Re: Trolling motor and battery
Run time on an electric motor is like asking how long your flashlight will work on a load of fresh batteries. There are so many different brands and styles of trolling motors that the answer to your question can only be "it depends". The first consideration is how much battery capacity you will have. Deep Cycle batteries come in a wide range of capacities (Amp-Hour ratings). Since the troller is your only source of propulsion, you need the largest deep cycle battery you have room for. Next, there are two basic trolling motor technologies. Conventional trollers (the least expensive) use power wasting speed coils (resistors) to regulate motor speed. They get hot and consequently the motor uses nearly the same power at slow speeds as it does wide open so they are not especially efficient. Motors like the MinnKota Power Drive and MotorGuide Digitals use pulse circuitry that is far more efficient at slower speeds. I have a 55 Power Drive on my walleye boat and troll all day with no shortage of power. I realize this does not fully answer your question but at least you have some things to consider.
