Trolling Motor Size

[millerb270]

I'm debating whether to buy a 9.9hp trolling motor or a 15hp trolling motor. Concerns: will a 9.9 be large enough to move a 28' Bayliner 2859 decently into the wind for trolling and would it be large enough to move the boat around 10 mph if the big motor conked out? Thoughts and opinions welcome!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Trolling Motor Size

Go with the largest kicker you can handle on the boat. I doubt that even the 15 will give you 10 mph with a 28' boat.<br /><br />The trouble is that you're either slogging along at displacement speed or you're on plane to go faster.

 

[Chief101]

Re: Trolling Motor Size

You'd need a 25 hp kicker on that boat..Chief Chief

 

[glasply1]

Re: Trolling Motor Size

If you do go to a 9.9, I would definitely go with a high thrust model (low gearing). I'm getting conflicting info from dealers on capabilities of 8 vs. 9.9 for a kicker. One even had the hutzpah (sp) to tell me that he knows some guys in Alaska that use the Yamaha 8hp high thrust for boats up to 30'. I'll bet! Lots of power but no 'peed.

 

[glasply1]

Re: Trolling Motor Size

Also, my 9.9ht pushed my 24' heavy boat to about 6mph.<br />Try to borrow one from a buddy or dealer to try out. Definitely don't want one that won't meet your needs or expectations, although I think 10mph for your heavy boat might be tough to achieve. Also, how much weight can your transom and bracket handle?

 

[glasply1]

Re: Trolling Motor Size

Also, my 9.9ht pushed my 24' heavy boat to about 6mph.<br />Try to borrow one from a buddy or dealer to try out. Definitely don't want one that won't meet your needs or expectations, although I think 10mph for your heavy boat might be tough to achieve. Also, how much weight can your transom and bracket handle?