Trolling motor selection help

[turbo_pete]

I want to buy a bow-mount trolling motor for my 17' Fish & Ski boat. I think I have decided on a 55 lb Minn Kota Powerdrive. My boat is listed (NADA guide) as 1050 lbs, plus ~200 lbs for the 50 hp Evinrude. So I figure *maybe* 2000 lbs fully loaded. Is this motor large enough for my needs? Could I get by with a smaller motor? I measured the depth from the bow to the waterline as around 12-14", I add 20" and get a minimum of 34" shaft. Is the 48" model going to be too long? I assume there is some adjustment range, or maybe I could shorten the shaft if neccesary. Any and all comments regarding this choice would be appreciated!<br /><br />Can't wait to get on the water.<br /><br />Pete

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling motor selection help

If you buy a power drive, the shaft is adjustable. 48 should be fine -- you don't want to go shorter. 50 -55# will be fine for your boat. I have a 17 Alumacraft with a 55PD and it works fine.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Trolling motor selection help

I agree with upinsomke. You may be able to use a smaller motor but it is not a good idea. Good trolling motors have power saving circuits to make your battery last longer. All the power saving circuits I have seen work very well on the low power settings. On the highest power setting they really do not save any power at all. So if you get a smaller motor and have to run it on the high setting your battery will die faster than the bigger motor on a lower setting.