How much Trolling Motor do I need?

[newbie4life]

I have a 17' boat, weighing in around 1600 dry, probably around 2300 or so with all my crap.

How much trolling motor do I need to buy? I'm looking at around 50, 55 and a 24v 70lb. (MinnKota)

I don't do much puddlin' around. When we troll, it's usually with the gas engine in gear, but just idling around. It's a hair too fast, and I'd like to do a little less than that, but more than anything, I'd rather not have the engine running. Kinda seems a shame to be out in the middle of nature, and have an engine running.

I'd go with a seperate battery setup, so I don't have to worry about the engine starting after I run out of juice.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

With that much weight you need the 70# or even greater. That means 24V which means even more weight since you need two big 12V batteries in series. Go to either the Minnkota and MotorGuide web sites to view motor selection charts.

 

[newbie4life]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

Thanks for the website, Silvertip. I really do appreciate it.

I was looking more for personal experience/preference, rather than some sales tool, though.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

here's a good deal ebay # 270210213526

 

[gonefishie]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

Are you gonna use the TM for fishing or just sight seeing? If not for fishing, I'd says go for a motor mount type no less then 70lbs to be able to hold the boat or goes against strong wind effectively. With a motor mount you wouldn't even have to deploys or stows the TM.

 

[John_S]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

I agree with Silvertip, and from the type of use (trolling) you will need the two biggest batteries you can fit. Constant use during trolling will discharge batteries much quicker than the stop and go of positional fishing.

Alternatly you can look at methods to slow your boat down when using your main engine. Pro-trollers smart tabs, trolling plates, drift socks, etc.

But there is a reason why many people have a kicker for doing allot of trolling. ie, it works allot better than any of the above.

 

[pallister]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

I agree with both silvertip and imported john. Go with the 24 v and largest lb thrust you can. Also the highest quality batteries. If you are a bass fisherman you will spend more time on the trolling motor each day by far than the outboard. Some people skimp on the trolling motor not considering this. If you target say, walleye more, go with a kicker for planer boards and trolling crankbaits and use the trolling motor for rigging and jigging. Running the trolling motor in a walleye chop for a few hrs will really drain it. The extra thrust will also give you more control and quicker response in a chop or wind. Bottom line, you will never regret more trolling motor for either application.
cheers
Ken

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

I have a 70lb MK on my 17 footer and wouldn't be without it. Auto Pilot and Co-Pilot are great features too.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

I answered this question a few days ago so the thread should be in here close by. I have a 67# (I may have said 68 but I checked and it its 67) Motorguide Brute on a 17' alum boat and I maxed it out the last time I was out.

So the answer is: You can't get too much TM.

Mark

 

[newbie4life]

Re: How much Trolling Motor do I need?

Thanks for the responses, guys!

The boat is designed for skiing, and runnin' around in... but we've taken a liking to fishing...... ALOT.

That said, we go out to fish, and with 3 little girls on board, you're lucky if you make it out for 3 hours. I like the idea of trolling without having an engine running, for a few hours anyway. If I could get two hours of trolling out of it, I think I'd be happy. So, from what I'm hearing, 70lbs +, 24v setup...

Then, when we head back to the campground, how long does it take to recharge the batteries?

Thanks again for all the help. I'm getting a little ansy for summer to show up -- just had another 6 inches of snow last night.