So, my boat partner has tossed out the idea of installing a spot lock on our 2004 24’ Cape Horn and I am not opposed however, this undertaking would be strictly an aftermarket adventure as this boat wasn’t designed for this application. Some questions

Boat has 2-150’s Yamahas i assume that there’s enough electricity to run it. Wired either to 1 or both?

Would we need extra batteries already have 2 or are spot lock for that size 36 volt systems

What are some thoughts from the offshore crowd we are getting to old to be dragging anchors out of the water, I’m 65 and he’s 69

A buddy has it on his 20 something foot cc ranger. We went out in the 2’ and it held pretty good.

Spot lock is a game changer if you’re bottom fishing small reefs. Dedicated batteries for the trolling motor would be a must for me,

I’m in a similar situation with a panga. Just wasn’t designed for trolling motor. Going to require some custom fab work first.

I have seen them on a lot bigger boats. I would think 36v would be needed, so three dedicated batteries.
Game changer and will cost some money, but pay for itself in wear and tear on your body.

Was thinking 36 volts, got a possible location for batteries in middle of boat in the small cabin area with possible wire chase running fore and aft. Mounting the unit after thinking about it is a major concern

Best thing about $$$’s is it’s split between two of us.

Gotta go to OB next weekend so gonna do some looking

They make 36V lithiums if space is a concern.

Got it on a 24’ sea hunt. Be sure and get at least the 72” shaft. I’ve got a 36v lithium running mine. It charges when big motor is running. Fished 4days in a row without charging it. Only way to go in my opinion. Get over them, lock it and start fishing. Been on mine many times alone. It’s a butt kick fishing offshore alone, but easily doable with spot lock. No way I’d try it having to hold the boat or dropping an anchor.

So, what amp/hour rating is doable looking saw anywhere from 60-110amp/h and not knowing them batteries aren’t cheap so, if space is not a problem would 3 12v hooked up to the engines be acceptable or just spend all the inheritance and opt for lithium batteries

Also what brand spot lock, we are running garmins 740 chartplottters, what lb is acceptable on the spot lock

(3) 12v are fine, you don’t need lithium. All the brands have their pro’s and con’s, but rhodan and minn kota have been doing it the longest. Buddy of mine just put a garmin on a 26’ americat. They make fishing structure really easy.

I have a 36 v 84 inch Rhodan on my 25’ Contender. The three 12v batteries are in the console. Rhodan works great

I have a 36v rhodan 84" on my 24xs. Works great. It runs off 3 batteries mounted in the bow.

Works on phenomenal on my 24 cape. Put the three batteries in the console and charger.

Google Auto Lighting of Alabama and speak with Jeffrey Fadalla. They are in Mobile and he is the man for Rhodan(sp).

Waymakers in Saraland and Tommy Parker for Minn Kota will also do an outstanding job.

Great idea! Spot lock would be necessary on a boat that size. You will kill a lot more fish

Most definitely, don't use your cranking batteries for a trolling motor. Two reasons, they probably aren't deep cycle, so that means they aren't meant to be drained, then recharged. They will fail. Second and most important reason, you won't crank your boat when you're ready to go home.

But a spot lock TM would be great on that boat. You'll definitely need a 36 volt TM.

If you don’t mind sharing some details, 36v, shaft length, make and can you shoot some pictures of mounting and batteries hook up. I got a plan in my head just gotta see if it will work,mine is an 04 I got handrails so gotta deal with it. Sent a pm with a cell number if to much trouble to post

Captain I’ve used in Destin had it on a 26’ catamaran and it held in 4’ seas. We had to go in because the waves beat us up before the batteries ran down.

I have a 36 volt 72" Minn Kota on my 24' Key West. Batteries in the console with a dedicated charger. I wouldn't want to fish without it. You will probably need to get a longer shaft for the Cape.....

I've got a Rhodan. Makes the fishing more enjoyable for the Captain but the tourists seem to toss their cookies way easy bobbing like a cork.

Learning how to drive, using a drift sock or wreck anchor with a bottom trip all also work

I would strongly consider lithium battery. Should get more charge cycles which should make it less in the long run. We just replaced our solar batteries with lithium. Went from 4 to 1. We were replacing the 4 every two years. This battery should last 7-10 years for the same money. Plus lithium batteries are coming down in price.