Trolling motor -What size?

[graybeard2]

I've got a 16 foot Lund Laker. When I bought it 15 years ago, I didn't know beans about boats, and bought a Minnkota trolling motor to go with it, but only got a 36 lb thrust. Finally decided to upgrade, so I can get around a little better when the breeze is up, and some lakes I fish here in Iowa are electric only, so I need a little more oomph. Thinking about a 55 lb. MK Endura. Is this big enough, and will it extend the battery life, if I don't work it so hard? BTW, I'm talking transom mount.

Also, I've always disconnected the cables from the battery when charging it. Is this necessary for any reason?

[BobT]

55# should be adequate.

Will it extend battery life? Yes, if it is using less power. Note: it has the ability to consume about 30% more power than the 36# motor.

I see no reason to disconnect the motor from the battery for charging.

[Lund79]

I just purchased a used Endura 55lb MK transom motor. Used it twice in the past 2 days. The 1st day I used it for 4 hours on a very windy day. This was a smaller body of water but had plenty of thrust to move me around and counteract the wind. Charged it overnight and had 3/4 battery life. Then fished Pool 4 with a little breeze and was on speed 3 (out of 5) and trolled for 3 hours straight. I had about 3/4 battery life and ended the day with 1/4 battery life left. I have a 15 foot '79 Lund and it got me around just fine. I wanted the most thrust I could get without jumping to 24 volt. Very happy with my purchase.