Terry Olson
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2005
- Messages
- 415
I looked at many of the trolling motor threads but find conflicting information so I thought I'd post a new thread. <br /><br />I'm looking for suggestions about which bow mount trolling motor to buy for my 1983 Lund Mr. Pike 18' fishing boat. Price is a distinct consideration, but I don't want to under-buy either. <br /><br />I will use the motor to position and move the boat short distances rather than to actually troll as most do I suppose. I prefer the hand-controlled motors to those that are foot operated and I'd prefer to stay with 12v unless there's some overwhelming reason to go bigger. The boat is used primarily for day trips so battery life isn't foremost on my list of priorities.<br /><br />How do I determine the proper shaft length? I assume I measure from the mount to the water's surface but is there some formula for determining how much longer to go to account for choppy water etc? <br /><br />How much thrust is necessary for this boat given the way I'll be using it?<br /><br />What else do I need to consider?<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your help.