Trolling motor, what to look for

[njdrt-rdr]

I'm just starting out with my first boat. A mid 60's montgomery ward sea king row boat.
It's 12 feet with a capacity of 500 lbs.
I'm going to get a transom mounted trolling motor.
How big or small of one do I need and how do I figure out what length shaft I need?

Also if looking at used ones, what do I check, other than to hook up a battery and see if it works in all gears and now play in the prop I assume.

I'm trying to keep the cost of this boat way down. I saw one trolling motor for sale, it was a 17lb, but I didn't know if that was big enough.

I'll just be fishing in lakes with this boat.

THanks
Nick

 

[Rick.]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

Would it be your only motor or will you have a gas engine too? Rick.

 

[njdrt-rdr]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

It will be the only motor.
Most of the lakes around here are electric only.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

I would look for a MinnKota. There are plenty around and much easier to get repaired than anything else.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

I would not go less than 32 lbs. of thrust. Shaft length will not be a concern for the transom but the shorter the better. Minn Kota is a good choice. Rick.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

There are no gears on an electric trolling motor. Forward the motor runs one direction. Reverse it runs the other way. Agree with the size limit. 24 or 26# would be the absolute smallest and 32 would be ok. Anything bigger than that would be overkill but even a 40# would be ok. You can obviously adjust the speed so you can't go wrong going too large -- you can go wrong going too small. Yes - make sure the motor runs both forward and reverse, and that it works on all speeds in both directions. Turn the prop by hand. It should turn freely but you will feel a slight jerkiness due to the action of the magnets in the motor. This is normal. If the motor seems to turn hard there may be fish line wrapped around the shaft between the prop and housing. This can cut the seal allowing water inside and rusted internals and bearings.

 

[njdrt-rdr]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

Thanks folks, the only used one that was worth the money was a 17lb, that is too small. I've seen 30lb ones used, but at the price they want which is like $80, I can get a brand new minn kota 30lb for $109, so I'd probably just go new with this.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

Thanks folks, the only used one that was worth the money was a 17lb, that is too small. I've seen 30lb ones used, but at the price they want which is like $80, I can get a brand new minn kota 30lb for $109, so I'd probably just go new with this.

Thanks,
Nick

Wise choice.

 

[fishinrado]

Re: Trolling motor, what to look for

well I have had a couple of boats with just electric power and I would say get all you can for thrust. I have a 50 and a 36 (50 on transom and 36 starboard mount) on my 14 alumacraft. when the wind comes up you'll go nowhere fast being under powered.