Which trolling motor do I need?

[adm1476]

I have a 21ft leonards skiff. I am looking to put a Minn Kota riptde on it. But not sure what size I will need. I an going to get one with I pilot so I can use anchor mode. Not sure how much thrust it will take to hold the boat.

 

[fhhuber]

Depends on wind and current as to how much thrust you need to hold position. Dead calm and no current it won't even need a 30 lb.

The bass boats that size typically have 80 lb minimum, most use 110 lb. I'd expect that having a bit of excess is better than not enough.

 

[gm280]

adm1476, That question really needs further info. Exactly what type trolling do you do? If you are planning to troll along the banks and structure and fish that way, it takes so little to move along slowly. However, if you plan on trolling open waters with high currents and/or winds, then that takes a lot of umph. So the answer depends on what you want the trolling motor to do. I use to troll in a Bass Boat down banks fishing for bass with a mere 20 - 30 lb trolling motor. And it was way adequate for that. JMHO!

 

[adm1476]

I fish in salt water so there is pretty much always current. I fish along banks usually cast netting for mullet. I want to be able to hit anchor and stay in position, in current, to plug for spanish and blues.

 

[fhhuber]

Sounds like you'll be dealing with more current than the average bass boat... consider their common 110 lb for that size boat as a minimum for your purposes.

 

[NYBo]

A small gas kicker might be better suited for your purposes.

 

[ondarvr]

He's looking for an electric so he can use the anchor function, can't do that with a gas kicker.

I have a Terrova 80# iPilot, it works well, but with what you want to do more thrust will help when it gets a little sloppy.

 

[redarndt]

Definitely the 110.

No worries that way.

Requires 3 batteries though.

Ipilot is awesome. Consider adding link if you have Humminbird electronics