Hi everyone,
I just purchased a 2003 Princecraft Starfish 15. It is 16', 73" wide and weighs 304lbs. I am looking for a transom mount saltwater trolling motor. I am not sure what size to get. The previous owner only used a 36 lb. thrust motor. I checked the Princecraft site and was directed to ask a dealer. All suggested 50 - 60 lb. thrust. Some were adamant about large others said the 50 would work fine. I am asking because the motors (Looking at the Minn Kota Riptide series) has a pretty good jump in price after the 50 lb thrust motor. The 45 and 50 are both under $350, but the 55 is over $500.
This is my first experience with trolling motors. With the smaller motors, I would have one battery for the fish finder and motor. The larger motor may require 2 (24 V)? Is there a way of estimating how long a battery will run the motor (a tiller without a charging system)? Obviously the way the motor is run would be a factor, but just looking for some first hand info.
Thanks,
Charlie
I just purchased a 2003 Princecraft Starfish 15. It is 16', 73" wide and weighs 304lbs. I am looking for a transom mount saltwater trolling motor. I am not sure what size to get. The previous owner only used a 36 lb. thrust motor. I checked the Princecraft site and was directed to ask a dealer. All suggested 50 - 60 lb. thrust. Some were adamant about large others said the 50 would work fine. I am asking because the motors (Looking at the Minn Kota Riptide series) has a pretty good jump in price after the 50 lb thrust motor. The 45 and 50 are both under $350, but the 55 is over $500.
This is my first experience with trolling motors. With the smaller motors, I would have one battery for the fish finder and motor. The larger motor may require 2 (24 V)? Is there a way of estimating how long a battery will run the motor (a tiller without a charging system)? Obviously the way the motor is run would be a factor, but just looking for some first hand info.
Thanks,
Charlie