Trolling Motors - What to look for?

[jayard78]

I have a 18ft bass boat that I use in saltwater (fl.) where there are lots of flats. I am looking into getting a used trolling motor and have seen some inexpensive ones w/ 30 lbs. of thrust and some more expensive ones with 50 lbs. of thrust. What should I be in the market for for my size boat?

What are things to look for in trolling motors? Can they all be used in saltwater or should I get a specific kind?

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Trolling Motors - What to look for?

I have an 1848 jon boat, which is probably easier to push/pull around
than your 18' bass boat. I have used a 55 lb transom mount, and a
40 lb bow mount. The 40 was ok for positioning purposes for fishing,
but it didn't have enough power for getting around, especially when the
wind was up or on a river. I put the 55 lb. on the bow with one of the
special adapter mounts, and it works much better. I sit there and need
to have a hand on it for steering and speed control, but it works great
for both positioning and getting around.

For your 18' bass boat, I'd suggest a 70 lb or more. If you know an electric
trolling motor only lake, check with the boaters there for some good advice.
Also read up in the trolling motor forum.
Good luck!

 

[John_S]

Re: Trolling Motors - What to look for?

If you sit in the bow allot and want precise control a cable steer will be good. If you want to control it from anywhere in the boat a power drive with wireless remote would be a good choice.

The saltwater models have sacrificial anodes, but don't know about other differences.