Which thrust/shaft to get for new trolling motor?

[grey2112]

Looking at upgrading to a Riptide ST or SP trolling motor.

I have a Key West 196 Bay Reef with Johnson 150HP 2-stroke. Total weight with full tank of gas and people/gear is about 3000 pounds max.

Currently have an older 24 volt Riptide 74lb thrust on the bow with what appears to be a 60" shaft.

I want to get the iPilot/copilot for hands-free and GPS operation.

Didn't know if I need to get a 70 pound or 80 pound thrust, and whether I could get by with a 54" shaft vs. 60" shaft.

The extra $300 or so isn't a huge deal in the grand scheme of things between the 70 and 80 pound thrust.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Which thrust/shaft to get for new trolling motor?

How far down was old propeller in the water? Get the same length most likely. Get the larger thrust. Don't have to run it wide open but might want/need to in windy conditions.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Which thrust/shaft to get for new trolling motor?

Since you already have a troller, how did it work? If not so good you need more power and/or a longer shaft. If you were starting from scratch you measure from the deck to the water and add one foot for shaft length. If 70# thrust pushed/pulled you around ok you want the same or more power -- certainly not less so you have the best way to tell (which is the performance of your old motor). 70# of thrust is 70# of thrust -- doesn't matter which motor brand.

 

[grey2112]

Re: Which thrust/shaft to get for new trolling motor?

Since you already have a troller, how did it work? If not so good you need more power and/or a longer shaft. If you were starting from scratch you measure from the deck to the water and add one foot for shaft length. If 70# thrust pushed/pulled you around ok you want the same or more power -- certainly not less so you have the best way to tell (which is the performance of your old motor). 70# of thrust is 70# of thrust -- doesn't matter which motor brand.

Roger that. My current one as described in my other thread works OK when it isn't trying to burn a hole through the plug/cable. But for a little extra money, I think I'll go with the 80 pound thrust model. Probably get the 60" shaft, too - better to have more than I need than too little.