Elec. Trolling Motor for Paddle Boat

Andycap

Recruit
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
2
I am turning my old paddle boat into a small pontoon ,for fishing and fun .:) I would like to put an Electric trolling motor on it , Any suggestions on the size , type ,make would be appreciated . I don't know what the finished weight will be . The pontoons are aluminum , 10 foot long , hexagon shape 12in. wide , 16in high . I will be using aluminum for the deck ect.

Looking forward to any suggestions or comments,

Andycap
 

nimmor

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 15, 2003
Messages
313
Re: Elec. Trolling Motor for Paddle Boat

It depends on what your wanting for speed. If you are just using it for ponds or small lakes and creeks the 30 lb thrust models will do fine and allow you to troll really slow when fishing. If you are needing to cover large areas, such as going long distances on a lake go with more thrust like around 50. One thing to think about is the bigger the motor you might need a bigger battery therefore more weight. You will need to consider all the gear and person(s) weight in choosing a battery.
 

Andycap

Recruit
Joined
Aug 25, 2007
Messages
2
Re: Elec. Trolling Motor for Paddle Boat

I will want to cover some distance some times , so It looks like I should be looking for 40 to 50 lbs I guess . I have no experience with these motors .
I see that total weight and all makes a big difference , but can you give me an idea of how long (far or time ) the charge will last on say a good batt.
 

madhatter30

Cadet
Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
12
Re: Elec. Trolling Motor for Paddle Boat

Using a 550 cca car battery, i get about 4 -5 hrs out of a OLD 30 lb sears motor pushing around me, two others and all the gear in my steel 12 ft skiff drafting 8 inches. boat weighs about 225 -250 itself. 4 - 5 hrs drops the battery to about 60%. i wouldnt drop it much lower than that, its a car battery. and thats and old resister motor, it draws constent juice no matter the speed. new motors work on a pulse to maintain slower speeds now, lengthing the battery time.

so what i am saying is, you should get pretty much all day out of a new type motor and a good trolling deep cycle.
 

nimmor

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 15, 2003
Messages
313
Re: Elec. Trolling Motor for Paddle Boat

A couple years ago I purchased a brand new Minn Kota 40 lb thrust trolling motor. I forget all the logitics but with the proper battery on slow speed it was labeled to run about 9 hours, and I think 3 hours on high. Mine had this information on the side of the box. So you might go to the store and check that out. You might also find info on Minn Kota or Motorguides websites, which ever one you are thinking about. I guess those are the only two still made.
 
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