Trolling Motor Size requirements

[nokiddin]

I recently purchased an 18' starcraft aluminum closed bow boat, with a 90 hp merc. I'm looking to put a transom mount trolling motor on, but I don't really know what size/power I should be getting.

Any advice?

Thanks

 

[AmigoAzul]

Re: Trolling Motor Size requirements

I use a 40# on my 16ft. Starcraft Holiday. It will push it to 2 mph into the wind. I would get a 55# for the 18ft.

 

[Star]

Re: Trolling Motor Size requirements

Hey Nokiddin,
If you like to fish hang a minimum of a 55# on the bow! Get an I pilot or Auto Pilot.. Forget about the money, just divide it by 6 or 7 for the years you will use it! I fish 10 times more than when I had a transom mount, and with an Ipilot you can throw your anchor away!!! The only reason that I have heard of was fishing two and three foot waves the bow mount pops out of the water. I don't fish in that kind of water so I don't care. 55# thrust will be the minimum for that big a boat, you really should go bigger but then you are in the 24 volt systems with two batteries.

 

[nokiddin]

Re: Trolling Motor Size requirements

I was thinkin on this again, and was wondering if I shouldn't just get a small gas powered outboard instead of an electric. It seems to me that the gas powered probably would give me extended time to troll, and could get me home in the event of a main engine failure. Unfortunately, its not as quiet as an electric. Would a 2 hp push my boat for trolling?

Let me know any opinions with electric vs. gas powered.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trolling Motor Size requirements

You have too many things going against you for an electric. 1) relatively big boat and 2) closed bow. #1 requires a stout motor if you need to work in the wind. The closed bow means you have no way to get up there to stow and deploy the motor. Your idea for a gas kicker 7.5 HP two stroke is an ideal setup. Unlimited run time and plenty of push for those really windy days. Add the connector kit that links the kicker to the big motor and you can steer it from the helm.