently quite large.

Got me considering this for my 23' now.

The Rhodan unit with the long shaft we need is $3k and needs 3 batteries (36v). 3 good Li batteries is $3k. Chargers, controller and hardware is another $1k. I figure to do it right with me doing the install will be very close to $8k with tax and warranty. If you did it with AGM batteries you would save $2k but add a ton of extra weight.