Trolling motor size/thrust
Jul 30, 2023 22:10:04 #
I'm buying a used Tracker 175 but it doesn't have a trolling motor. I will have to do the mounting. Any recommendations on brands, sizes, thrust requirements for lake shoreline and river fishing?
Jul 30, 2023 23:00:20 #
gregcrtwrght wrote:
I'm buying a used Tracker 175 but it doesn't have a trolling motor. I will have to do the mounting. Any recommendations on brands, sizes, thrust requirements for lake shoreline and river fishing?
Just bought and installed a new Minn Kota Rip Tide. Heavy duty salt water model.Didn’t need a salt water model but the price was great and it has 100% stainless internals. Installed it on A 17ft Wahoo. It has the Spot lock, I-Pilot, and auto control( no foot pedal). Great option, can operate the motor from anywhere on the boat! My model has 55lbs of thrust and moves my boat easily even in the wind. Love the spot lock option, easily holds the boat in one position without using my anchor. Mine has a 48” shaft which is a perfect length for my boat. Keep in mind with all these GPS options the motor can have a high voltage drain on the battery. I have a high quality high amp deep cycle gel battery dedicated to the trolling motor only. I can run hard for two days easily without a charge. Hope this helps and good luck in your search! FYI: Minn Kota has a great website with info about calculating shaft length and thrust requirements.
Jul 31, 2023 10:30:13 #
Still above water wrote:
Just bought and installed a new Minn Kota Rip Tide... (show quote)
Good info Rich. Let me add something as far as thrust goes. Minn Kota's recommendation is for a non moving body of water, like a Lake. If you're planning on fishing a moving body of water, like a river, you should go with a higher thrust motor, to overcome the flow of the water. A motor that works fine in a lake, will be working hard just to keep you stationery in a river. Also consider a higher voltage motor to increase running time in that moving water.
Jul 31, 2023 13:14:40 #
Jim Sargent
Loc: Payson, AZ
Greg,
Fred is right on. I prefer at least a 24 volt 80 pound thrust. My first was a 12 volt 55 pound thrust on a Lowe FM165. Thought it was okay until I moved up to the bigger unit. Would never go back.
Fred is right on. I prefer at least a 24 volt 80 pound thrust. My first was a 12 volt 55 pound thrust on a Lowe FM165. Thought it was okay until I moved up to the bigger unit. Would never go back.
Jul 31, 2023 15:24:42 #
I agree with Fred fish if ur fishing a river with good currents you’ll never control ur boat with 55 lb thrust so that means a 24or 36 volt system more thrust more money research it real good before you buy I prefer food control for hands free control variable speed and cable steering good luck
Aug 1, 2023 09:29:55 #
Tom H
Loc: South East pa.
Have 2 36 volt motorguide I will sell,both work very well, foot control and digital .$200.00 each
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.