want fast electric troller

[basszzilla]

I have a small 12' john boat that I have been experimenting with different trolling motors. I have run everything from a 30lb to 101lb thrust motor. my problem is there is not much speed difference with the different motors. the big motors get going quicker but cruising speed isn't much faster than the small motors. I want more speed. is there such a thing as a speed prop for a transom mount trolling motor.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: want fast electric troller

I think you're running up against your boat's displacement speed, which is governed by the length of the boat. You won't get _any_ faster without lenghtening your boat, or getting it up on plane by lightening it and adding a lot of power. For that, I figure you need around 300lbs (~4-5hp) thrust or greater, in addition to the proper propeller.<br /><br />Hope this helps!<br /><br />EDIT: Clarification: by 300lbs I mean "trolling motor pounds", not actual pounds of thrust. That would depend on the prop afterall.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: want fast electric troller

basszzila. Trolling motors of all sizes are designed to only go 4 to 5 MPH. The bigger motors give you more torque only, not more speed. They are proped that way and the RPM are set to run no faster. So called "speed props" are not available and there is a reason. A prop that would give you extra speed and lower torque would draw more amps. Drawing more amps than was intended on these motors is not good for them. The motor windings cannot handle the extra load. They will overheat and eventually short out and quit. All this is what the manufacturer will tell you.<br /><br />That said, there are some options. Model airplane propellers can be easily modified to run on your trolling motor. These props have a very steep pitch compared to boat props and they will give you extra speed. The only modification you need to make is the shaft hole diameter usually needs to be made bigger and a sheer pin slot needs to be cut. You should look for a prop that has a slightly smaller diameter than the prop you're using now. This will alow it to spin faster and not draw too many amps. Also make sure you get a prop that spins the right direction, clockwise or counterclockwise. It may take a little experimenting, but the props are cheap. Around $5. Good luck.

 

[Mod2]

Re: want fast electric troller

Moving to Electronics & Trolling Motors.

 

[basszzilla]

Re: want fast electric troller

Hey Rat<br />I have looked at my local hobby store for an airplane prop, the blades seem to be really thin, is this what I want or am I looking at the wrong type. If I wanted to modify a trolling prop what direction would I go, more pitch or less. I have several props left over from other trollers. it seems that if I took a smaller prop and gave it more pitch that would give me more speed or a larger prop with less pitch, how is my thinking here. I have equipment in my shop to I think will work for modifying a prop with out distorting it and balance shouldn't be a problem. any thoughts?<br />thanks

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: want fast electric troller

basszzilla, Those thin airplane props are what you want. You are guaranteed more speed and they won't draw too many amps. Modifying a trolling prop would work too, just a little more difficult. I have never tried that, but I know the plane props work. I'd try both! It might be worth your time to get an ammeter and check the amp draw when you're running these different props. The wrong prop will fry these motors. Other than that, have at it. Let us know how it goes and what kind of speed you get. I had an older MK Endura 36# that I modified with a plane prop. It increased the speed on my canoe from around 5 to 8 MPH. Doesn't seem like much, but it sure felt like a lot. It was a dog to respond though and any sharp turns would cavitate the prop. Once you got moving though, it was great. Good luck.