Trolling Motor For Small Boat

Steve826 10/09/2009 - 20:55 Boating Hi guys,

I'm planning on getting a trolling motor soon to use on boat rentals (14 ft jon boats) at Clopper and Black Hills next year. The year after that, I'm planning on getting a small boat, either a 10 ft Pelican or BPS Pond Prowler, or a 12 ft riveted jon the year after that. I'm leaning towards the Pelican/Pond Prowler style though...more stable, higher weight capacity. Only drawback is less room for gear, but I think the stability and weight capacity is more important, I can always bring less gear. I know 2 people with this style boat and they both say it suits them well, so I'll probably end up with that style.

Either way, there's probably a limit on how much thrust I can use on a small boat with just a 12 volt motor. A few people have recommended a 55 lb thrust for rentals, but that would most likely be too much for a 10-12 ft boat, I'm thinking 35-45 lbs thrust would be better. I could be wrong though. Anyone know the max (if there is one) for a small 10-12 ft boat? I'll always have another person in the boat, if that makes a difference.

As of now, I think a 40-45 lb thrust would be best. Not too small to use for the rental jons, but small enough for a 10 ft Pond Prowler. Any input?

Thanks,

Steve

get the 55

ogbudha 10/10/2009 - 08:44 More is always better. Motor is working easier to produce the power you need. Most electrics motors have optimizers on them which help with drawing and battery useage. Get a brand new nice deep cycle battery and a minnkota 55lb. Do not get less. Youl want to make long runs and coveras much water as possible. You can also run the batteries in "parralel" which wil alow you to run 2 batteries to the one 12vlt setup. Thus allowing you to run long and cover more water.

A 10-12 ft. boat can handle f

Capt.Nick 10/10/2009 - 05:17 A 10-12 ft. boat can handle from 3.5 hp. to 15 hp.,even more depending on the hull manufacturer.A 55 # thrust electric minnkota has less power than a 2hp. gas outboard.It will move you along at about a brisk walking speed with a fully charged good battery.You can always throtle back if you think you're going too fast.I've used the 36# rentals on Lochraven & opt to bring my own 55# because it's much faster when I rent a boat.You could easily get by with less on ponds but you will save time on larger reservoirs.