Transom Trolling Motor

[pheasantpro10]

Just curious what the thoughts are on what lb thrust I should get for a 14 ft fishing boat! Would a 30lb be big enough or should I get a 45lb? Thanks

[YiGGiN4SLoBS]

30lb is definantly big enough for a 14 ft boat. Thats what i have on my small 14fter and i don't have any problems.... But if i had it to do again id get a 45lb thrust. I think you will be happier with the 45- especially with transom mount. Sometimes its easier to go in reverse with a transom mount and the 45 would be better for that alone, much less the extra kick going forward

[Down Deep]

30lb is enough until the wind blows. A 45 can always be a 30, but not vise-versa .

[leechlake]

looking at the Reeds HSOforum:

Minnkota Endura Transom Mount

30 pound $109

40 pound $169

45 pound $189

Bass Pro Shops chart I looked up said for a 14 foot boat 32 pounds is required which I assume is the minimum for normal function and use. Obviously type of of boat, weight of motor etc matters if you are putting more than average weight in it. I'd assume a 9.9 or 15 horse 4 stroke motor and 400 pounds of people gear is "average." I believe those motor weigh about 110 pounds. I'd probably get the 40 pound.

Next thing is do you want to step up to a different model which generally offers a few things and may have some type of "maximizer" that lowers batter usage. In my case in the past I decided to spend extra money on a top end battery and stick with a lower prices trolling motor. It depends on what your use is

[Bigbuck08]

I just bought a Minn Kota Endura 30 at Fleet Farm on Sale for 89.99 plus a 10.00 mail in rebate, the sale ends tomorrow.

[BobT]

Personally, I would not go any less than the 45pd. I have a 45pd bow mounted on my 16' boat and it is just barely enough. I've thought about upgrading for some time now but can't seem to convince myself to open my wallet.

Something to consider. Go bigger than you think you need, especially with a transom mount. It takes a lot more work to steer a boat from the rear than to pull the front end around. I had a 40pd transom mounted on my Lund Rebel 16 and although it worked, I often wish I had a 55 on there.

[Duffman]

Over the years, I've seen a ton of regrets on this site about not going with a larger trolling motor.

[tunrevir]

Yep, go with the highest thrust you can get away with and afford. If you fish during rough windy days or fish rivers with current you will want the max thrust for handling purposes and the higher thrust will not have to work as hard which should draw less and keep your battery fresh longer while on the water.

Tunrevir~

[jmg]

I have an older, modified fishing boat. I put a 40lb Endura on it and it is greatly underpowered, esp. with any type of wind. Wish I had kept my older 27 lb. one, since it worked better. Even put a 4 bladed prop on the Endura, but no help. Listen to all the experienced owners who have written in and get at least a 45 lb. I haven't had a maximizer type so I don't know if they are better or not. The comment made about the battery is really true, since the Endura usually needs to be on a higher speed to do anything and runs the battery down quickly. Good luck with your choice.

[Sherpa]

I would for sure get at least a 50 or 55 pound thrust motor if I were you. Variable speed instead of 5 speed. When I used to use an endura with 5 speeds it was hard to get the right speed a lot of the time. I looked at transom mounts on the minn kota HSOforum and they have a new model of endura with variable speed and digital maximizer. If I was in your position I would probably be considering that one.

[pheasantpro10]

It was tough to turn down the price of the endura 30lb but I purchased the 45lb it was tough because the lake we have a cabin on is fairly small so I think the smaller one would have been good but it sounded like most of you guy's would get the bigger one! Now I'm ready to do some fishing whenever the ice melts!! Thanks again to all for your insight. I know I'll be happy with it..