What Thrust Size Trolling Motor?

[Berdink]

What Thrust Size Trolling Motor are you running with your 16 foot or larger aluminum StarCraft?

 

[cyclops222]

Are you serious ? Or just wanting to talk ?

 

[redneck joe]

18 foot, 50 hp merc with 55 lb.

 

[Watermann]

I have an 80lb 24v on my 18" SS

 

[redneck joe]

I have an 80lb 24v on my 18" SS

Dang, how much batter you keep?

 

[Berdink]

I have an 80lb 24v on my 18" SS

I kept feeling like I needed 80lb for my 18' Holiday with a 75hp Suzuki 2-Stroke, & a 9.9 4-Stroke, but I'd really like to get by with the largest 12v available.

 

[Berdink]

18 foot, 50 hp merc with 55 lb.

How's that been working out for you?
I'd really like one with anchor mode/spot lock, but going to 24v kicks you up to $2000.
My thinking is I'd run my 9.9 kicker to assist propulsion, and the trolling motor for steering.

 

[Berdink]

Are you serious ? Or just wanting to talk ?

I'm asking specific to us aluminum StarCraft owners but most the typical fishing forums boat owners have newer aluminum boats that weigh much more than are old StarCrafts. No matter how I crunch the numbers, my 18' Holiday fully loaded with 75hp 2-Stroke, 9.9 4-stroke, fuel, batteries, ice chest, gear, and 3- 200# fat boys, I still only come up with 2200# max.
2200 x .02 = 44# thrust. Figuring wind and current and not using it as my primary means of propulsion, I'm thinking 55# should be plenty.
55 x 50 = 2750#

 

[BWR1953]

On my (now sold) 16' Kingfisher, I had a 45lb. thrust trolling motor. It worked just fine. But that little Starcraft hull only weighed 400 pounds not including engine, etc. All up, with the outboard, trolling motor, fuel tank and a pair of 12v batteries, it was still less than 800 pounds, not including people, fishing gear and lunch. The 45lb. 12v trolling motor pulled us along nicely and lasted a full day and more with the single deep cycle battery.

On my current 18' Mirrocraft, it's a different story. That aluminum hull weighs 1300lbs. empty, plus another 400 for the engine. Add in a 28 gallon tank, 3 full sized 12v batteries plus 2 small batteries for the Power Poles and the weight jumps drastically. I have a 67lb. 24v trolling motor for that boat and it works very well.

 

[redneck joe]

How's that been working out for you?
I'd really like one with anchor mode/spot lock, but going to 24v kicks you up to $2000.
My thinking is I'd run my 9.9 kicker to assist propulsion, and the trolling motor for steering.

Honestly not used a whole bunch but I could probably troll at 1 to 1.5 mph if I didn't want to use my main 50HP. Mine is a tiller model. Im just now getting set up to use on the bow. My weight will be a couple four hundred lb less than you and prob smaller beam so I may slip thru the water a bit better than you.

 

[cyclops222]

My fish are used to LOUD ENGINES !!
They know it causes food to jump up. Easy pickings then.
Shallow water pike slowly move away. As I put put thru the reeds.

 

[Jeff J]

My 17’ G3 came with a 12 volt 45. I got tired of not moving in a 10 mph wind. Currently have 24 volt 65 and am happy it. Boat weighs around 1100 empty.

 

[Berdink]

I'm seeing posts of ones using their kicker motor (I have a 9.9) for forward momentum, and then the trolling motor is up at the bow and is mainly used for steering and doesn't need as much thrust.

 

[redneck joe]

Are you trolling or bass fishing ie cast/retrieve?

I've never heard or or seen the set up you are describing.

 

[airshot]

I'm asking specific to us aluminum StarCraft owners but most the typical fishing forums boat owners have newer aluminum boats that weigh much more than are old StarCrafts. No matter how I crunch the numbers, my 18' Holiday fully loaded with 75hp 2-Stroke, 9.9 4-stroke, fuel, batteries, ice chest, gear, and 3- 200# fat boys, I still only come up with 2200# max.
2200 x .02 = 44# thrust. Figuring wind and current and not using it as my primary means of propulsion, I'm thinking 55# should be plenty.
55 x 50

Plenty....no...adequate ...yes. If trolling in chop or rough seas, the 55# is light, but will work as a steering motor for your kicker. If trolling electric only, you need more thrust. I have a 16' Sylvan with 40 up Merc. My 12v 55# thrust MK does the job but nothing to spare. I also use a little 2.2 up motor for forward thrust and use my remote control electric to steer and follow a course, and yes that works great !

 

[airshot]

Are you trolling or bass fishing ie cast/retrieve?

I've never heard or or seen the set up you are describing.

Been using that method for many years, very popular in the walleye capital...
I use a little 2.2 up motor for forward thrust and my remote control bow mount electric for steering. The kicker is locked straight ahead and just give forward thrust to battle wind and rough seas. Works great !

 

[redneck joe]

Huh

 

[Berdink]

Been using that method for many years, very popular in the walleye capital...
I use a little 2.2 up motor for forward thrust and my remote control bow mount electric for steering. The kicker is locked straight ahead and just give forward thrust to battle wind and rough seas. Works great !

That's what I've been reading.
The kicker you set just under the speed you want to troll, and then use the bow trolling motor to steer.
I'm thinking with that method I could get by with a 12 volt 55# thrust trolling motor.

 

[airshot]

That's what I've been reading.
The kicker you set just under the speed you want to troll, and then use the bow trolling motor to steer.
I'm thinking with that method I could get by with a 12 volt 55# thrust trolling motor.

Actually, I set the gas motor at the speed I want then use just enough electric power to steer. I guess it really won't make much difference unless
your in current, wind, or other situation that needs more power. Just remember, at 12v you are using much more battery power than a 24v would use, so you will need a really big battery to last all day. I moved up to a Lipo battery to get the extra power I needed and can run for over 20 hours on one charge.

 

[airshot]

Huh

Yep....the gas motor on the transom gives you forward thrust, then the bow mount just steers. Uses less battery than than using the electric only. Better if fighting wind or current. There are times when I need more trolling speed than just the electric can give, so adding the little kicker works great ! I can push numerous lines in waves with others on board at 5 mph if needed. The electric only won't get that fast, especially fighting wind or current.