[piggy]

Thinking of putting a 55 lbs. thrust trolling motor on a 20 ft. pontoon as a back-up. years ago I had a 55# thrust on a 24 ft. But I only used it one time and I don't remember how fast it was. It would be used in some current (about 3 m.p.h.) Would this work, about what kind of speed could I expect(no current). Going wide open about how much time would it take for 55 lbs. trolling motor to drain a 12 volt deep cell battery. I know this is hard to answer, just a best guess please. Thanks for any advice

[DavidD]

I just added a minnkota 55lb to my 24' pontoon.It pulled it very well even with the bimini up and the wind blowing.Not sure of the speed wide open but it moved
fairly quickly.I run several hrs on 1 of my deep cycles and still had battery left.

[Silvertip]

I doubt you will make much headway against a 3 MPH current although the motor will work fine otherwise. I have a 55 PD on my 18 footer and although I've not checked speed, I've run MinnKotas for years on my walleye boats and 5 MPH would be about tops. At that speed the motor is drawing somewhere in excess of 40 amps. Since you don't want to ever drain a deep cycle more than half way if you expect the battery to last, you would be advised to buy the largest capacity group 31 battery you have room for. But then it depends on how far you need to travel worst case. As you said, it is hard to predict the outcome since current, load, battery size, speed and distance are all factors as to whether you make it back to the dock or not. Dual batteries would certainly add some additional security if needed