What size motor do i need to troll

[mauiboy]

As title says
I have a 1988 Bayliner open bow looking to troll and want to know what is the minimal size motor i can use

 

[msgcoons]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

http://motorguide.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/24611/MotorGuide-Bow-Mount-Trolling-Motors.html, I have a Bass Tracker,1035 lbs,I use a 46 lbs thrust unit,works great. Ther was a chart some,but I can not recall where I saw it,good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

1988 Bayliner "What". How big, how heavy, what load. The Minnkota and MotorGuide web sites provide all the information you need.

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

The real question is where will you be trolling and and what will you be fishing for.Will you be trolling up and down the Columbia River chasing sturgeon,salmon and steelhead or on a small local lake chasing trout and bass. If your on the river I'd say a 9.9hp min probally better off with a 15 HP for lakes and what not you would probally be fine with an electric trolling motor.

If your on the river you would probally be fine with a 7.5 or smaller motor but if your main engine breaks down it may take awhile toget back to launch especially if you have to go up river to get back.

 

[mauiboy]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

thank for the reply
my boat is a 17 foot with an 85hp force I would use it in the rivers more not sure on the weight of the boat.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

In some parts of the country electric motors work for trolling, but not here. While you can get by with a small single cylinder motor (all new ones under 6HP are singles now) you really want a two cylinder motor. The singles are loud and vibrate enough to be very irritating. You can buy an older 6 to 15HP model and be very happy.

 

[nwcove]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

a well tuned older johhnyrude 9.9 will do everything you ask of it, troll at a snails pace and get you home if your main power gives up.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

Rivers have currents of varying speed. Going upstream with an electric troller will be s struggle unless you get into the 24 volt power range (60# thrust and up). That requires two 12 volt batteries so battery space is an issue on smaller boats. NO! You cannot use the starting battery in the 24 volt system. You can of course -- but only if you want to push, pull, or paddle the boat when the batteries are dead. How far, how fast, and how long you troll at any given time determines what you need. It may turn out you need a small gas kicker rather than an electric troller. Trolling means different things to different people.

 

[mauiboy]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

Thanks guys I have a 1977 I think, I know it is a merc 7.5 And before I dump money into it I thought id ask.
once more thanks for the info. I will be fixing it

 

[nwcove]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

two mercs on one boat?? yer pushing yer luck! lol

 

[dazk14]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

Thanks guys I have a 1977 I think, I know it is a merc 7.5 And before I dump money into it I thought id ask.
once more thanks for the info. I will be fixing it

Start with checking the lower unit. Crack the lower slotted drain while upright and check for water intrusion.

 

[sschefer]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

thank for the reply
my boat is a 17 foot with an 85hp force I would use it in the rivers more not sure on the weight of the boat.

See if you can find a Yamaha T-8. Best trolling motor ever made and that's not just my opinion. I like Mercs but have been advised to stay well clear of the Pro-Kickers. I'll probably end up with a Merc 6hp 4 stroke for my 16'.

 

[woodsyfeller]

Re: What size motor do i need to troll

If you get that merc running reliably but its not enough motor to push your boat around sell it on CL Mercs go for more money then there worth up here in the NW you can take that money and buy a johnson/evinrude 9.9 or 15 hp.1974-1996 theres always tons of them for sale in the Portland and Seattle listings.