NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

Boating => Boating General Discussions => Topic started by: striper sniper on August 08, 2008, 11:22:01 AM

Title: Trolling Motor question
Post by: striper sniper on August 08, 2008, 11:22:01 AM

Hello all,

I am looking at putting on a trolling motor on my 20' CC boat.  (I also lake fish with it)

Any tips to consider?  What would be the minimum thrust needed to push my boat?  Is is better to go transom, bow or motor mount?

Thanks,

Dave

Title: Re: Trolling Motor question
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on August 08, 2008, 11:28:27 AM

the most important thing is the weight of your boat.. 100 lbs thrust would work, but if you have a tin, or flat bottom boat.. its OK.. but there are 20' bay boats that a trolling motor won't be able to move.

Title: Re: Trolling Motor question
Post by: Treebeard on August 08, 2008, 12:53:17 PM

As for how much thrust you need, the rule of thumb we used when I sold motors was to take the total weight of the boat (including gear, people, etc.) and divide by 70.. So if your pushing 3000lbs, you would want a minimum of about 43# of thrust. The more power, the better you will be able to control the boat in wind/current. But, keep in mind, when you get much over 50# thrust the motors will be 24 volt, so you'll need 2 batteries hooked in series.   As far as where to mount, that would depend largely on your fishing style.. If you are going to use it to position the boat while casting to shorelines, a foot control bow mt. may be the way to go.. If the plan is to use it for power drifting , trolling, adjusting your drift, etc., a transom mt.  may be best. You will have more precise boat control with a bow mt. , but the mounting tends to be more permenant (although quick detach brackets are available) Another factor with Bow mts. is the steering type..Cable styles mean you must be standing close to the motor to run it.. Electronic steering and todays wireless models allow you to control from anywhere in the boat.. Last factor to remember with either style is shaft length..make sure it's long enough to stay underwater in choppy seas. Hope this helps  chrz

Title: Re: Trolling Motor question
Post by: striper sniper on August 08, 2008, 03:58:51 PM

Good to know-thanks for the info guys.


Dave

Title: Re: Trolling Motor question
Post by: striper sniper on August 09, 2008, 12:54:06 AM

While I'm at it...

You guys put me on to Consumers and saved me $400 bucks on my Fishfinder-Thanks!

Any more bargain places to pick up a trolling motor? 

Dave

Title: Re: Trolling Motor question
Post by: rugman on August 09, 2008, 07:43:34 AM

I have a 1730 cc and I installed a bow  motor and I love it . great for fishing the lakes and saving gas ;) ;) ;)