Expected speed from Minn Kota

[airshot]

Curious here, my recent purchase of a 16' Sylvan alum side console with a 55 lb thrust bow mount motor has me wondering what type of speed I can expect for trolling. Previous owner says he got 6 hrs trolling time from two group 31 batteries....I am thinking I could use this rather than trying to mount a kicker motor. I would need at least 2 mph up to 3 mph max to troll in the speed needed to encourage strikes. Boat weighs about 1000 lbs loaded, mabey 1100 tops.. Is this trolling speed feasable with this Minn Kota 55 lb thrust bow mount ?? thanks in advance for any insite........

 

[roscoe]

You're asking a lot from a 55# troller.
The answer is ...maybe..?
I could get 3.1 mph out of a 65# 24v motor, but the boat was only about 300#, 75# fully rigged.

You will be really slow going into a wind.

 

[airshot]

Always try to troll with the wind when possible. Being only 16' to start, I wont be going out in rough weather !!! When they call for up to a foot....that is my kinda day !!

 

[Silvertip]

I've owned boats in the 16 - 17 ft range that were much heavier than yours and were fitted with the same motor. The river we fished required trolling speeds of 2.8 - 2.9 mph and that combo worked great for that even against the current. My 18 ft pontoon trolled very well with the same motor.

 

[airshot]

Thanks for all the replies, guess we will see when we get out there. I know it will be close, never expected 3 mph but hoping to get close.

 

[airshot]

Just looking and reading all my replies... Then got to thinking...I have a little Merc 2.2 hp for my pond jon boat, if I add that on the transom ( plenty of room) then I could use the I-pilot to steer....hmmm....just need to get rid of this near 100 degree days!!!

 

[airshot]

Another thought here, has anyone tried to tilt the main motor up and out of the water to get more speed from your bow mount trolling motor???

 

[dwco5051]

I have usually left it down. Don't know what the speed difference would be tilted up but it is easier to keep going in a straight line with the motor acting as a rudder.

 

[RMClark]

I'd try it first before making any changes.

I just put a 55# Powerdrive on my 14' Lund; the boat weighs about 900 pounds with motor, gear, and me. I've had it out once, on a no-wake lake. The troller pulled the boat up to nearly 5 mph, according to the fish finder GPS.

Like you, I need the heat to subside to go out again. Maybe Monday...

 

[airshot]

This weather sucks, either near 100 degrees or wind blowing and stormy !!! Had this new to me boat for almost a month and only 3 short splashes to check operations and gain confidence.....tired of sitting in it in my barn and going vroom...vroom....lol

 

[airshot]

Got back out on the water today, was quite impressed with the little 2.2 hp Merc 2 stroke. The current was moving right at 2 mph according to gps, the little merc got to 3.7 mph going against the current, and over 5 going with it, mabey more as I stopped after passing 5 mph. I am now comfortable with the little kicker on the back and my I pilot trolling motor on the front, I will be good for Walleye trolling !!!!

 

[airshot]

I have usually left it down. Don't know what the speed difference would be tilted up but it is easier to keep going in a straight line with the motor acting as a rudder.

While out playing with the 2.2 hp I did lift the main engine up nd out of the water and gained a full 1 mph plus. This might be even better as steering with the bow mounted trolling became more responsive with the main notor out of the way...learning as I go!!!