New guy has Minn Kota prop question

[a1bigtuna]

I have a little 32 LB electric Minn Kota with a weed guard on the motor. My question is will that decrease my usable thrust? I only have an 8 ft Creek Company pontoon boat, so it is not a matter of any deal regarding speed, just want to conserve battery power. And, is there a "magic or sweet" depth for the motor to be in the water? Thanks, just joined this site.

 

[steelespike]

Re: New guy has Minn Kota prop question

Years ago I had a 17lb thrust trolling motor on an 8 ft plywood punt it did amazingly well with 2 adults and 2 kids.(about as fast as you would want to row for any extended time)Your weed guard will slow things a little and may cause some venting near the surface.I allways ran my motor as high as possible for the conditions.
Smooth water you could run higher than when there was chop.The less you drag throught the water the faster you can go.Needless to say you aren't likely to be able to tell the difference.Select your trolling motor battery by weight a groupe 27 or 30/31 will run longer than a 24.The less it discharges each use the more charge cycles it will take. I like the Deka groupe 31 deepcycle.Can't remember the exact number.