Size of trolling motor to buy

[gregtobin]

I have a '79 Glassmaster 18 foot bowrider with a 74 Merc 1150.
I'd like to buy a trolling motor for fishing and it would also be nice as a backup when my Tower of Power is acting up.

What size range do you think I need? I want to balance power with battery use. Why should I buy a 24V over a 12V motor?

Can I use the existing battery or will I need to buy a dedicated battery for the trolling motor?

Thanks!
Greg

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

The main reason for 24V over 12V is the size of your boat. 55 pounds of thrust is the largest 12V trolling motor you can buy from any manufacturer. Anything larger than that is 24V. If you fish in big water where wind is a factor, you really need a 24V motor in 60 - 74 pound range. While you could probably get by with a 55# in calm inland waters, the motor would have to run at a pretty high power setting. Whatever brand you go with, battery efficiency is best with any of the "maximizer" (MinnKota terminology) designs.

 

[ParallaxBill]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

Greg,
I just put a Motor Guide W45 wireless on my 73 18" Glassmaster BR and figure it at 45 Lbs to be minimal for my use. I haven't had it on the water yet. But, I got it at a good deal and figure that on the small lakes (35,000 acres max) I will fish on it will do alright. I could be wrong but at this time I cannot afford the higher powered models that might be more appropriate for a heavy old boat like a Glassmaster.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

greg, i like Bill have the Motor Guide W45, mines on a 17' Aluminum cc. it is more than i need. i do use a dedicated battery just for the troller. man i love the remote key fob. i hate staying in once place in the boat just to control it.

 

[gregtobin]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

Thanks for the comments so far -
I think I'll go with a 24V larger unit (60-70) as I plan to fish in the Chesapeake and it can be a long swim if the motor dies out there.

I also want to get a remote control so I'm not tied to the stick.

What's the advantage of having the motor in the bow vs. transom?

If the top of the bow is 30 inches to the water line, how long of a shaft to I need - that is, how deep does the propeller need to be?

Thanks again!

 

[wileecoyote985]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

Thanks for the comments so far -
I think I'll go with a 24V larger unit (60-70) as I plan to fish in the Chesapeake and it can be a long swim if the motor dies out there.

I also want to get a remote control so I'm not tied to the stick.

What's the advantage of having the motor in the bow vs. transom?

If the top of the bow is 30 inches to the water line, how long of a shaft to I need - that is, how deep does the propeller need to be?

Thanks again!

According to the Cabelas buyers guide you need a shaft length of 54-62 inches for a bow mount with your rail to water measurement.

http://www.cabelas.com/story-123/ro...guide/92/Trolling+Motor+Buyer%27s+Guide.shtml

If you have the room, I'd highly recommend a bow mount over a transom mount. The old adage "It's a lot easier to pull a rope than to push one" seems to apply to boats also. LOL

One caveat - transom mounts are very popular for those who like to back troll for walleye.

To get the remote, you'll pretty much have to stick with a bow mount. Personally I don't recall seeing a remote controlled transom mount motor.

I've got one of each on my boat. Can walk her sideways if I need to. LOL

Gary

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

A bow mount motor will, as was pointed out, pull the boat around vs pushing it. That may seem rather inconsequential until the wind comes up. With a transom mount motor you will spend a great deal of time correcting your course and it will take much more thrust to maintain that course. Point the bow mount where you want to go and it will pull you along that course with far less affect from the wind.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

mine runs best when it is below the keel level. and you don't get as much ventilating from the waves.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Size of trolling motor to buy

I have had both too small and more than what's required under normal circumstances.

Too small is just too small. More than is normally required doesn't have to be operated at max thrust................till you really need it. Think about that. BTDT

Mark