What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

'57Lapline

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
142
Hey guys I just got a 14 foot lund with a 25 hp Johnson on it. I've been looking online at the minnkota trolling motors and I'm thinking that the 30 lb thrust may be enough but the 40 lb thrust isn't a bad price with the mail in rebate that's goin on right now. Let me know what ya'll think.
 

Bob_VT

Moderator & Unofficial iBoats Historian
Staff member
Joined
May 19, 2001
Messages
26,045
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

Depends on where and what you fish for........... the smallest will work if you are on a pond but will be fighting the wind and waves on bigger water.

Careful balance of what you need since you should actually carry a battery dedicated to the trolling motor which equals weight gain and balance changes.

If it was mine.....I would go with the biggest I could afford. Better to have the power and not use it ;)
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

A 40# troller is plenty of power for that size boat. I've used as little as 24 on a 12 footer but that was a marginal performer. Going over 40 presents a safety issue in that if you power a bigger motor when someone is standing you may pitch them overboard. You might consider the long-term as well. You may pop for a heavier 14 or a 15/16 footer at some point. 30# would not be enough push for that size boat.
 

'57Lapline

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
142
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

Sounds like bigger is the way to go.
 

RonJon24

Seaman
Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
66
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

I have a 40 on a 14 ft vhull. It's about right if it's not your only motor. I also have a 15hp yamaha.
 

'57Lapline

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
142
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

yeah i've got a 25hp on my boat it just trolls a little too fast so I need a trolling motor. 40 lb thrust is what I'll probably go for.
 

Star

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Sep 21, 2010
Messages
481
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

Hey Lapline,
If you troll at sunrise in a dead calm, and never troll into the wind, 40 is fine... NOT!!! I guess you are talking about transom mount?
DO NOT DO IT!!!! Bow mount motors offer many advantages. I have an AP55 copilot on a 14' starcraft, I don't go out in high wind or rough water... It is wonderful! I use 29 series Deep cycle and troll over 5 hours at 1.5 to 2.0 MPH. To sneak up on a loon with her abies on her back is something few will ever see. I am able to fish 4 times more than when I had a 30# transom mount. You can pickup a used unit also but figure on spending another $100 to get it in shape, because people don't give buyers all the facts. The quality of these motors is quite good ad they are all repairable. The autopilot and coplot can be added later and I strongly recomend it!!!! I can put pics up if you want.
 

'57Lapline

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2012
Messages
142
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

Yeah I think the bow mounts are quite a bit out of my price range. My old man had a 35 lb thrust on his 14 foot lund last summer and it worked great. So I'm probably goin with the 40-45. I appreciate your input though star
 

Dodger1234

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Oct 5, 2008
Messages
89
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

I have a 55/lb thrust on my 14' Alumacraft, it handles the wind with no issue. Over kill? Not as far as I am concerned as it performes how I want no matter what the weather is.

My $0.02 worth.
Dodger
 

roofcock

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
49
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

where i live i have 3 lakes that are electric only. so i use my john boat. it has no seats and the only weight is poles tackle boxes and people (3 and sometimes 4) the john boat is 16 ft long and 6 ft wide. i use a 50 or 55 and it moves the boat well. i would never consider smaller. i am even going to go as far as mounting an evinrude scout on the bow. all of them have different speed settings so in my opinion i would buy the biggest i could afford. if it is too much you can always turn it down but if is too small there is no turning it up.
 

Davem3

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 15, 2011
Messages
542
Re: What size trolling motor on a 14 footer

A 40# troller is plenty of power for that size boat. I've used as little as 24 on a 12 footer but that was a marginal performer. Going over 40 presents a safety issue in that if you power a bigger motor when someone is standing you may pitch them overboard. You might consider the long-term as well. You may pop for a heavier 14 or a 15/16 footer at some point. 30# would not be enough push for that size boat.

X2 , and this is why i popped for a 50# minn kota myself, she has been very good to me , no matter the condition, and moves nicely.

I learned this the hard way last year, fuel problems, and plus we have some electric only ponds here in Mass
 
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