What size Minn Kota for emergency power?

[TomToro]

Hey folks, I'm new here. My boat is getting old and while not unreliable, I'd like to have some insurance in case it dies while the teenagers have it out.

Q:What size Minn Kota or other trolling motor will push a 18ft 4 winns bowrider or a 22ft Pontoon boat about a mile or so back home?

Q:What battery do I need for this motor and is there a charger setup I can install in each boat for this emergency that will leave the extra battery charged?

I'd like to do this for under $300 for each boat if possible.

Thanks very much,
Tom Toro

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: What size Minn Kota for emergency power?

I bought the minn kota 55 lbs thrust model (largest available for 12v) as a backup for my boat. 17' V hull runabout. I think it'll run for about an hour on full speed wiht a standard group 24 battery. Heading into the wind going upstream I don't think I'd make it a mile...Maybe, but I haven't tried

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What size Minn Kota for emergency power?

And you won't do it for 300 bucks either. For either boat you need a 55# thrust motor. There goes 300 bucks. You need at least one group 27 deep cycle battery. There goes 75 bucks minimum at a farm store. An on-board charger will set you back another $80. For the on-board charger you will need AC power at the dock. Then there are the incidentals like wiring, plugs and receptacles. If you have to pay someone for the install you are looking at about 2.5 - 3 hours per boat so multiply that by the going labor rate. And the motor you select for either boat should be a bow mount so it "pulls" not pushes. You have no room for a transom mount on a pontoon. And you have mounting issues for a stern mount on a runabout. Are you beginning to think that perhaps a good tune up on the boat and careful instruction of the teenage operators would be a better solution.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: What size Minn Kota for emergency power?

Yeah even for $300 you can probably get a decent used 5-10 hp gas outboard for emergency power.

Oh and I failed to mention....I have a transom mount, it is very difficult to steer. I got mine for $160 last season after rebate at walmart.

 

[nimmor]

Re: What size Minn Kota for emergency power?

With the kind of money you are talking you could probaly just have the motor tuned up and made reliable.