Couple Trolling Motor Questions

[RickVS]

Hoping you can help with a couple questions. 1) I have a Sevylor 12' Caravelle with a 36# Minn Kota motor. I would like more power to go against the wind at our lake, and am thinking of upgrading to a 55# MK. Will I notice much of a difference making this change given that it'll cost me a few hundred? Also 2) is there a relationship between electric # of thrust and gas HP? Like would a 10HP gas motor be equal to, say, an 80# MK?

Bonus question!!! Does anyone know what the max HP motor is that you can put on this boat? Thanks.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

Question 1. Yes, 36 to a 55 will make a very noticable difference.
Question 2. Yes, but I dont know the formulas. And there are many variables.
Bonus Question, Assuming its a tiller steer
Length of boat times transom width equals Factor (LxT=F)
Factor, HP
0-35, 3
36-39, 5
40-42, 7.5
43-45, 10
46-52, 15
for a flat bottom use one HP lower as a safe HP.
So a 12' length and 4' transom would be a factor 48 and that would be 15HP for a V bottom and 10HP for a flat bottom.

If that doesnt cover yours then you can look at the "USCG Safety Standards for Backyard Boat Builders"

 

[RickVS]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

Thanks for the info. I wonder if anyone might know, since neither one of us knows the formula, how much more powerful a 10HP gas motor would be compared to a 55# electric. We'd like to take our boat out on the lake with the electric, but I want to be able to cruise in the Chesapeake with a gas motor. I wonder if a 10HP motor would handle the Chesapeake with this boat. Thanks.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

If that thin PVC inflatable model does not have a transom built on it's back as on standard sibs and uses a motor mount system the max engine you should place would be 3.5 HP. If going electrical buy something to match that same gas HP engine. If having a built in transom the max would be a 5 HP engine. 10 HP is too heavy and powerfull for such light boat application.

Happy Boating

 

[RickVS]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

Thanks. Do you know if they make 3.5 HP 4 cycle engines? And do you think it would be a very noticeable difference from a 55# electric? If not, then there would not be any reason to switch. I'm just trying to max the boat out safely for larger bodies of water.

 

[superharmonix]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

I would like more power to go against the wind at our lake, and am thinking of upgrading to a 55# MK. Will I notice much of a difference making this change given that it'll cost me a few hundred?

I just today saw this video..This guy has a MotorGuide 55# on a similar length (as yours) jon boat. That motor gets him up and going pretty darn good. (looks like he's got some size on him too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcmGFNQ11LI

That may help. Once you go past 45# thrust, cost increases at quite the clip, then over 50# the cost increases quite a bit. I just bought a brand new MotorGuide 75# for $400 on ebay and it even came with the breakaway gator mount(mine's a bow mount) and upgraded prop. I looked EVERYWHERE and ebay was the best spot...lots of sellers with brand new motors w/ warranty, free shipping, etc. I would look there first.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

A 55 lb thrust trolling botor is the equlivent of a 1.5 hp....IE Electric trolling motors are weak and are not a replacement for outboards.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

Thanks. Do you know if they make 3.5 HP 4 cycle engines? And do you think it would be a very noticeable difference from a 55# electric? If not, then there would not be any reason to switch. I'm just trying to max the boat out safely for larger bodies of water.

There are 3.5 HP 4 strokes available, much heavier than same 2 strokes model, don't use electric motors, so wouldn't have the slight idea about their water performance compared to an outboard. If staying electrical and planning boating larger bodies of water buy a marine battery, will last longer than standard auto ones. Buy an outboard and forget about battery jumping inside sib including less distance performer.

Happy Boating

 

[joekacker]

Re: Couple Trolling Motor Questions

I have a 55 MK on my 9 foot livingston , and it is plenty of power for me to move about in the lake, and my boat is at least 4 times heavier, and it does great fully loaded. make sure you have a great battery