Trolling Motor size question

[Clint]

I have an ’85 Monark 16’ Bass Type boat that I am rebuilding. It has an Evinrude Foot Controlled Trolling Motor on it and the manual says it is “15 lbs of static thrust”. I got it running and just listening to it I compared it to the sound of my 50# Minn Kota transom mount and it seems somewhat puny. I would like a newer TM. Here is the quandary: There a few used 40# TMs around but I wonder if they are big enough for my boat. I had the 50# on the back of my 16’ jon and it was not too big, so I am curious if I should bite the bullet and buy a 55# motor, which are harder to find and of course, a lot more expensive.

[scrat]

Check this out and see if one is there that you want. If not post a WTB and tell what you want. You never know what others have for sale till you ask.

http://www.crappie.com/crappie/personal-classified-ads/

[quikcarl61]

To answer your question, I believe it is easier for a trolling motor to pull a boat around than push it, so you can't go by how one did on the back of a jonboat. Anything over 45 lbs thrust should be sufficient if you are just normal fishing, if you plan to troll, I would look for something with around 80 lbs, it will be easier on the batteries as you can start at lower speed and produce enough momentum to keep boat at speed, thus the battery or batteries will last longer on a charge

[doggone]

The bigger the better in my opinion.Especially if your prone to staying on the Lake when its blowin good,fish current,or use the motor to hold position in the wind occasionally.Also nice if outboard quits and you got to try and limp in. But you can live with a 40# or 45#...just nice to have the extra power if you can swing it. They all seem to work good till the wind starts to get crankin or you get some current.

[Redge]

I agree with Doggone, he just gave you some good advice!

[Rees Guide]

If you ask there is always someone around with a 55 minn kota for sale, at least it seems to be. Lot of opinions out there but hard to beat Minn Kota and has the best shaft in the business.

[huntinslabs]

West marine has a nice guide to sizing trolling motors. Sent a link a while back to scrapper, guess he aint got round to putting it o his links yet. Google search should pul it up.

[strmwalker]

give this link a look at it might help !!!

https://www.trollingmotors.net/troll...r-thrust-guide

[Clint]

I had seen the West Marine page but the one on trollingmotors.net added some some fuel to to the decision that I need a bigger TM than a 40# motor.

[IceNitro]

Personally ; for that boat I would shoot for 72 to 80 lbs ; better to much than to little...