Mk 30# tm??

[nam6869usmc]

I have an Lowe FM165 and just recently put a bow mounted MK Fortrex 80# 24v on. I do 95% of my boating in Elec only lakes here in Pa. I've been looking for something other than a paddle to get my wife & I back in if the TM goes out for some reason and especially after dark.. I found two MK 30# TM's on craigslist and meeting him tonight to look at one($50). Both were bought for one trip to Maine for him & his family & used on canoes. He doesn't need them now, will a 30# move my FM165 good enough to get me back to the dock.?
P.S. hope I'll never need to use it, but, just like a spare tire...

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Mk 30# tm??

On a day when it's not windy...yes, the 30lb thrust will be plenty.

I have one on my 16' Starcraft aluminum rig that's probably similar in weight and I am planning on upgrading to a 55lb or at least 40lb since I want to know it will get me in to the dock in a bind.

I also have a 5.5hp kicker and I'd recommend that but the electric only lakes wouldn't allow that sounds like.

Bottom line...f you only boat on calm days the 30 will be fine for a backup.

 

[John_S]

Re: Mk 30# tm??

The #30 will probably push you a little faster than oaring. 2mph would be my guess on relative calm water, no current. While it is always possible to hit something and break the trolling motor, I'd say it is more likely that you run the batteries down, so you would want a full reserve battery for the "emergency" 30#. Now, if you have used up both batteries going directly away from the ramp, your reserve battery probably has little chance of getting you all the way back. You could use the starting battery, but would have to keep an eye on the draw down of anything that runs on it, and generally will have less "safe" capacity to get you back.

Assuming you are not removing the gas motor, if a storm is brewing or safety is a facter, electric only lake be damned. Start the motor up to get back. Deal with the fine vs the safety risk.

 

[nam6869usmc]

Re: Mk 30# tm??

On a day when it's not windy...yes, the 30lb thrust will be plenty.

I have one on my 16' Starcraft aluminum rig that's probably similar in weight and I am planning on upgrading to a 55lb or at least 40lb since I want to know it will get me in to the dock in a bind.

I also have a 5.5hp kicker and I'd recommend that but the electric only lakes wouldn't allow that sounds like.

Bottom line...f you only boat on calm days the 30 will be fine for a backup.

Yep, your 16' is approx the same weight, thx for the info, slight breeze on some days only. This will only be a backup, a kicker would be great if not Elec only. I had a MG 55# wireless before the 80# Fortrex, the 55# moved my boat great(more than sufficient), I went with the Fortrex due to my disability & needed the pull rope design & not the pull by the head to stow it. Fortrex = piece a cake to stow & deploy with (Lift Assist). I'll grab the 30# today for $50 as my spare,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,