How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatable?

[armysgt1]

I'm just looking at the thrust aspect, not the power draw or anything like that. Obviously the larger will require more amps. If there is enough of a difference in power to notice then I will definitely be spending the extra 50 bucks and getting the 45lb. Thanks for your input.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

It's worth $50 extra for 50% more power in my opinion. Better to have too much than not enough.

It will use more juice, but will still run all day on a good deep cycle battery.

 

[armysgt1]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

Fantastic! Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

Fantastic! Thanks for the quick reply!

Don't mention it...thank you for your service to our nation

I'm sure you will be happy with the quietness and speed on such a lightweight boat.

I've used a 30lb on a 12' aluminum boat and while not fast, certainly quicker than I had expected.

Are you going to be running a gas outboard as well?

 

[Pack Rat]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

I have 36 lbs of thrust on a 10' Jon boat. I would say 99% of the time I have been satisfied with having enough thrust. I did have two separate days in hell I remember, one very windy, the other a flood swollen small river I would have gladly paid 50.00 for the extra thrust.

 

[armysgt1]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

Well actually, I just found a couple used outboard motors (2hp and 3hp) on craigslist around chicago. I live about an hour south of Chicago. For the price of these used motors I might as well go this route. It would actually be a lot cheaper than having to buy a trolling motor, battery, and battery holder. I'd be getting the 2 hp motor for $150, but may need carb cleaned but I'm sure I can do that and if not I know a couple of mechanics. What do you guys think?

Here's another one I found: http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/boa/2302963056.html
This actually looks like my best bet for power and reliability: look at the condition of this:http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/boa/2311700970.html

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

If 3 HP engine is in good condition, go for the larger, better to have more when you don't need it than less when you need it...

Happy Boating

 

[Pack Rat]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

I live south of Mpls and did the same thing with an old Sea King 3 hp. They have a couple nice outboard junkyards up here and I got her replaced with all her small missing parts.

Foolishly I replaced the head gasket even though it was fine. The guy at the outboard junkyard had advised me not to esp if it was running fine. For some reason I lost power...never was the same after that.

It'll be smelly and noisy compared to the electric option but you'll have plenty of thrust now!

 

[armysgt1]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

Sweet. Thanks guys.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: How much of a difference between a 30 and 45lb thrust trolling motor on inflatab

Foolishly I replaced the head gasket even though it was fine. The guy at the outboard junkyard had advised me not to esp if it was running fine. For some reason I lost power...never was the same after that.

If the head gasket changed is original or same thickness gauge as the original and the head was correctly torqued with a torque meter, you should not decrease engine performance...

Happy Boating