what size of trolling motor?

[canoboy1983]

I have a 89 wellcraft 170 that i use mostly for taking the family out on the lake but I also go fishing with it and wanted to put a trolling motor on it. Can you put a trolling motor on a boat this big and if so what size would I need? thanks.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

50-75lbs should do it. If you go bigger than 50-55 then you'll be in 24V territory, which requires two batteries.

 

[canoboy1983]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

great. thanks for the quick response.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

Because of space considerations, and unless you are die-hard fisherperson, a 55# MotorGuide or MinnKota electric steer bow mount will work for you. However, if you frequently fish under very windy conditions you might want to pop for something bigger which, as was mentioned, puts you into the 24 volt category.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

great. thanks for the quick response.

No problem...and welcome to iboats

Are you leaning towards a bow-mount? If you want to spend some cash and get something really cool you can get a wireless remote from MinnKota so that you can zip around from the helm without messing with a foot control.

 

[WATERHAM]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

One thing that wasn't mentioned was shaft length (get your heads out of the gutter!!!) The longer shaft the better on a deep v, if you're going to b e fishing in any kind of wind/ waves. Keeps the head in the water, therefore moving where you want to move. My advice on thrust size, if weight isn't an issue and carrying another battery onboard won't bother you, higher thrust motors would be my choice. The Minnkota's are almost all variable drive systems (it's not an all or nothing motor) they also have a battery saver feature. I could river fish with mine for a day and a half before batteries needed attention. Autopilot is an AWESOME!!! feature if you'll use the motor alot. Can even use the autopilot to assist in keeping a course when trolling. If you look at upgrading in a few years, you'll definately get your money back on a bigger motor.

 

[John_S]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

On fiberglass bowriders finding a good mounting position can be a challenge. Check a couple of different models or brands to see if one will make that easier on your boat, vs another. A removable mount is usually a good idea for a family bowrider, too.

 

[swmpman]

Re: what size of trolling motor?

I don't know if you have thought about it or how well they work but they also have the trolling motors that mount to you main motor. You can get them in different sizes and they will not interfere with anything up top.