Trolling motor thrust???

[a brickhead]

Hi...I'm looking to buy an electric trolling motor for a 14ft fiberglass V hull. How many thrust pounds would be a good start without having to go to 24volts??? Thanks for any input guys.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

The cutoff for 12 volt motors is 55 pounds. Anything more than that you are in 24 volt territory. The size you need is like any other power plant. It depends on how you intend to use it, the weight of the boat, the size of the lakes/rivers you will use it on, windy impoundments, etc. If you want to troll against a river current or need to constantly fight wind for example, you would want 50 - 55 pounds. If you fish smaller, fairly protected lakes and don't need to fight wind or current, 30 - 40 pounds would work. These motors come in a couple of technologies as well. The cheaper motors with three or four speed settings use power wasting "speed coils" to control speed. MinnKota and MotorGuide both have electronics in their better motors that are much more efficient at slower speeds which greatly increases run time. However, at wide open settings, it really doesn't matter what you buy. Therefore, if you buy an inexpensive, lower power motor but run it wide open most of the time, you might be better off with a bigger motor with the Maximizer (MinnKota terminology) as you can run it at a slower setting, thus saving some battery.

 

[a brickhead]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

So, is it safe to say, a 24 volt system with a larger motor (55 lbs or more) is more versatile AND more efficient with it's power usage. I fish in Maryland where the more popular reseviors are electric only. I plan on using a fishfinder as well (I'm not sure if these are even a factor when considering power usage.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

i have a motor guide W45 wireless on my 18' center console, and perfectly please. with the energy efficent trolling motor, and fish finder. you might consider going with 2 6volt deep cycle batteries, wire in series, they will last longer than 1 12 volt.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

If you routinely fish "electric only" lakes you definitely want one of the "efficient" motors. You don't need 24 volts as thats overkill. A 50 - 55 would be fine and if run time is not enough on a single battery, add a second in parallel. It's far less expensive than a 24V motor.

 

[a brickhead]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

Well....I just pass up the deal to buy a used 36 lb Minn Kota for $50!!! I think this may be a little light for a 14ft V-hull, but I couldnt resist it. Now, I need learn a little about basic electrical systems. Why would 2 6volt deep-cycle batteries be better than 1 higher powered 12 volt system?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

The batteries are nearly the same size so the components in them can be built heavier than in a single 12V. Hence longer run time. That comes at a price however -- twice as much space, twice as much weight, and probably twice as much cost. Why not just two big 12's in parallel if you need that much power. You obviously still have the twice as much cost factor.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

Actually the excellent deep cycle 6 volt golf cart battery is very cost effective and an excellent power source. Much better than the typical
12 volt deep cycle.Heavier yes but weight is power.

 

[sch_m5]

Re: Trolling motor thrust???

I have 14' aluminum and 40lb electric. I would say it is min for such boat w/ two people in it. You are fine w/ smaller motor when just trolling but when you need to go about a mile or so even on small lake protected from wind you will really enjoy bigger motor.

As battery conserned, I would go w/ two 6v golf cart batteries or two group 27 in paraller. Not less, especially when you fish all day on electric motor only water. And I think the first is better.