trolling motor, size question

[chipman]

hello everyone

I have a 1982 ranger bass boat "17 foot" i have an evenrude 150 on it,

I plan to mount a bow mount trolling motor, my boat is set up for a 24 volt trolling motor, it has the 24v plug up front and the battery selector switch and power gauges, at the bow
my question is how big of trolling motor do i really need to move this boat around, i usually only have to move short distences, and sometimes run jug lines and have to move some distence. how much thrust should i look for, do i need 12v or 24v,

getting batteries are not a problem i work for a battery manufacture and can get the big long lasting batteries, eg die hard and odyssey, these are very good batteries and i can get them for $30

any help would be apreciated, i don't want to waist money on a motor that is too small, or too big

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trolling motor, size question

Since you get batteries on the cheap, use the savings to buy a bigger troller. A 24 volt, 70# motor would serve you nicely. But then so would a 12V 55# MinnKota/MotorGuide digital.

 

[Paul DuLaney]

Re: trolling motor, size question

I have a Motor guide wireless 12 volt 55lb on my 2001 Tracker Q3 fish/ski with a 150efi and love it. I can control the boat when landing fish from any were and not have to worry about the wind taking me in circles.

 

[Calhere]

Re: trolling motor, size question

I also had a motor guide on the ranger we had until I was like 22 believe it was the 55# worked great on the 18ft ranger we had.

 

[chipman]

Re: trolling motor, size question

so it sounds like anything above 55#, i have also heard that the foot controlled trolling morors are hard to operate, im sure i can get the hang of it with some practice, i have used hand controlled ones bub never a foot controlled. how hard are they to use?

 

[Calhere]

Re: trolling motor, size question

Well for me its almost second nature as thats the only kind ive used but id assume it would be harder then a hand operated one.

 

[chipman]

Re: trolling motor, size question

thanks for the advice, i have another question, i found a 70# minkota trolling motor on craigs list for $125, but the problem is it dosent have a mounting bracket, are these brackets universal or do you have to find one for spacific make/modle??? and are they expecsive to buy????