Gas vrs Electric

[1woody1]

Can anyone give me any information on actual on water performance of a 2.5 hp two stroke vrs. a 55lb thrust transom electric. I know there is very little relationship between thrust and hp, but what I am asking is, what is the difference on the water?<br />Thanks

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

Take a look at http://www.minnkotamotors.com/ Also take a look under 'search' above. It is not a direct comparison. Thrust from electric vs HP is different...take a look.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

woody-<br />I have seen the same type question posed here several times. I have never really seen a good answer. Obviously, you are considering getting one or the other for your boat right? It would probably be better to give specifics about your boat, what you want to use it for (speed you troll,etc), how long you troll each day, whether you need a quiet motor or not. These things could help everyone give you a rec. as to which they think would do better for your setup. I had the same dilemna as you and went with an electric trolling motor for my 15' whaler as I dont troll more than a 2 hours or so and usually use mine for maneuvering around the marsh more than trolling.

 

[1woody1]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

In reference to my initial post - I have the chance to buy a 2.5hp merc for a reasonable price. I can also buy a Minn Kota 55lb. thrust, reconditioned electric for about 130.00. I have a 17 ft. walk-through which is about 1200 lbs. I need a trolling motor but have never used an outboard as small as 2.5hp or an electric larger than 35lbs. which is what I have on the boat now. It just is not enough in any windy condition. Does anyone have experience with a small two stroke and / or a larger thrust electric? Trolling is my main reason for either.<br />Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

1woody1,<br />For straight line trolling I would go with a 5 HP or above outboard. For fishing where a true trolling Motor is required, such as bass fishing on a lake, then I would opt for the 55 LB trolling Motor, as you will have much more control and "Quiet Performance". A 55 LB will handle your boat fine in all but the windiest conditions.

 

[Beaux]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

If you are going to use it exclusively for trolling....and you already have a working 35lb electric for maneuvering when fishing quietly, then I would go with the little 2.5hp (or a 5hp is even better). Main benefit is an unlimited fuel supply from your main tank. If you are in windy conditions or strong currents, you will have to run that 55lb electric at such a high speed that you will use your deep cell battery's reserves fairly quickly. Good luck

 

[SCO]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

If you can find from the manufacturers literature how many watts you draw, you can convert that power unit to horsepower units for comparison. 1 hp=746 watts(approx). Amp consumption will give you a measure of how fast it will drain a battery. Anything can supply thrust, but at what speed? The analogy is the cigarette lighter air compressors which work great but take a while. I don't have one but am often impressed with the way other fisherman zip around with their foot operated electrics. They are really good for covering an area much like I do via wadefishing. I wouldnt think it would be good for straight trolling because of the energy consumption problem. Batteries just dont have anywhere close to the energy density of gasoline or we'd all be driving electric cars. They move faster than I can wade...guesstimate is 3 to 5 mph. Forktail, I bet you know without looking in a book or making calculations how many lead acid batteries are required to match the energy of a gallon of gasoline.

 

[BassMan283]

Re: Gas vrs Electric

Well, on a 1200lb boat, a 35 lb troller is going to be disappointing. IMO, a 55 will be great and much more convenient to use than a gas kicker.