Selecting a trolling motor

[Dirty Worm]

I have a 17 ft. Islander C.C. Bay Boat with a 88hp Evinrude.<br />I want to put a trolling motor on the bow. How can I find out what the best shaft length should be and what # thrust would be adequate?<br />Any other purchasing advise,hand control vs. foot control. Any idea how complicated a removable mount is to prevent theft.<br />Don't want to spend over $500.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Selecting a trolling motor

Howdy, DW.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />We have a forum for trollers. I will move this there.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: Selecting a trolling motor

I use 10lbs of thrust for every 3ft of boat as a general guideline, and round up..<br />17ft'r I'd shoot for the 50-60lb range unless you fish in ultra calm conditions only.<br />I run 80lbs on my 18ft alum., and usually run in the 30-60% range but can move quickly to another spot at 100%.<br />It may be hard to find a good bowmount for 500$ or under...