I have a motorguide 46 lb thrust trolling motor on my 17 foot aluminum boat. It should be plenty strong enough for this boat. I have to be honest and say I hate it. It doesnt pull the boat around very good and when the least little bit of milfoil gets on the prop, it wont move at all. When I but another one, it will definately be equiped with a Min-Kota trolling motor with weedless prop.