Electric Trolling Motors

[bayliner19]

I have just acquired an engine mounted 35 pound thrust electric trolling motor. My question is: will this be powerful enough to push my 19' Bayliner? I have looked at several charts and some say yes, and some say no.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Yes

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Anyone have any thoughts on how much thrust I will need for a 17.5' tri-hull? I really don't know what it weighs but I am guessiing about 2,000 pounds with gas, gear and a couple of people.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

I have a 75#er on my 21'er.
I had a 35# on my 18'er though and it did quite well if the wind wasn't blowing.
The more you have the better off you are, IMO.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Until 12/31/07, Minn Kota has a "Free Co Pilot Transmitter" offer on their trolling motors.

With a Terrova BOw Mount Trolling Motot AND Wireless CoPilot System you get a $69.99 remote looking thing.

With any PowerDrive V2* Bow Mount Trolling Motor AND Wireless CoPilot System you get a wireless remote looking thing. A $49.99 Value.

ALSO, until 12/31/07, Minn Kota offers a rebate on their on board chargers. From $25.00 up.

FYI

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Anything over 55# of thrust and you are in 24 volt country which means two batteries in series and you are probably pressed for room already. A 55 will work just fine.

 

[rndn]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

I have a 55# on my 21 foot Crestliner. The boat and stuff weighs close to 2500# and the trolling motor moves it just fine. Even with a good wind it still works fine.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

guys he has "engine mounted 35 pound thrust" he's going to be pushing, not pulling. i've never used on or been on a boat with one.

my suggestion is to mount it and give it a try. you already have it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

That's why I answered the way I did. If clarification is needed, 35# on the motor makes for a total of four issues. 1) control in the wind, 2) operator confined to the helm, 3) not enough power for serious fishing, and 4) it's probably an old-style, inefficient "battery eater". But if that's all you have -- that's all you have!!!

 

[rndn]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Sorry I didn't notice it was an engine mounted setup. As mentioned above you will need to try it but I would guess you may want to look for a bow mounted version. A bow mounted trolling motor allows you to help control the boat in the wind by keeping the outboard in the water.

 

[bayliner19]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

Thanks for the help guys. By the way, it is a fairly new Navigator so it should be up to date technology wise. My intent is for emergency use and perhaps a little fishing. I did not want to get into the two battery 24v game because of the weight and space taken up, not to mention chargers and all the other accessories. I guess I will just mount it and try it out, (next Spring of course).

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Electric Trolling Motors

I'm guessing it is NOT the "Maximizer" (Minnkota terminology) which is what makes a troller battery friendly. I don't know how far you expect that motor to push you in an emergency but if you need to rely on it for a mile or more it will be a slow trip and even a very large battery may not get you to the dock. Maximizer circuitry helps at low speed settings but it is of little extra value over conventional motors at the highest speed setting. Trollers are simply not intended as an emergency power source. You'd be better off with a 7.5 - 9.9 gas kicker.