What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

[ZmOz]

I'm going to be getting a cheap, used electric trolling motor for emergencies. My boat is a '72 Glastron CV-16 16' with a 150hp inline 6. Probably weighs about 2000lbs loaded down. What's the minimum amount of thrust I would need to push that back to shore?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

40-50# should get you back just fine, if you're in no hurry. Freshwater protected or ocean running??

 

[ZmOz]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

Ocean going in that boat would be suicidal. Usually not more than a mile away from shore if I go to the lake, no more than about 6 miles if I go to the river...

 

[C Perini]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

RB, What does 40-50# of thrust equal in horsepower or what size outboard would produce an equal amount of thrust? Thanks

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

A little 2 or 3 HP kicker motor would do you well on your 16' rig. I've heard that a 74lb 24v trolling motor puts out around 1hp, but you really cannot compare a trolling motor to a gas motor for thrust output. A little 3 HP will have enough to get you to shore, again depending on the waters....

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

ZmOz, even a large trolling motor won't pust that boat if a strong headwind comes up especially if you plan on transom mounting it. A rough estimation for converting trolling motor thrust to horsepower is for every 750 watts your trolling motor draws is equal to 1 hp. So a 62.5# 12Volt motor is roughly equal to one hp. Likewise a 62.5# 24Volt motor equals 2 hp etc... But remember, trolling motors are designed for low end torque not speed. A 50# motor and a 100# motor both are only going to go about 4-5 mph. The 100# motor just gives you more low end thrust. Outboards have higher RPM's and higher pitched props, so an outboard will push you much faster for the amount of hp you have.<br /><br />CBP. A 50# 12 Volt motor is equal to about 0.8 hp.

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

From experience with a boat, lighter than yours with a 36# thrust motor, in windy conditions on a medium lake, I would of prefered a small gas powered kicker than an electric. Luckily the distance I needed was short.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: What's the smallest trolling motor that will work for me?

I have to side with those recommending a small gas powered kicker. I have a 1980 4 hp Evinrude. It's light, reliable, powerfull enough and was cheap ($250.00 used).<br /><br />I also have a 28lb. electric Minnkota... I suppose it would be better than paddling. One mile is very far ... six miles might as well be 100! ...and it gets worse if it's windy. <br /><br />Also, consider that you will need a heavy deep cycle battery for this electric...or you will be out of juice before you can say, SOL!