Trolling speed

[Petty Cash]

What is the best trolling speed (knots) for tuna. I usually troll 5.5 -6 when I'm pulling ballyhoo and around 6.5 when pulling plastic. I have twin diesels. Is anybody trolling at a different speed with success.

[CClassic28]

6.5-7.2 usually works best for me, also diesel 28. @ these speeds I have no issue pulling bait with 1/2 oz. chin lead. I will vary speeds down to 5.5 and up to 8 if the fish are not biting. Always looking for a way to raise them!!


Chris

[Bullish]

I usually troll 6.5-7 knots. My opinion that the lures ride the best with my boat at this speed.

Chris, do have Volvo Diesels 43,44's or 300's? If so, do you notice that the compressors kick on when you hit about 4 knots? I have been having problems with my compressors (possibly due to the fact that they are on continuously while trolling). Any problems with your compressors?

-Jason

[backman]

6.5 with the KAMD Volvo's, 7.5 with D4's

The difference being the compressor used to kick in at 1500 RPM.

The boat and lures seem to run best at 6.5 -> 7.5 - smooth in the water and nice clean lanes around the prop wash. I periodically marlin troll at 8+ knots but the boat is plowing as opposed to sliding at that speed.

[Bullish]

Backman,

So, you used to have the KAMD. Are you saying that volvo fixed this problem of the compressors kicking on while trolling at 6-8 knots with the new model (D4)?

-Jason

[Axiom2000]

Jason,
You are saying your compressors kick in at about 4 kts. What RPM is that under normal sea conditions? I have the 43 Volvos and mine come on at 1500, although I have never tried to see how fast I can go until they kick in I can troll between 6.5 and 7 without reaching 1500.
What props are on your boat, are you loaded real heavy, is the bottom clean? Something just don't sound right that your only getting 4 kts off the comprressors.

[Bullish]

I think they kick on at 1500 knots too. Maybe I can get to 5 knots before the kick on but not fast enough for trolling tuna. This a problem that I've had ever since the boat was new three years ago. The boat is not overloaded and usually only has 2/3 of a tank of fuel by the time I start trolling. The bottom of the boat is clean. Pulled it last year with the same concern but she is clean.

Over the last week, I have finally got somewhere with Volvo on this issue. Seems there has been a software upgrade to EDC system in the last year that will fix my problem. Both EDC modules were taken off my boat and sent to volvo yesterday for the upgrade. I'll post a new thread soon once I determine that they have fixed my problem. Maybe it will help someone else.

Should I be surprised that Volvo didn't contact any customers proactively about this software upgrade??? Nope!