Trolling motor

[Jdip83]

I recently bought. A 18 ft 65' Newport with a Merc 120

Guy had it rigged with a trolling motor
Basically a 2x8x18 with a 3 point mount to stern of the boat.
Went with him for a ride when I bought it and it worked pretty well. But didn't come with the boat.
Will post a picture tomorrow

So Bastille I'm wondering what size should I buy
I want to use it in salt and fresh, delta,bay,lake, river
But i don't see my self taking the boat off shore.
Any idea what size I should use
Thrust wise
All I see online is thrust not horse power
No idea what the horsepower is on a 40 lbs thrust

Maybe I'm in the wrong area to post this thread but couldn't find a better area to post it.


Any help would be great

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Trolling motor

Electrical, electronics, audio and "trolling motors" forum.

 

[msgcoons]

Re: Trolling motor

http://www.minnkotamotors.com/home.aspx

 

[Slow Ride]

Re: Trolling motor

If you plan to use it in salt water I suggest you spend the extra money and get one that is designed for salt water use. Yes they are more expensive but it really is a must. It literally only takes once to ruin a nice motor in salt water. As for size, there are many places to find the right size for your boat. Here's one http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...29748&storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1
They are normally based on length but weight and disign of the boat should be considered as well. A really heavy 17 foot boat or a boat with a tall profile (because of the wind) could require quite a bit more thrust. As a general rule, more is better because it will keep you from running the motor at full thrust which is least effienct. A bigger motor at half power is better than a smaller one at full power. Plus, if you have one of those days when the wind is blowing, you will need all the thrust you can get. I live and fish on the gulf coast of Tx where the wind is always blowing 10-20knts and more on many days. If I owned your boat I would be looking for something in the 70lb class. I think minkota and riptide both make a 75lb motor. That is where I would start. Be sure you get the right shaft length.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: Trolling motor

I owned a trolling motor shop in the Tampa Bay Area and I agree with the above post. The more motor with the least amount of "extras" the better. I must be made for salt and the connections need to be bullet proof. A riptide is a MinnKota.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor

You might also consider that a 55# thrust motor is as big as they get using only 12 volts (one battery). To get more thrust than that you are in 24 volt (two batteries in series). I'm guessing, but a 1965 18 foot boat is probably not a lightweight so motor selection is critical. How you fish as weather and water conditions are, as pointed out, also critical measures.