Trolling Motor selection

[samnpatty]

<font size="1" face="comic sans ms,sand">I'm planning on adding a trolling motor to the bow of my boat and would like some advice on which brand, size , lb thrust , voltage , would work the best at the while offering the most economy ?
my boat specs are
Mako 17' classic bay boat,weight ;1400lbs ; center console, motor 90hp johnson, 24 gal inboard tank, beam 7'2" transom ht 20"nose height 24"from edge of boat to water line approx. 36" from edge to deepest point of keel
any info would be greatly appreciated.
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[JDK]

getting the biggest lb thrust you can afford. I have a 16 ft boat with a 74 lb thrust and it will scoot you around,, I would go no lower then a 55 on your boat but like i said the most you can afford is going to be best and would also get 24 volt if possible

 

[Nomad 1500]

JDK is right on. My boat is 17 1/2 ft. My first tm was a 28lb Motorguide. On the highest speed it would move the boat ok if there was no wind..no current.. no..no..no I now have a 65lb Minn Kota 24v and It really gets the job done. The other thing about 24volt, you can run for a much longer time. also I think the Minn Kota is much quieter

 

[jbh3]

By all means, get a 24V and some BIG batteries. Also recommend getting one of the "digital" models that will provide infinite speed adjustment capability and increase the amount of time you can run per battery charge. While you're spending $$$, an onboard charger that can charge all your batteries at once will make it much easier and convenient to maintain your batteries properly. The 80# thrust Minn Kota Maxx or Pro Maxx models should do a great job on your boat. Dual Pro makes a good onboard charger. Good luck!

 

[samnpatty]

thanks for the advice . what about length of the shaft ?

 

[NRG]

Stealth One makes on of the best if not the best charger around ac and dc versions , and they are made right here in Hixson,TN right at the entrance to Chester Frost Park ! I buy local when ever I can!
stealth1charging.com

 

[stratos21xl]

I would highly reccommend the Minn Kota Maxxum series. And pay the extra money and get the digital series as they are more efficient with current consumption and are quiter as well. I have one on my boat and its a work horse. Its only 80 lb thrust and runs on 24 volts and it pulls my boat like its a feather. It also has impact springs and lift/deploy assist which makes it effortless getting it in and out of the water. It also has a lighted direction arrow for night fishing and neat contstant or momentary switch which is worth its weight in gold if your fishing in wind or current. Switch it to constant, set the speed and point it where you want it go and fish...no fighting the trolling motor. I agree with get what you can afford but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. I learned the hard way that its better to save your money and buy nice stuff than fudge and buy cheaper stuff because the cheap stuff never lasts.


Another really important item is batteries and charging systems, make sure you match them properly. They make tons of different types of battery cells now and some require special charging.

 

[jbh3]

samnpatty - 8/29/2009 8:49 AM

thanks for the advice . what about length of the shaft ?

Not sure on your rig, but most bass boats (mine included) use the 45" shaft model. FWIW, I think I saw where either Cabela's or Bass Pro had the Minn Kota Max's on clearance. Might be worth checking.