Is 34lb thrust enough?

[1973Chieftain]

Im looking to buy a trolling motor to be used primarily as a back should my engine did to get to shore. Mist of the time it would by on my 16' tin boat that weights 585 empty. I found a 34lb on craigslist for $50 that looks newer, vs about $200 for a new 50 lb minn kota. Would 34lb be sufficient do you think? I've never used a tm so I have no idea. Thanks!

 

[JSGOLD]

Re: Is 34lb thrust enough?

Im looking to buy a trolling motor to be used primarily as a back should my engine did to get to shore. Mist of the time it would by on my 16' tin boat that weights 585 empty. I found a 34lb on craigslist for $50 that looks newer, vs about $200 for a new 50 lb minn kota. Would 34lb be sufficient do you think? I've never used a tm so I have no idea. Thanks!

I have a 1976 16" Starcraft with two motors (55 and 8) and we are always packed with extra gear and I use a 28# TM. Now my boat should have a 50-55lb unit according to Minn Kota, as it is a deep V boat, but mine requires a 52" length and a new one is out of reach right now, money wise. But this old motor does a good job for me. The only issue I have had so far is windy days of 20-25 MPH wind. Moves, but slower.... Be sure the length is correct for sure....

 

[sutor623]

Re: Is 34lb thrust enough?

Im looking to buy a trolling motor to be used primarily as a back should my engine did to get to shore. Mist of the time it would by on my 16' tin boat that weights 585 empty. I found a 34lb on craigslist for $50 that looks newer, vs about $200 for a new 50 lb minn kota. Would 34lb be sufficient do you think? I've never used a tm so I have no idea. Thanks!

I have a 16' Starcraft that weighs 610lbs. from the factory. With a 240lbs. motor on the back. The bow mount motor on this boat is 36lbs. It works very well on calm days, but i have to keep it on full thrust with 10MPH winds. It will still move the boat. I am relatively happy with it. On the transom I have a 45lb. thrust, that is pretty much the same deal. Id say you can get by with a motor this small in the bow, but I wouldnt trust in as a transom mount on windier days. Just yesterday wife and I were on the private pond behind my house in 5-7mph gusts and it wasnt hard to move the boat, just hard to keep it on course (with the 45lb. transom mount) My buddy and I went out on an inland lake when the gusts were 25-30MPH. We had BOTH trolling motors on full blast and could barely keep the boat from moving backwards. Just some experiences for ya.