Gents,

I'm going to be doing some upgrading to my boat (18' glass nitro 90hp merc). I'd like your input on a few things:

1. the best top-shelf 12v trolling motor

2. the best economical 24v trolling motor

Also, how much work would I be looking at to put one of the recessed foot-pedal mounts on a glass boat? I'm looking to re-carpet in the future and am considering doing both at the same time.

I'd not get a 12v.  They are not efficient.  Get a 24v around 65# of thrust and a couple of good deep cycle batteries of 185-200 reserve amps.  You can go all day and have no noticable power drop off.

I have a flat foot in my champion.  You need to know what is under the deck before cutting that big hole.  I couldn't make myself do it so I had the people who handle the produce install it.  It cost me an extra $100 but I didn't have any stress and didn't screw anything up.

I totallyl agree with the 24-volt trolling motor.

What a difference it makes.

Interesting option to install a recessed area for the trolling motor foot pedal.  

I may consider that after I get my Shimano CORE.

I agree with Jigman! I have a 99 Bass Tracker 175 Pro with the factory 12V 43ftlb trolling motor, and it does ok on calm days,but on windy days or fishing in strong current it's barely enough. At the end of the day you can tell a loss in power. I also have a Flat Foot that I installed in my boat. It definaitly helps relieve some of the low back fatigue, and helps me to keep my balance a little better. If you are a hands on type of Person with a little talent then you may want to try to install it yourself. Just think things through before you act. Measure twice cut once!   My istall wasn't bad, But my deck is plywood.

Hey JigMan, have you noticed any issue with your deck after installing your flatfoot??? I have been told if I cut the hole in the deck it will compromise the strength of the deck but I really need the flatfoot to help my knees and back. Do you know if any structural bracing was added when yours was installed???