Need some input

[IoNu]

First off hi to everyone here this is my first post. I am looking for some input on a trolling motor for my 15.5 fiberglass boat. I am from Canada and have a 115hp merc so you can imagine trolling with that is a pain and hard on gas.
So onto my question, I am looking at a Minn kota endura 38 trolling motor with 38lbs of thrust on 12v. Is this enough for trolling with my boat or should I consider something with some more thrust ???? I am new to the trolling motor scene so any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Al

 

[drewpster]

Re: Need some input

My rule of thumb is to get the most thrust for the size trolling motor that will fit where I want it to go. This includes any added batteries. So find out how much power you are going to need to fish all day, factor the space for the batteries and the space for mounting the motor. Then buy one with the most thrust that fits that criteria.
If the boat already has trolling batteries buy one with the most thrust that you can fish all day using the power available.
Any trolling motor will push around a boat your size. I have a weak, old, (I mean old!) trolling motor on the stern of my tri-hull. It works well and all day on one battery.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need some input

That motor will work just fine for you. There is no need for overkill. Spend the money on the largest capacity deep cycle battery you have room for (group 24 minimum and group 27 recommended and group 31 if you have room for it). Those numbers are the physical size of the battery. The Amp/hour capacity and reserve minutes @23A draw are the numbers to look for. More is better. You should also have a good quality "smart charger" to recharge the battery as soon as possible after each trip. Smart chargers can be left on indefinitely without damage to the battery.

 

[IoNu]

Re: Need some input

Thanks for the replies, I currently have 2 deep cycle batteries and only use one of them. I have a smart charger already so that's not a concern I was really only worried about it being enough "juice" to troll on. I am usually only out for 4 hours max at a time and with the price of gas you can well imagine the cost associated with that ole engine of mine. But thanks again.

 

[Wreck Rider]

Re: Need some input

I'm having some trouble with my main motor (85 hp 2 stroke mercury) and bought a 30 lb MinnKota as a backup for my 16' fibreglass bowrider (deep hull). It is fine during any quiet time but if the wind blows past 5-10 knots (on Lake Ontario) it doesn't really do much........... What part of Canada are you in??

 

[IoNu]

Re: Need some input

I actually ended up buying a 40lb thrust, I am in Winnipeg.